The day began like any other, but there was an unusual buzz in the mansion. Mrs. Marinda's younger sister, Aunt Eleanor, arrived for a visit with her two lively children, Ava and Theo. Their laughter and chatter echoed through the grand halls, a stark contrast to the heavy tension that usually cloaked the house.
Sophie, who was in the kitchen helping the Margaux and Mrs Madeline , heard the commotion and peeked through the doorway. Ava and Theo were running around, chasing each other, their giggles infectious. She smiled slightly, but her peace was short-lived when Genevieve appeared by her side.
"Aunt Eleanor is here," Genevieve announced with a calculated smile. "And the children are very curious about you. They've been asking to meet their cousin's fiancée."
Sophie's stomach churned at the word "fiancée." She hadn't even seen Lucien yet today, and now she'd be thrust into a social situation with his family.
"You'll join us in the drawing room," Genevieve added before Sophie could protest.
Reluctantly, Sophie followed her.
---
In the drawing room, Ava, a spirited seven-year-old with bright eyes, immediately ran up to Sophie. "You're so pretty!" she exclaimed. "Are you really going to marry Uncle Lucien?"
Sophie opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Theo, a mischievous five-year-old, tugged at her hand. "Come play with us!"
Lucien entered the room at that moment, his presence commanding as usual. Sophie felt her heart skip a beat when their eyes met. He looked at her with mild curiosity before turning to greet Eleanor.
"Aunt Eleanor," he said warmly, leaning down to hug her. "It's been a while."
"It has," Eleanor replied, her eyes twinkling. "And I hear congratulations are in order."
Lucien's gaze flickered to Sophie for a brief second. "Yes, thank you."
Ava suddenly tugged at Sophie's skirt. "Come sit with Uncle Lucien!"
Sophie froze. "I'm fine here."
"No!" Ava insisted, dragging her toward the couch where Lucien had just taken a seat. Theo joined in, pushing Sophie gently from behind until she was forced to sit next to Lucien.
Sophie's pulse raced as she felt the warmth of his presence beside her. Lucien didn't seem bothered, though his usual stoic expression softened slightly as he looked at the children.
"Uncle Lucien, show her how to tie a tie!" Theo exclaimed.
Lucien raised an eyebrow. "Why would she need to know that?"
"To help you, silly!" Theo giggled.
Before Sophie could protest, Theo darted off and returned with one of Lucien's ties. "Here, Sophie! You can practice on Uncle Lucien!"
Sophie turned red. "I don't think—"
"It's fine," Lucien interrupted, his voice calm. "Here."
He handed her the tie, leaning forward slightly so she could reach. Sophie hesitated, her fingers trembling as she looped the fabric around his neck. The proximity was unnerving. She could feel his breath, steady and warm, and her heart hammered in her chest.
"You're doing it wrong," Lucien said, his voice low and slightly amused. He reached up to guide her hands, his touch sending an unexpected jolt through her.
"I—I'm not used to this," Sophie stammered.
"It's simple," he said, his voice almost teasing. "Over, under, and through. See?"
Sophie nodded, though her mind was too flustered to focus. When she finally tied the knot, it was crooked, but Lucien didn't seem to mind.
"Good enough," he said, leaning back.
Theo and Ava clapped enthusiastically, oblivious to Sophie's flushed face and Lucien's faint smile.
---
Later that afternoon, Eleanor approached Mrs. Marinda and Genevieve.
"They're an interesting pair," she commented, sipping her tea.
Genevieve smirked. "We're trying to see if she's really who she claims to be. That's why the children are so involved."
"And?" Eleanor asked.
"She's nervous," Genevieve said. "Very nervous. If she's truly Amelie, she wouldn't feel this way. We'll keep testing her."
---
Meanwhile, Sophie retreated to her room, her heart still racing from the close encounter with Lucien. She touched her face, still warm from embarrassment.
"This is ridiculous," she whispered to herself. But despite her protests, she couldn't deny the strange pull she felt toward him. It wasn't love—at least not yet—but there was something undeniable, something that made her chest tighten every time he was near.
For the first time, Sophie wondered if escaping this house would be as simple as she thought.