CHAPTER 2

The grand salon of the Valt estate had been transformed for the occasion. Golden garlands wound along the sculpted columns, while wide cream curtains fluttered lazily from the half-open windows. The crystal chandelier on the ceiling poured its light in sparkling cascades, making the champagne glasses gleam as the servants passed them among the elegantly dressed guests.

Madame Valt, in her beautiful red gown, bloomed with a magnificent smile that could leave no one indifferent to her charm.

"I am delighted that you accepted this invitation from the Valt house... It is a great pleasure to be in your Campania."

They were all attentive to this courteous speech. Not far from the bay window, Matthieu was drinking a glass with the ladies of his family. With his feet crossed, his magnificent eyes roamed the estate from top to bottom. Isabelle Darnay, a grand lady with impeccable posture, was talking with her son Matthieu, dressed in a sober but carefully tailored black suit. Both were watching the Valts attentively, especially young Lucas, full of life, who was already slipping between the guests' legs.

"He's full of cock, that little one... But they say they have three children, don't they?" he asked.

"Indeed, they have three in total. Look at the little one over there... He's the youngest of the family. But I admit I'm curious to see their two daughters. They say they're... different?"

"I wonder who the one I saw was," Matthieu murmured, observing the crowd with a certain weariness. The clinking of a glass sounded softly, capturing everyone's attention.

Madame Valt, radiant in a floral red dress, stood facing the gathering, ready to speak.

"Dear friends," she said warmly, "thank you for coming to celebrate with us. This evening, I have the honor of introducing my two daughters: Aline and Mélodie."

All eyes turned toward the staircase. Aline appeared first, her hair tied back in a sophisticated bun, wearing a garnet red dress that hugged her figure. She descended confidently, greeting the guests with a practiced smile. Just behind her, Mélodie slowly revealed herself. She wore a royal blue dress studded with small sparkling stones, her wavy orange hair cascading over her shoulders. Her gait was timid, but imbued with a natural grace. Matthieu remained frozen for a moment. His gaze had locked onto Mélodie's, as if trapped.

There was something inexplicable, a fierce gentleness, a fragile light emanating from this young girl, far too young and yet already disturbing. Isabelle rose promptly from her seat and ran as fast as she could. The aristocrats in the room were wondering about her abrupt behavior.

But they quickly understood what was happening. For, indeed, it was an incredible person who had just made her entrance, a sensational one. She had beautiful orange hair, like the sunset, and golden eyes. It was obvious it was having an effect.

They were stunned. Matthieu couldn't believe his eyes. That look, both cold and indifferent, left no doubt. This was indeed the young girl from a few hours ago. For her part, Aline was furious that the spotlight was being stolen from her. And the parents were upset by what was happening before their eyes. Aline then saw a look filled with anger from her parents, which caught the attention of Matthieu.

"HUM! HUM! Let me introduce you to my daughters, Aline, the eldest, and her little sister... Mélodie."

"They are our pride and joy, and since we just moved here..." A middle-aged man, Thierry, Matthieu's uncle, approached Mélodie, a glass in his hand and his tone barely hushed. "How beautiful you are, Mélodie Valt... How come you don't have any resemblance to your parents?" he said, smiling at her.

Ms. Valt, more than the others, was embarrassed by what Mr. Dranay had just said.

"Thierry!! Come on, watch your language..." said Isabelle. "I'm really sorry, Mrs.... He knows that dear Thierry is too frank."

"It's nothing, come on." The atmosphere in the dining room had become heavy, and the guests, like the servants on duty, were speechless until little Luca took the lead. He suddenly ran to the middle of the room, laughing out loud. His smile lit up the room and elicited tender smiles. The tension eased slightly. At that moment, Mélodie quietly slipped away towards the garden, disturbed. She needed silence. Without thinking, Matthieu followed her at a distance.

He joined her near the greenhouse, in the shadow of an old oak tree. That's when the lights abruptly went out. The chandelier went out, conversations froze. A breath of worry ran through the guests. Only the rustling of the wind and two silhouettes remained, frozen in the darkness of the garden. A cry rose from the crowd.

The music stopped. Only the exterior lanterns continued to glow faintly through the windows. In the darkness, Mélodie felt a presence nearby. She turned her head slightly.

"Aren't you afraid?" a deep voice murmured. It was him. Matthieu. She didn't answer.

But, oddly enough, no. She wasn't afraid anymore.

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