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I loved my fiancé with all my heart and couldn't wait to marry him.

Poor man, he worked too much and couldn't postpone his business trip, but he promised to spend the entire following weekend with me, which satisfied and made me happy.

My friend Chloé insisted that I go out with her. Even though my fiancé didn't like me going to bars or nightclubs, I thought it wouldn't hurt to go out for a night, especially since I felt very lonely.

"You should loosen up a bit, my friend," she looked at me sternly, "your dear Bastian controls you as he pleases, and here you are, following behind him like a little dog, you're too submissive, Juliette."

"But I love him," I said with a grimace, hurt by her words. "Besides, he only wants to take care of me, what's wrong with that?"

My friend rolled her eyes impatiently.

"Not to the point of forbidding you things, Juliette. Don't you see that you're living locked up at home waiting for him, and all you do is work and go back to your apartment? That's not a life for anyone, you're too uptight."

"That's not true," I said confidently. "Bastian and I agreed not to have sex and to wait until marriage... he's been very kind and respectful towards me, Chloé."

My friend sighed, she would never understand how love can make us do crazy things and change our way of thinking.

I just didn't feel like going out without my fiancé. But I let myself be tempted because I was really a bit bored and missed him a lot.

We entered the establishment and the atmosphere was lively. I smiled at my friend, and she started moving her hips to the music, conveying her usual joy and audacity to me.

"Let's have a blast!"

And that's what we did, even though I avoided any closeness with a man trying to flirt with me, I had to remain faithful to my fiancé, who would surely arrive soon. Just thinking about it, a smile formed on my face.

"Chloé, you don't even know these guys," I scolded her as her attitude left much to be desired. "Let's go home instead, it's late and Bastian is coming back early tomorrow from his trip. I need to look beautiful for him."

She pouted, as we had promised to come and go together to avoid any danger, the streets were very deserted at this time and we had to be careful.

I felt my head spinning a bit, but I was still lucid enough to walk straight, unlike my friend who seemed dizzy and very cheerful.

"Let's go to your place first," I told her, seeing her sorry state.

After leaving her safe and sound and as I was near the exit of the building, I realized there was a man who looked a lot like Bastian, I could almost swear it was him.

"I miss him a lot, that must be it," I murmured.

I laughed a bit realizing I was already hallucinating and I had barely had a few drinks.

The man slightly turned around and my eyes widened, it was indeed Bastian and he was accompanied by a stunning young woman.

I was very surprised, shocked.

To avoid being seen, I hid behind a column. Just after they left a bar, I decided to follow them, keeping my distance.

I felt it was a game of my mind disturbed by alcohol. I couldn't believe what my eyes were seeing. My heart told me it wasn't him, that I should go home, but deep down, I knew that wasn't the case.

A few steps away was the Moonlight Hotel, they entered there, very absorbed in each other, kissing a lot, without noticing my presence.

I was sweating profusely, the man I loved the most was with another woman, and it wasn't me.

They entered the room and after a few minutes, I decided to confront the situation and see who the woman he was cheating on me with.

I knocked on the door violently, furious, hurt, and impatient.

Bastian opened the door, he was shirtless, and when he saw me, he opened his eyes wide in surprise.

"Juliette, what are you doing here?"

My eyes burned from the tears streaming down my face. I pushed him aside and entered the room.

I felt like I was going to faint when I saw my own sister on the bed, half-dressed.

"I can't believe this!" I turned to him, furious, "you're sleeping with my sister, you bastard, and you, Sophie, how could you do this to me? We're family."

"I regret nothing, little sister. Truth be told, you're quite stupid, you never realized that for a year, we were lovers. You've been a fool."

His words were pure venom, how could she be so cruel?

Bastian approached me.

"Juliette, there's an explanation for all of this."

"What do you have to explain? That you and my sister made a fool out of me?"

Sophie looked me straight in the eyes, a mocking smile on her lips.

"Juliette, you and I are not sisters. Stop mentioning that word."

