Unveiled Secret

CHAPTER 2

The evening sky was illuminated by the glow of the chateau, where the windows shone like hastily kindled flames. Inside, the mansion bustled with activity as the staff scurried around, preparing for the grand party that would introduce the newly discovered niece of Vicomte de La Rouge. The scent of freshly cut flowers permeated the air, battling the earthy smells of the bustling kitchen. Soft strains of music reverberated through the halls, a tantalising preview of the orchestra that would soon fill the grand ballroom.

The guests began to arrive, their elegant silhouettes filling the foyer. Among them was Baron de Toulouse, Henri, tall and broad-shouldered, his eyes darting curiously around the entrance hall. He wore an immaculately tailored suit, his dark hair perfectly slicked.

As the grand doors of Vicomte de La Rouge's mansion swung open, Henri stepped inside, his eyes scanning the opulent hall filled with chattering guests. The air was thick with the scent of roses and the sounds of frivolity. Spotting Louis across the room, Henri made his way through the crowd, nodding politely to the familiar faces that greeted him.

"Louis, my friend, your party is indeed a splendid affair," Henri offered with a nod, his eyes searching the room for a glimpse of the enigmatic Vivienne.

"Ah, Henri, I'm delighted you could join us. Come, let me introduce you to my niece," Louis beckoned with a warm smile, leading Henri through the throng of guests. Henri's heart quickened as he caught sight of a familiar honey blond hair. She stood in a delicate gown, the fabric flowing like water around her as she conversed animatedly with an elderly lady adorned in pearls. Her laughter chimed like crystal, a stark contrast to the murmurs surrounding them. Henri's heart raced as he drew closer, recognizing the familiar warmth in her persona.

"Vivienne!" Louis called out, his voice rising above the din of the gathering.

She turned, her golden hair catching the light and framing her face like a halo. Vivienne turned to face them, her eyes widening in recognition as she met Henri's gaze. Before she could utter a word, "Isabelle," Henri said, voice low but intense, the name hanging between them like a bullet.

Vivienne stiffened, pulling her arm away, her smile faltering. "I'm Vivienne," Vivienne's smile faltered, her laughter snatched away by the sudden gravity of his tone.

"You, It's really you," Henri's voice was a mix of shock and disbelief, the past rushing back to him in a tumultuous wave. "You were supposed to be gone," Henri's voice barely rose above the vibrant music, his fists tightened at his sides.

"Do you know each other?" Louis inquired, glancing between them with curiosity. The light-heartedness of the gathering dimmed around them as the unsaid words hung in the air.

"I—I know her," Henri stammered , the weight of old memories crashing down. He glanced at Louis, then back at Vivienne, his eyes narrowing.

"She's an old acquaintance," he added, his voice steadying, though the underlying tension crackled like electricity.

"Acquaintance? You seem to have a deeper history," Louis remarked, his brow furrowing, the amusement fading from his expression.

Vivienne shifted uncomfortably, her fingers nervously playing with the delicate lace at the neckline of her dress.

"Perhaps it's best we keep the past where it belongs," she stated, forcing a calmness to her voice, a thin veil stretched over the turbulence beneath.

"You think you can just erase it?" Henri shot back, his words sharper than he intended, the air thickening with unspoken accusations. His gaze bore into her, demanding answers while the revellers around them remained blissfully unaware.