gile in Amelie. It was a calculated maneuver, a way for Luca to mark his territory, to push her into her entrenchments. But deep down, he wasn't sure what he was really hoping for. After al

u pretend to be someone you're not, where fake laughter mixes with the sound of the piano and the clinking of glasses. Luca had chosen that pre

o make Amelie react, to lose her footing, to finally rebel. Luca looked at her sideways, his heart beating faster

e's gaze turned to him. He knew that his mistress would attract all eyes, that Amelie would be the only one left in

tonight, there was something different in her attitude. Her face, usually impassive, seemed to have lost some of

zing her name as if to emphasize the humi

that betrayed any feeling. Just this eerie calm, this almost glacial silence. She held out her

d Amelie, her tone as p

sign, a shudder. But no. Amelie said nothing, made no gesture to indicate her displeasure. She remained there,

ce, heading towards another group of guests. He didn't need mor

her withdraw into herself. But no. She remained there, calm, almost withdrawn, observing everything with an attention that, with each moment, seemed more penetrating.

the only thing that came out of it was a strange feeling of emptiness. He headed for the exit, Juli

e didn't move. She waite

e was waiting for her, sitting in the living room, a strange look on his face. He knew what was coming. But this time, he didn't want to gi

his eyes scanning her every movement. He waited for an explosion, a scream, anything to shatter

the silence. What do you have to

Her lips parted slowly, as if she wer

m being a woman who can be manipulated like that.

ew exactly what he was doing. And yet, she didn't react. It was like she was light years

will protect you? she asked

. He knew she was leading him in

ething, Amelie. If you think you can ignore what's going on, you're wrong. Julia and I have a relation

ntion of letting him have the last word

ulia isn't what you think she is. And you don't

he room. Luca, frozen in his chair, felt a growin