"What! Don't talk nonsense."

"If you don't believe me, ask our parents, besides, I'll never forgive you for stealing their affection from me. I hate you with all my heart."

"Stop, Sophie, your words hurt me."

"You're naive, did you really think Bastian wanted you? You're nothing compared to me, you're bland and boring."

"I told you to stop!"

"It's the truth, little sister, you don't arouse any desire in men. In the past two years, has Bastian ever wanted to touch you?"

He stepped in between us.

"Sophie, stop it, please."

"I'm a fool, I trusted the wrong person, I wish you both all the happiness, I won't be an obstacle in your relationship, goodbye."

At that moment, Bastian grabbed me by the arm, Sophie asked him to let go of me and leave me alone.

"Beautiful, let me explain how things happened."

"Don't call me beautiful anymore, there's nothing to explain, this relationship is over, you're a fool and yet you had the nerve to propose to me, never speak to me again."

I left in tears, I couldn't process what my eyes had seen, and Sophie's words kept replaying in my head.

I felt used and mocked by two of the most important people in my life. I was so foolish!

I thought I was going to marry Bastian, I thought my little sister loved me, but it was all just in my imagination. I was a complete naive and felt frustrated and disgusted with myself.

And then, this whole story about Sophie not being my sister... Is it true?

I walked into the first bar I found. I hardly ever drink alcohol, but this time, I really wanted to drink and forget everything.

I headed to an empty seat next to a man who was quite handsome but with a dark and sad look. I think we both had a bad day.

"A double whiskey, please."

"Right away, miss."

I started silently crying while drinking without restraint, then I noticed the look from this man. It didn't bother me, and I kept drinking all the alcohol I could.

"I don't know what happened to you, miss, but I think you've had enough to drink."

"It's none of your business, idiot," I replied, ignoring the man's words.

I was lost in my thoughts, regretting being so blind.

Now, I would undoubtedly be a different girl. Apparently, men like women who are more decisive and outgoing, not as boring as me.

I sighed, picking up my glass of spirits.

Some handsome boys approached me, and one of them pulled me towards him. I was already quite drunk, so it didn't bother me.

"Are you alone, darling? Tell me you want to have fun with us."

"Yes, let 's go."

Suddenly, this man stood up.

"She's with me, you'd better leave if you don't want any trouble.”

His gaze was intimidating at that moment; strangely, those men feared him and left.

"What cowards," I mocked.

"Give me your address, I'll call someone to take you home."

"I don't want to, I'm going to have fun tonight like never before. I'm going to another place where the atmosphere is better."

He grabbed my arm to hold me back.

"Don't be foolish, something bad could happen to you, and you'll regret it."

"You're a very handsome guy, do you want to spend the night with me?"

I laughed at his reaction. Isn't that what men want?

He was surprised by my words but managed to smile and asked me.

"Are you this easy with all men?"

"No, but today is different."

"Why do you want to spend the night with me?" he asked, curious.

Suddenly, I started crying like a little girl. I explained to him how unhappy I was and how disappointed I was by the man I loved.

"I just want to get back at him, if he can be with another woman, I can be with another."

"Poor girl, this isn't a game."

"I'm not a girl, I'm a woman, and I can prove it to you."

I approached him, wrapped my arms around his neck, and kissed him. What was surprising is that he kissed me back, and then we engaged in a passionate kiss...

"Are you sure you want to spend the night with me?" he asked me again, almost out of breath.

"Yes, let's go to a room."

"Once we're upstairs, there's no turning back. I don't really think you want to be with me."

"Tell me, am I not beautiful? That's why you don't want to be with me. She's right, maybe I don't attract any man."

"Nonsense, you're very beautiful, your skin is soft and fair, your eyes fascinate me, and that blonde hair I want to touch, I just want you not to regret this night."

"I won't," I said confidently.

We arrived in the room, he threw me onto the bed and got on top of me, he started kissing me and caressing my body.

Gradually, our clothes fell to the floor, my breathing was very heavy, and I felt his warmth running through my entire body. Every touch from him made every part of my body tingle.

