Chapter 16
"There's no doubt that it's Juliette as a child; her gaze is unforgettable, and the girl next to her bears a strong resemblance," I said thoughtfully, analyzing the two girls. "What else did this lady tell you?"
"She told me that just two weeks later, as usual, she was waiting for Juliette to be brought home so she could take care of her, but she never arrived. She got worried and in the afternoon, she decided to go to their house. When she opened the door, she saw Juliette playing with a little girl about 6 years old. Mrs. Moreau didn't let her in and told her she was busy, then she closed the door."
"Could this little girl be the Sophie we know today?"
"Perhaps. Furthermore, she told me that the next day, she decided to visit them again to make sure they were okay, but they had already moved out, and she never heard from them again."
"This story is becoming more and more strange," I muttered, lost in my thoughts.
Where did this little girl playing with Juliette come from? Why did the Moreaus suddenly disappear from the town?
All these questions swirled around, and I felt they were a key point concerning my fiancée... and myself, even though it seemed insane.
Luc was staring at me; he had more to tell me.
"I couldn't help but think about your family's accident, sir."
"Explain yourself, Luc."
"Sir, your parents' accident with your sister Paula also happened 16 years ago, on June 30th in the city of Lyon," his face was serious.
"What are you trying to tell me, Luc," I furrowed my brows, feeling my heart tighten.
"These are only my guesses, but remember that your grandfather refused to accept Paula's death, saying deep in his heart, he felt she was still alive."
"I know, for many years, my grandfather hired several investigators to find out if she was alive or not."
"They all failed in the investigation, which is why your grandfather gave up the search and accepted that his granddaughter was already dead, even though her body was never found.”
"Luc, I think I understand what you're trying to tell me, but I don't believe Sophie is my sister Paula."
"Sir, I remind you that your sister had dark hair and blue eyes like your father's," said Luc, and I felt a lump in my throat, but I didn't want to entertain false hopes.
"You're right, Luc. It hurt so much to think about her that, for a while, I decided to erase all my memories with her from my mind," I said sadly, turning to him. "Don't say anything to grandfather about this theory; it could create false hopes, and he struggled to cope with my sister's death."
"At your command, sir. We'd better go to Miss Juliette's now."
"Keep searching, Luc. I'll try to get some information from Julie as well."
We headed to Juliette's house, already with my grandfather in the car and many questions swirling in my mind.
Juliette's POV
We were ready, and so was dinner.
I looked around to make sure everything was perfect, and suddenly, there was a knock on the door.
I went to open it and found Grandfather Simon, who greeted me with a big smile.
"Grandfather, please come in. I'm so happy to see you," I greeted him with a kiss on the cheek.
"Likewise, my dear. What a pleasure to see you."
"Grandfather, I want to introduce you to my family," I gestured to my parents, looking impeccable and smiling.
"Mucho gusto, I'm André Moreau, and this is my wife Angeline," my father said.
"Pleased to meet you. Juliette is a wonderful girl, and I'm very happy that Gérard is marrying her," Grandfather said.
"We have an older daughter, Sophie, but unfortunately, she couldn't join us. We apologize," my mother interrupted, and I had to suppress a grimace.
"Don't worry; another time, I'll have the chance to meet her. I assume she's just as charming as Juliette."
"Come to the kitchen; the meal is ready."
Grandfather Simon was a very kind and charismatic person; he immediately won over my parents' hearts.
After dinner, we moved to the living room, where we began discussing our engagement.
"Mr. and Mrs. Moreau, I formally ask for Juliette's hand in marriage. I promise to take care of her and love her with all my heart," Gerard said.
"I only want happiness for you two; my daughter has already made her choice, and I respect it. I hope you will keep your promise to make my granddaughter happy. I grant you her hand in marriage and welcome you to the Moreau family," my father declared, excited.
Then, Gerard took out a very pretty little box and knelt before me.
"Juliette, this ring symbolizes our engagement and our love. Will you marry me?"
Gerard's words were very beautiful; I wished everything were true, but for now, I just wanted to enjoy this moment.
"Yes, I accept your proposal."
Gerard approached me and gave me a kiss; everyone applauded, and the happiness of my parents and Grandfather Simon was evident.
"My daughter, it was a wonderful evening. Everyone is welcome at the Durand residence."
"Thank you very much, Grandfather. We'll come to visit you soon," I said with a smile.
"I certainly hope so, my dear. We're leaving; your mother's cooking was delicious. I hope to enjoy it again soon."
"It will be a pleasure to cook for you something, it was a very pleasant evening."
They left, and I continued to gaze at the ring on my hand. It was beautiful and made me very happy. It was a shame I couldn't share my happiness with my sister.
And speaking of Sophie...
"Mom, I need to talk to you."
"What's wrong, my daughter?"
"Why didn't Sophie want to be present at my engagement dinner? I understand she can be capricious sometimes, but I'm her sister. Why do you allow her to leave at such an important moment for me?"
"My daughter, I've already explained it to you; she had a very important event with Bastian's family."
"I know, but they're not married yet, and I'm her sister."
"My daughter, I know you're very understanding; please let it pass this time."
"Why do they always prioritize Sophie so much? I don't understand them. I'd rather go to my room," I said annoyed.
"My child, we love both of you, but you know Sophie's personality is stronger. Try to understand."
"Okay, mom, rest. I'm going to bed.”