Unveiled Secret

CHAPTER 16

The grand ballroom of the Viennese palace glittered with candlelight, reflecting off countless jewels and polished surfaces. Edmund Valmor, the Count of Vienna, stood tall and proud at the entrance, his hand resting possessively on the small of Vivienne's back. She wore a gown of deep sapphire silk, her golden hair piled atop her head in an intricate arrangement of curls.

"Remember, my dear," Edmund whispered, his lips barely moving. "You are Amelia Valmor, Countess of Vienna."

Vivienne's brow furrowed slightly, a flicker of confusion passing over her delicate features. "Of course, Edmund. How could I forget?"

But there was a hollowness to her words, an emptiness behind her eyes that spoke of a deeper uncertainty. As they descended the marble staircase, Vivienne's gaze swept across the sea of faces below. Something tugged at the edges of her consciousness, a nagging sense of familiarity she couldn't quite place.

Edmund's grip on her arm tightened. "Smile, my love. We have an audience to captivate."

Vivienne's lips curved upward, but the smile didn't reach her eyes. As they reached the bottom of the stairs, a distinguished gentleman approached, his salt-and-pepper hair neatly combed back.

"Count Valmor! What a pleasure to see you again." The man's gaze shifted to Vivienne, curiosity evident in his expression. "And who is this enchanting creature?"

Edmund's chest swelled with pride. "Allow me to introduce my wife, Countess Amelia Valmor."

Vivienne curtsied gracefully, her movements fluid and practiced. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Monsieur...?"

"Ah, forgive me. I am Baron Dubois, an old friend of your husband's." The Baron's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Vivienne's face. "You seem... familiar, somehow. Have we met before, Countess?"

A flicker of panic crossed Vivienne's features, quickly masked by a demure smile. "I don't believe so, Baron. Perhaps I simply have one of those faces."

Edmund interjected smoothly, "My Amelia has that effect on people. She has a way of putting everyone at ease, as if they've known her for years."

The Baron nodded, though a hint of suspicion lingered in his gaze. "Indeed. Well, I hope you'll both join me for a glass of champagne later. We have much to catch up on, Edmund."

As the Baron moved away, Vivienne turned to Edmund, her voice low and urgent. "Who was that man? Why did he look at me that way?"

Edmund's jaw tightened. "No one of consequence, my dear. Just an old busybody who fancies himself more important than he is. Pay him no mind."

But Vivienne couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. As Edmund led her through the crowd, introducing her to a blur of faces and names, fragments of memory flickered at the edges of her mind like dying embers.

A tall, dark-haired man caught her eye from across the room, and for a moment, Vivienne's breath caught in her throat. There was something about the set of his shoulders, the intensity of his gaze...

"Amelia?" Edmund's voice cut through her reverie. "Are you feeling unwell?"

Vivienne blinked, forcing herself to focus on her husband's concerned face. "I'm fine, Edmund. Just a bit overwhelmed by all the attention."

He smiled indulgently. "Of course, my love. Shall we step out onto the terrace for some air?"

As they made their way to the balcony, Vivienne's gaze was drawn once more to the dark-haired stranger. This time, their eyes met, and a jolt of recognition shot through her. She stumbled, nearly losing her footing.