It was a very passionate night, but he was very gentle upon realizing it was my first time. Strangely, I felt desired and loved by this man.

—

I gradually woke up, feeling the sunlight on my face.

I had a terrible headache and my whole body was sore. I was so dizzy that I hadn't realized I was in the luxurious hotel room.

I began to remember what had happened the night before.

"Damn Bastian! I loved you so much. Why did you cheat on me with my own sister?"

Then I realized where I was.

"Wait, where am I? This isn't my home. It can't be."

The images in my mind were present; I had spent the night with a complete stranger.

"I guess I shouldn't have drunk so much alcohol. How did I become so bold last night?"

I felt my face flushing with shame.

I looked around, and that man was no longer there. He was undoubtedly a very attractive man, tall, with porcelain-like fair skin, black hair, and impressive green eyes.

Certainly much more handsome than Bastian...

"I better get dressed and go home, I can't stay here, I don't even know if I could look this man in the eyes sober," I thought in a confused manner.

I was lucky, my parents had gone on a trip that weekend to visit my paternal grandmother, so they couldn't scold me for not coming home last night, they're very protective of us.

I checked the whole house, and Sophie wasn't there, so maybe she was with Bastian.

Just thinking about it made my stomach ache.

I took a bath, had breakfast, and went back to bed. I was feeling really bad, Sophie even showed up on Sunday just before my parents came home.

"Sister, tell me, haven't mom and dad come back yet?"

I didn't answer her, I was very angry with her, so I ignored her and went to my room.

"You're very angry with me."

"What do you want, Sophie? You and Javier took me for a fool. Did you really think I was going to welcome you with open arms?"

A mocking smile appeared on Sophie's face.

"You really thought you could become his wife? You're really stupid, someone like Bastian deserves a woman worthy of him."

"What are you talking about?"

"He's from the Martin family, he needs a beautiful and elegant woman who won't embarrass him in society."

"That's absurd, I'm just as beautiful and very intelligent, our parents raised us the same way, I'm at his level too."

"Don't delude yourself, look at me, I'm a very beautiful woman, much more than you, he loves me and you have to accept that you lost to me."

"Keep him, Sophie. I don't want that kind of man in my life."

I turned around and left crying to my room.

I can't believe I wasted two years of my life with such a despicable and petty man.

On Monday morning, I got up very early to go to work. I didn't want to run into my sister, so I had to leave the house quickly.

As soon as I arrived at the office, I met Chloé.

"Juliette, what happened to you? You look very exhausted, it seems like you've been crying a lot."

"This weekend was horrible, friend."

"You know you can count on me, let's hurry to the restroom and talk."

I told her about Bastian's infidelity with my sister, but I omitted to tell her about that man. I didn't want Chloé to have a bad impression of me, even though I know she would never judge me.

"I already knew Bastian couldn't be the perfect man, I never trusted him, friend, you know that."

"That's true, I remember you didn't like him," I sighed.

"This man doesn't deserve a girl as sweet and beautiful as you, and besides, your sister has always been a bad person, I know you love her and everything, but she doesn't fool me, she's manipulative."

"He's not worth talking about, I just want an explanation."

"You definitely have to talk to him, at least know his reasons so you can end this story and move on with your life, Juliette."

"That's true, but I'm afraid to talk to him on the phone."

"Take your time, dear, when you're ready, things will naturally fall into place. Speaking of something else, do you know the new rumor at the company?"

"You never change, Chloé, you're always up to date with the office gossip."

"Joking aside, did you know that President Gerard Durand is visiting us today? Rumor has it, he's extremely handsome, like a prince."

"Well, what a surprise. He's very reserved, he usually doesn't show his face in public, I'd say he's quite strange, almost nobody in the company knows him."

"That's true, it's Vice President Alphonse Leroy who's always in charge of the company."

"And then there's his cousin Vincent Durand, he spends all his time posing for fashion magazines and gossip shows, they're like opposites."

