Chapter 2 Unveiling Shadow

Pandemonium broke out as Emma's words pierced the atmosphere, blaming me for being

someone I could no longer afford to become. My calmness faltered for an instant, a flash, a

fracture, but I regained my poise before the disguise slipped entirely. I had devoted years to

refining it, and I wasn't going to allow my sister to destroy it all.

"That's my sister, Sophia!" she shouted, gesturing straight at me.

Her words struck me like a tangible impact, yet I compelled my mouth into a serene, rehearsed

grin. My heart pounded against my chest, yet I remained upright, asserting control over my

shaking hands. The gaze of each guest penetrated me, their skepticism and intrigue evident. I

sensed Williams watching me, and even more troubling, I could sense his acknowledgment.

"Ladies and gentlemen," I announced, my voice unwavering, my mask securely in position. "I

comprehend how sorrow can result in... bewilderment. Miss Emma is likely flooded with her

feelings". I faced her, speaking gently yet with intention. "I sincerely apologize for your loss;

however, I am Victoria Dantes.I am not who you think I am."

Whispers flowed throughout the space. Emma began to speak, yet the uncertainty in her gaze

was sufficient for me to change the outcome.

Williams moved closer then, his voice steady yet tinged with an undertone that constricted my

throat. "Emma," he said, keeping his eyes on me, "you're wrong. Let's not escalate the

situation."

Her objections faded as Bella yanked her away, yet her gaze remained fixated on mine,

brimming with urgency and conviction.

I didn't see her leave. Rather, I faced the guests, presenting a courteous smile. "I apologize for

the disruption. Kindly, relish the evening."

Eventually, I quietly left the hall, looking for comfort in the peaceful corridors. The outdoor air

was crisp and refreshing, nipping at my skin, yet it grounded me. I rested against the chilly stone

wall, inhaling slowly, attempting to calm the turmoil swirling within me.

"You aren't the person you claim to be."

I became immobilized.

Williams emerged from the darkness, his stare fierce and unwavering.

"Mr. Blackwell", I said calmly, facing him with a grin that failed to touch my eyes. "Is there

anything I can assist you with?"

He overlooked my inquiry, moving nearer, his tone subdued. "You make me think of someone,"

he remarked. "Someone I believed I had lost for all time."

My heart raced loudly in my ears, yet I remained unfazed. "You must be confused."

"I am not." His gaze wandered across my face, looking for fissures in my mask. "Your tone...

your gestures." Even your flame. "It's all identical."

I kept his gaze, compelling myself to stay serene. "Sadness can cause us to perceive things that

don't exist," I murmured gently. "I'm sorry for your loss, but I am not the person you seek."

For a brief instant, I believed he would say something further, but Diana's voice sliced through

the tension like a knife.

"Williams," she retorted, her heels striking decisively against the ground. "What are you up to?"

He faced her, and I took the chance to sneak away, my heart racing as I distanced myself from

them.

That evening, while I rested in bed, the recollections came back. The flames, the fumes, the

stifling warmth. The cries that pierced the night. I shut my eyes and imagined my hands

grasping at the rubble, sensed the heat of resolve within my heart.

Westley's face appeared, the sole illumination in that boundless darkness. I held onto his

memory as if it were a lifeline, vowing to myself that I would come back for him.

"I'll make sure to return the favor," I murmured into the stillness. "Regardless of the effort

required."

The next day, I met my mother-in-law at my study.

The space was gently lit, the heavy drapes drawn, and the air filled with the faint scent of old

books and enigmas.

"This agreement," she remarked, pushing a folder in my direction, "will reveal Johnson's

dominance. It's time to act."

I nodded while reviewing the papers. "What's the situation with Diana?"

"She's falling apart," she remarked with a slight grin. "Utilize it. Allow them to annihilate one

another. That's the essential part."

I shut the file, my determination strengthening. "They will be unaware of what has struck them."

That night, I participated in a confidential meeting with Mr. Johnson. He welcomed me with that

self-satisfied, hunting grin, his gaze staying a moment too long.

"Victoria, you're truly a mystery," he remarked, moving in closer. "A captivating lady."

The revulsion twisted in my belly, yet I kept it hidden. "Thanks," I replied nonchalantly, shifting

the discussion towards business.

While we talked, I sowed seeds of uncertainty regarding Diana's loyalty, nurturing his paranoia.

He fell for the bait, his pride preventing him from seeing the trap I was laying.

As night fell deeper, I found myself once more in the shadows, observing from afar while

Williams, Bella, and Westley shared laughter in the garden. My child. His laughter cut deep into

my heart, and his sweet smile reminded me of all I had lost.

I wished to dash to him and embrace him, yet I couldn't. Not at this time.

Out of nowhere, Diana showed up, bending down to murmur something into his ear. His smile

wavered, giving way to uncertainty and discomfort. My hands balled into fists at my sides, rage

igniting in my chest.

"Victoria, constantly observing but never taking action," a voice lilted from behind me.

I spun around suddenly, my heart racing, to find Johnson standing there, his hands placed in his

pockets. His demeanor was composed and strategic, his grin as pointed as a knife.

"You appear quite misplaced in the darkness," he commented. "It seems like you might be

concealing something."

I compelled myself to unwind, presenting a serene, impartial smile. "Simply savoring the

evening breeze. It has been an extensive day."

"Has it really?" His eyes darted to the garden where Westley was positioned, causing a knot to

form in my stomach. "You have been observing him frequently in recent times."

I raised an eyebrow, maintaining a calm tone. "He is an exceptional boy. It's difficult to overlook

him."

Johnson leaned his head, observing me. "You're truly enigmatic, Victoria. So collected, so...

balanced. You bring to mind a certain person."

The color left my face, but I didn't reveal it. "I believe that grief is deceiving you, Mr. Johnson," I

stated calmly. "Individuals commonly perceive what they desire to perceive."

He laughed softly, yet it held no amusement. "Maybe," he replied, his eyes narrowing a bit.

"However, you need to exercise caution. People are talking about you, Victoria. Hints implying

that you might not be the person you portray you are."

My heart raced, yet I revealed nothing. "And what is it that these whispers convey?"

He moved nearer, his voice tinged with feigned worry. "That you could have your own

objectives, Maybe your allegiances... aren't aligned where they ought to be."

I maintained his stare, unwavering. "I don't understand what you're saying, Mr. Johnson.

However, I guarantee you, my sole purpose here is for business."

His smirk reappeared, more cutting than before. "For your benefit, I hope that is accurate. In my

experience, deception usually comes to light. Once they do... it all becomes chaotic."

He pivoted and strolled off, leaving me frozen in place. My chest constricted, the burden of his

words heavy upon me.

Johnson didn't yet realize I was Sophia-but his curiosity posed a threat. He was a hunter,

circling, waiting for the right moment to strike.

I looked back at the garden, at Westley's face illuminated by the moonlight. The risks had never

seemed greater.

As the chilly night breeze enveloped me, I whispered an unspoken promise. No matter the cost,

I would remain one step in front. Johnson could go in circles all he wanted. Once he understood

the reality, it would already be too late.

As I strolled down the hallway, eager to head home, I suddenly noticed a shadow trailing behind

me; before I could look back, it covered my mouth. "I understand your motive, and I won't allow

you to destroy all that I've created. You had better back out, or you'll end up like the rest."

Shadow exclaimed, dragging me into the darkness while I fought back.