The soft hum of crickets filled the night as Sophie paced back and forth in the small bedroom. Moonlight streamed through the curtains, illuminating her troubled expression. She had been at Amélie's parents' home for less than a day, but already, the weight of pretending to be someone she wasn't had become unbearable.
"I have to get out of here," she whispered to herself, clenching her fists. Her mind raced with thoughts of freedom, but every scenario ended in failure. Lucien's words from that morning echoed in her ears: Don't try to escape because my eyes are on you.
Sophie shook her head, refusing to let fear hold her back. She couldn't continue living this lie—not for Lucien, not for Amélie's parents, and certainly not for herself.
---
A Midnight Attempt
The house was quiet when Sophie finally made her move. She slipped out of bed, careful not to make a sound, and tiptoed to the door. Her heart pounded in her chest as she turned the doorknob and stepped into the dark hallway.
The floorboards creaked under her feet as she made her way downstairs. She paused at every sound, her breath hitching as shadows danced across the walls. When she reached the front door, she froze. Two guards stood on the porch, their silhouettes visible through the glass panel.
Sophie's stomach sank. She hadn't expected Lucien to station guards here.
Of course, he did, she thought bitterly. He probably has eyes everywhere.
She turned away from the door, her mind scrambling for another way out. The kitchen window seemed like a viable option, but as she approached, she saw another guard patrolling the yard. Her frustration grew, but she refused to give up.
---
A Failed Escape
Determined to find a way, Sophie crept into the small sitting room at the back of the house. She noticed a side door that led to the garden and decided to take her chances. She opened it slowly, hoping the hinges wouldn't creak.
As soon as she stepped outside, a flashlight beam swept across her face.
"Stop right there," a voice commanded.
Sophie froze, squinting against the light. One of the guards approached, his expression stern.
"Miss, you're not allowed to leave the property," he said firmly. "Please go back inside."
Sophie opened her mouth to argue but quickly realized it was pointless. She nodded silently and retreated into the house, her fists clenched in frustration.
---
A Growing Desperation
Back in her room, Sophie paced furiously, her mind racing with plans that all seemed doomed to fail. The guards were everywhere, and even if she managed to slip past them, she had no idea where she would go.
Why is this happening to me? she thought bitterly. I didn't ask for any of this.
The door creaked open, and Sophie jumped, her heart pounding. Mrs. Vivienne peeked in, her expression soft and concerned.
"Amélie, is everything all right?" she asked gently.
Sophie forced a smile, her voice trembling as she replied, "Yes, everything's fine. I just couldn't sleep."
Mrs. Vivienne nodded, stepping inside. "I understand. It's been a long time since you've been home. It must feel strange."
Sophie swallowed hard, guilt gnawing at her as she nodded. "Yes… strange."
Mrs. Vivienne placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. We're so happy to have you back."
As her mother left, Sophie sank onto the bed, her resolve crumbling. She couldn't bear to hurt these people who genuinely believed she was their daughter.
---
A New Plan
The next morning, Sophie decided to bide her time. She couldn't escape under Lucien's watchful eye, but she wasn't giving up. She would wait, gather information, and find a way to break free when the moment was right.
Her determination solidified as she sat at breakfast with Amélie's parents. They doted on her, filling her plate with food and asking about her life at the mansion.
"You'll stay with us for a while, won't you?" Mrs. Vivienne asked hopefully.
Sophie hesitated, glancing at the guards stationed outside the windows. "I… I'll try," she replied, forcing a smile.
Deep down, she knew she couldn't stay. But for now, she had no choice but to play along.
As the day wore on, Sophie watched the guards closely, studying their routines and looking for weaknesses. She might not be able to escape today or even tomorrow, but she vowed that one day, she would find her freedom.
For now, she would endure—and wait for the perfect moment to strike.