"We have to admit that Vincent Durand is very handsome, too bad he's a womanizer, Juliette, imagine meeting the Durand cousins in person, it would be any girl's dream."

"Chloé, you never change, you can't judge someone by their appearance, their worth is defined by their personality."

"Okay, you win, friend, we'd better get to work or we'll get reprimanded.”

The morning passed by quickly, I had several projects to review, a lot of work. It was better this way, it kept my mind occupied.

There's a new project with the famous French filmmaker, Renaud Dupont, it's a movie that promises to capture the heart of the audience.

Just before lunchtime, I received a call from Bastian, I decided to answer, I needed to hear some apologies from him at least.

"Hello, Bastian."

"Juliette, do you have time for lunch with me? We need to talk."

"Well, where should I meet you?"

"Let's meet at the restaurant La Nuit."

"I'll be there in 10 minutes."

I felt very nervous, I didn't know how I was going to handle this, but I think I'm entitled to some apologies from him.

Arriving at the restaurant, I looked for his table, he was already there. I went to his table and sat across from him.

"Well, here I am."

"Juliette, I'm perfectly aware that you must hate me, but it's necessary to clarify what happened," he was very serious.

"Fine, start talking."

"I couldn't control my emotions, I really loved you at that time, it's just that your sister is very beautiful. I got carried away by her, always cheerful and sociable, you never liked to accompany me to my social events."

"Those words hurt me to the core.

"So, it was my fault?" I said sarcastically.

"I didn't mean that, I just felt that you and I weren't meant for each other."

"So, if you weren't in love with me anymore, why did you propose to me?"

He seemed a bit uncomfortable, but he raised his chin, without a hint of regret, and it hurt me to the deepest part of my being. But it was enough to drive him out of my heart forever.

"That day, it was a mix-up. I thought I would tell you everything and end our relationship, but accidentally, at the restaurant, I pulled out my wallet and the ring I had hidden fell out. When you saw the ring, you picked it up and with a joyful face, you said yes to marrying me. I didn't want to tell you the truth at that moment because there were a lot of people around."

Tears started to flow and roll gently down my cheeks. Why had I been so stupid?

Yes, that day, Bastian was very nervous and just when I saw the ring fall, I assumed he was going to propose to me.

"I really was an idiot.”

"Juliette, I'm so sorry, I was wrong."

"Tell me, you didn't think to pull me out of my mistake? How long were you going to let me get excited about a marriage that was never going to happen?"

"I couldn't find a way to tell you the truth and things got out of hand."

I realized I was still wearing the engagement ring, so I took it off and held it between my fingers.

"So, who is this ring for?"

"For Sophie, I want to marry her."

I felt my body start to tremble with helplessness. The man I had loved the most in my life was going to marry my sister.

I don't know if I could bear so much pain and humiliation, so I threw the ring at him, stood up, and left.

"I wish you all the happiness in the world, but don't expect me to be there on that day."

I ran out of the restaurant, stopped for a moment to hail a taxi, when suddenly I felt someone watching me. I looked around, and there was only a black Mercedes Benz luxury car with tinted windows.

I didn't pay attention to it and decided to get into the taxi that would take me back to work, while trying to calm my emotions so that no one would notice I was crying.

—

"I was heading straight to my company to review the details of the new projects when a familiar face caught my attention.

"Luc, park the car."

"Yes, sir, is there a problem?"

I saw this beautiful lady getting into a taxi, but her face looked very sad, and her eyes reflected that she had been crying.

"Follow that vehicle."

"Mr. Durand, do you want me to follow that taxi?"

"Yes, Luc."

"Right away, sir."

"I also want all the information on the lady who got into that taxi."

"At your command, sir."

After a few minutes, the taxi stopped in front of my own company.

"Sir, it appears she's an employee of Durand Enterprises."

"I would have never imagined."

Since that night with that unknown girl, I couldn't stop thinking about her. I know that night, I was impulsive, I acted wrongly, but for some strange reason, I was very drawn to her.

