CHAPTER 1

Rainy weather, perfect for taking a step back from the tensions and shouting that reigned in the Valt estate, a high-ranking aristocratic family. In everyone's eyes, it was a perfect, flawless family. One everyone would dream of being born into. Father Victor Valt was a man full of ambitions and dreams. Mother Clara, wife of Claude Valt, had everything a woman with a heart of gold could desire.

They had three children, including Aline, the eldest at 14, Mélodie, the youngest at 11, and Lucas, the youngest at 5. That evening, the Valt family was hosting a sumptuous dinner. The servants were rushing back and forth to ensure the dinner was perfect. The eldest, Aline, made sure everything was well presented and checked every nook and cranny.

"Rosaline!" Why is there still dust here... Do you want to embarrass us in front of everyone? she said in an authoritarian tone.

The maid Rosaline was trembling, frightened by Aline's attitude.

"I was careless... I beg your pardon, don't..." "It's okay now, you're lucky I'm in a very good mood today."

"Thank you, miss!"

Lucas, who was on the stairs, was playing with airplanes with a playful air. This child was the only light in this manor. The servants passing by were all amazed by the joy of this little boy. Footsteps were heard; it was Mélodie coming down the stairs and noticing Lucas's presence.

"Hey, you've started having fun here again, I see," she declared, crossing her arms. She gradually moved closer to him.

"You can't be so reckless, Lucas... give me your hand."

"Un... Please forgive me... Melody?"

"Don't worry, I forgive you, Lucas, my darling little brother."

"Look!! Melody! Mom and Dad are back."

"Ha!"

Outside, Mr. and Mrs. Valt had just returned. The butler rushed to meet them. Melody, counting down, watched them from the hall where she was sitting. More and more guests were arriving, each more handsome and well-dressed than the last. Outside, as the weather became more violent, a car drove into the estate. Mr. Valt rushed to meet his guests, the Darnays.

"HA!" Thierry, my friend! I'm delighted to see you again after all this time," Mr. Valt said cheerfully.

"I'm very happy, my friend." Mr. Darney echoed.

Suddenly, a handsome young man got out of the car. He had beautiful black hair and sky-blue eyes. What made him even more charming, aside from his magnificent, sculpted body, was undoubtedly the beauty mark he had under his right eye.

"Uncle, the ladies inside the car are asking if they'll be sitting much longer?" the handsome young man asked.

"Victor, let me introduce you to my nephew Matthieu Darney, he's Hugo Darney's son."

"WH...HOW? Hmm...He's grown so much," Mr. Valt said anxiously.

"Why are you panicking?"

Matthieu watched them attentively, not missing a single word of what they were saying. His gaze also roamed around them, as if searching for something. Suddenly, Mélodie and Matthieu's eyes met for a brief moment. A simple exchange of glances, and yet... Matthieu felt something strange awaken within him. Who was this young girl? Why this sudden unease? She seemed fragile, almost withdrawn, but her eyes... her eyes told a story he didn't yet understand. Was it pain he had perceived? Or a loneliness familiar to his own? He looked away, a little too quickly. Why this unease?

"Matthieu!!! What are you looking at like that? You didn't even notice we were already inside?" said Mr. Darnay.

Disturbed by the sensation he had felt, it was with a heavy heart that he joined them.

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