That morning, a work call woke me up at the hotel. I stepped out of the room for a moment to take the call without waking her up, but when I came back, she was gone, I hadn't even asked her name.

I searched everywhere in the hotel, but she had vanished, and it left me with a bitter taste. I was fascinated by her, and especially by her body, she was exquisite in bed, and her skin was softer than any other woman's I had been with.

I was sure of one thing, destiny had brought her back into my path, and I couldn't let her slip away.

"Mr. Durand, what specific information do you need regarding the woman?"

"I've already told you, Luc, absolutely everything."

"I'll have the information for you by tonight, sir."

I entered the company through the VIP zone, which I had just designed for more privacy.

I wondered why she was crying. I couldn't get her out of my head; it had been an incredible night that I wanted to relive.

Had she seen her ex-boyfriend? Had she forgiven his infidelity? Just thinking about it put me in a bad mood.

"Well, what a surprise, our dear president Gérard Durand in the company."

"Alphonse, I need you to provide me with financial reports on new investments abroad."

"Don't be so cold, you're not even going to ask how I'm doing? Besides being the vice president of this company, I'm also your friend. Couldn't you be a bit more kind?"

"You're very dramatic."

"Deep down, I know you love me."

We laughed at his antics.

"Let's stop playing around, it's very important to conclude new contracts in the United States, this partnership with Steve White will greatly help expand the company."

"Don't worry, everything is going very well, I've never let you down in business, we just need to travel to the United States to sign the official contract."

"Perfect, Alphonse."

"Changing the subject, Gérard, is it true that Vincent is marrying Miss Alice Bonnet?"

Alice was my great teenage love, but she cheated on me, and I learned last Friday that she got engaged to my cousin.

I admit that day, I was a little sad, I decided to have a few drinks, and that's where I met this mysterious girl who has been haunting me ever since.

"That's true, they're getting married in 2 months."

"Well, it looks like Vincent got what he wanted. I really hate your cousin. How could he do that to you?"

"I don't care, I've understood the kind of woman Alice is, they're made for each other."

"That's true, besides you're Gérard Durand, you can have any girl you want."

"Alphonse, I have to confess something that worries me."

"What happened?"

"When my grandfather learned about Vincent's engagement, he talked to me and wants me to get married too."

"What's the problem? No one can force you to get married."

"That's what I thought, but my grandfather threatened to take control of Durand Enterprises away from me and give it to Vincent. You know we're the only heirs, but Vincent is worthless, he just spends the family's money and has never worked.”

"Do you really think Mr. Simon Durand would go that far?"

"You know my grandfather, he always keeps his promises."

"Well, you're in a tough spot."

"We're in a tough spot, Alphonse. If Alex comes in as the new president, he would replace you immediately."

"You're right, Alexis hates me as much as I hate him."

"I need to find a solution."

"I think your situation is complicated, my dear friend. Why don't you go out with one of the many girls chasing after you?"

"None of them have really attracted me."

"You're very picky, at least try, you can't afford to lose control of the company."

"I need to think, I'm leaving, my friend, I have other matters to attend to."

"I thought you would stay longer, I thought you would introduce yourself to all the company staff. Everyone is excited to meet you in person."

"That will be for another time."

I left the company. I still had to meet a few investors for the new Durand hotel chain in Spain.

After such an intense day, I was in my room, the house was completely silent, the employees had already left.

I lay down on the bed but I couldn't fall asleep, I couldn't stop thinking about my grandfather's words.

When I was 16, my parents died in a car accident, unfortunately, Vincent's parents and my little sister were traveling with them.

After this unfortunate event, our grandfather Simon took us under his wing, my relationship with my cousin was never good, I always excelled in my studies, I finished my studies at 20, and from there, I took over the business.

My grandfather could no longer work, he had many health problems and left me in charge of everything.

Vincent couldn't stand that our grandfather had so much confidence in me, he always tried in every way to make my life impossible.

My cousin is often very immature, I couldn't stand to see the Durand company in his hands. I have worked tirelessly for the past ten years to prevent him from ruining everything.

And on top of that, his engagement to Alice, when I didn't realize how fake and self-interested she was. She was my first love, just thinking about it makes me feel like an idiot.

On the other hand, there was Juliette Moreau, my assistant who did an excellent job providing me with all her information.

Is she really as sweet and innocent as she seems?

—

Juliette's point of view

It was a terrible night, I couldn't sleep at all, knowing that Bastian and Sophie would soon be getting married affected me deeply.

I still haven't mustered the courage to ask my parents if it's true or false that Sophie and I are not actually sisters.

But I admit that Sophie is a liar, it's highly likely that she made up this story just to upset me. I followed the same routine, arriving early at the office to avoid my sister but I can't help but think about them.

My friend was already at her desk and I went to greet her.

"Chloé, good morning."

"Hi Juliette, good morning, nice to see you."

"I see you're a bit distracted, Chloé."

"I was thinking it was a shame we didn't meet President Durand yesterday."

"That's true, apparently he only spoke privately with the Vice President and left."

"I guess he's very busy."

"Changing the subject, I have a lot of work, Chloé, I have a meeting with Director Luciano today, answer my calls and tell my clients I'll contact them later."

"Of course, Juliette, good luck with this new project."

"Thank you, Chloé."

I quickly left the office and headed to the café "La vie douce".

I was about to enter when I saw a very handsome man.

It was a strange sensation, I was drawn to him. When the man turned to look at me, I was frozen, it was the same man I had a one-night stand with.

We stared at each other for several minutes, I still couldn't believe I would encounter him again.

"Good morning, Mademoiselle."

I was speechless, I didn't know how to respond, I wanted to flee the place, I was mortified.

"Good morning," were the only words that came out of my mouth as I hurried into the cafeteria.

In a few minutes, Director Renaud arrived, we discussed some matters, and agreed to meet again to sign his contract with us and start filming.

Director Dupont is a very pleasant person, there was definitely a good connection between us. I have a good feeling about this project, I'm sure it will be a great success.

When I left, that man was nowhere to be seen, I felt quite relieved, even if I see him again I have no idea what I'll do.

I rushed back to work.

"Chloé, I'm back, everything went wonderfully."

"I'm glad, Juliette, the Vice President called you and asked you to go to the President's office, apparently you're going to meet Mr. Durand."

"I don't think so, Chloé, sometimes Vice President Leroy uses the President's offices to make some important decisions. I suppose he wants to talk about the new film 'For Love'."

"I was already excited."

I went to the President's office, knocked on the door, and an unknown voice told me to come in.

"Enter."

Mr. Alphonse was standing next to a very elegant man.

"President Gérard Durand, let me introduce our Director of Creative, Juliette Moreau."

Immediately, I recognized the man to his right, my nerves betrayed me and it took a lot of effort to speak.

"Pleas... pleased to meet you, President Durand."

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, it felt like a cruel joke of fate, I had spent the night with the wealthiest man in all of France, Gérard Durand.

—

Point of view of Gérard

When she entered the office, she looked so delicate, like a flower. I immediately realized that she had recognized me, she turned pale with fright upon learning my identity.

I turned to my friend.

"Alphonse, could you leave us alone?"

"Of course."

She straightened up and regained her composure.

"Tell me, Mr. Durand, how can I help you?"

"Juliette, you can call me Gérard, no need for so much formality."

"I can't, you're my boss."

I saw her very nervous, she looked so cute. I approached her, we were face to face.

"You can't call me Mr. Durand, tell me Gérard." I repeated.

"It's not that easy for me."

"Juliette, stop being so shy, after all, you and I... It's not necessary to go into details, you already know."

Her blushing face made me want to kiss her right then.

"Tell me, Juliette, have you gotten back together with your ex-boyfriend?"

She remained silent for a few seconds.

"No, him and I have definitely broken up."

I was glad for her answer, I didn't want another man getting close to her.

She locked her gaze with mine.

"Mr. Durand, forgive my boldness regarding that night. I take responsibility for my actions, on my part no one will know, I don't want to cause you any problems. I promise to stay away from you."

Suddenly, a sense of disappointment welled up inside me and I decided to change the subject.

"Juliette, I actually summoned you here because I need to make a deal with you."

"A deal? What do you mean?"

"It's very simple, I just need you to marry me."

"Excuse me, sir, I think I must have misheard. Can you repeat what you just said?”

"You know, Juliette, I don't like to repeat myself twice, I need a wife and I want you to be that woman."

"Excuse me, sir, but this is a joke, isn't it?"

"It's not, I'm serious."

—

Point of view of Juliette

He approached me, our eyes met, I felt his breath, and my heart was pounding.

I couldn't process this information, why did Mr. Gérard Durand want to marry me? It simply doesn't make any sense.

I was direct when I asked him the reason.

"Why do you want to marry me?"

"I want to be honest with you, my grandfather Daniel Durand's health is somewhat delicate, he wants to see his grandson married, it would be a shame if he died without this wish being fulfilled."

"I understand that part, rather the question is why me? You're one of the most important people in the country, you can have any woman."

"But I don't want just any woman, I want you."

Those words shocked me.

"Don't worry, we'll establish a contract. In case of divorce, you'll receive a large sum of money."

"Mr. Durand, with all due respect, marriage is not a game for me. Of course, I want to get married, but to a man who loves me and vice versa."

"Do you think I can't be that man?"

I remained silent at his response, his gaze was charming, but no matter how handsome Gérard is, I can't overlook my principles.

"I don't want to get married just for the money, Mr. Durand, I really want to build a family in the future."

A slight smile formed on Gérard's face.

"Well, I'll give you until tomorrow to think about my proposal, Juliette."

"That's not necessary, my answer is no!"

He didn't lose his composure, he seemed very confident in his words and it sent shivers down my spine.

"I hope you will consider my proposal, Juliette."

"I'd better get back to my work. Please excuse me, sir.”

"As soon as I could, I left the office; I was extremely nervous, at one point, I thought I was going to faint from shock.

This must really be a joke, why would Gérard Durand want to marry me? For him, everything seems to be a game.

I arrived at my desk, and Chloé was trying to tell me something, but I couldn't help but think about Mr. Durand's proposal.

"Juliette, how did it go?"

"I... I..."

"Are you okay? Juliette, wake up!"

I reacted to her cries.

"What? Sorry, what were you saying, Chloé?"

"Juliette, you look like you've seen a ghost, you're very pale. What happened in the President's offices?"

"Nothing, we just talked about work, go back to work, Chloé."

"If you say so, I'll go."

All afternoon, I couldn't concentrate on my work; I was very disturbed by what had happened.

When I got home, I saw my mother crying.

"Mom, what's wrong? What happened?"

"Juliette, your father had a terrible argument with Sophie."

"Why? Is Sophie in trouble again?"

"My dear Juliette, why didn't you tell us you had broken up with Bastian?"

I sighed, tired of the subject.

"Now I understand, Sophie told you that she's now his girlfriend."

My mother seemed somewhat horrified by my words.

"Yes, he came home with her to talk to us and ask for our blessing to get married."

Even though I already knew, I couldn't help but feel a pang in my chest. Am I so insignificant in Bastian's life? What horror to have spent so much time with someone like him.

"Wow, that's a surprise, apparently they want to get married soon."

I coughed to dispel the knot in my throat, convinced that neither of them was worth it.

"Juliette, your father got angry with her; she was supposed to be your fiancée," said my worried mother. "Sophie was very brazen in saying that your relationship with Bastian had ended a long time ago, that what happened was necessary for you to finally open your eyes. What happened?"

I bit my lip because it's a subject I didn't want to talk about again, especially not with my parents.

But I had to tell her everything, and in passing, ask her what Sophie had said about us not being real sisters.