The Duke’s Imposter Sister

Were going to have some tea. And a walnut pie will be such a treat, Paola said to Bellin.

Bellin left the room to prepare the tea, and Paola invited Gris to sit opposite her at the table. After she made herself comfortable, Gris eyes followed Paolas across the room, where she saw the most glorious view of glowing, setting sun bathing the fields in a warm orange against a clear sky.

Gris yearned to be the real Yuliana; she wanted to live in this mansion, where everything was beautiful and calm. Paola, however, felt bitterness rise from the bottom of her heart as she said,

I must have spent the last five years in this roomalmost like a prisoner.

As she mumbled these words, the rays of light kissed Paolas face. At first glance, she looked like an abstract painting with brushstrokes of warm color against a soft background. Her eyes were youthful, sparkling, but looking again, Gris saw that she had deep wrinkles carved into her face evident in the light

These days, I imagine becoming a bird and flying out of this window, she added as she looked into the faraway distance in yearning. Gris, feeling stirred by such words, quietly nodded at her comment.

After all, she understood her more than she could have imagined. Gris had always been the same; whenever she felt suffocated or tied down, she yearned to fly away into the horizon, to discover a new world and escape her dismal fate.

She longed to start a new life, surrounded by kind strangers, and to simply forget her ill past. She wanted to leave behind her, not only the tremendous grief of losing her family but the responsibility of exacting revenge against the Talilluchis. In the end, Gris yearned for a normal life beyond all the political intrigues and calamities. But it seems fate wasnt smiling kindly at her.

Lost in thought, Gris looked at Paola absent-mindedly. She imagined that Paola also had a history she wanted to leave behind, just like her.

At that moment, Paola took a side glance at Gris, and a contented smile spread across her face.

I think you understand me. I must assume that your life in the cabin was not easy, she said.

Fortunately, Paola did not ask for any specific details about life in the woods. Tensing initially at the question, Gris slowly relaxed her shoulders and replied,

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Im just worried about your health, she said.

Paola continued to look at Gris with her green eyes that glittered like emeralds. The look she gave Gris seemed to ask if that was all she was worried about

Thankfully, life is tolerable. You see, I have eyes and ears all over this mansion to keep me informed and amused.

Gris listened carefully to her choice of words.She has eyes and ears all over this mansionDid this mean that she regularly listened to the servants gossip, or was it more?

Gris gazed into the old matrons impenetrable green eyes, hoping to have an insight into her imperceptible thoughts. But she only saw a pool of darkness in her eyes. Paola seemed genuine, and Gris could not believe that she was involved in Stephans plan. As guilt consumed Gris, Paola gently asked.

Did you meet Vianut?

Vianut Gris pictured the taciturn, egotistical, but striking man in her mind and nodded her head. Paola was curious how he, the brother of the long-lost sister, had reacted.

Did he recognize you?

No, Gris replied.

He not only hadnt recognized her, but he had also commented about her red eyes. Any moment now, he could reveal his suspicions

Gris nervously licked her lips, trying to utter the next statement in confidence despite the lack of it. I also didnt recognize the grown man that Vianut has become I only remember a gangly twelve-year-old who always played tricks on me and how Stephan would protect me. Since I hit my head, I still have gaps in my memory.

Paola nodded her head meaninglessly and turned her head to stare at the sky, now filled with a magnificent amalgamate of purple and orange hues from the setting sun.

There will be a small dinner party this evening. Its to celebrate Sir Byrenhags safe return. All of our relatives, the Duke and Duchess of Ortur, the Marquis and Marchioness Vian, and others of importance will be at the party.

Then her eyes landed on Gris, I hope you will also join us in this family celebration to congratulate your brother upon his safe return.

The more contact she had with Vianut, the higher the probability that her true identity would be revealed. Yet she couldnt offend Paola either. Faced with the matrons straight gaze, she took some comfort in the fact that her eyes appeared browner at night.

Yes, of course, with the greatest of pleasure, Gris replied respectfully.

Not yet fully recovered, Paola was visibly tired even before the tea had arrived and had wanted to rest before the celebratory dinner. They promised to meet privately another time, and Gris left the room, emotionally drained and apprehensive about the dinner party.

***

In the early evening, the guests arrived in their coaches.

Bellin told her this was the first party in years. After Yuliana went missing, no one dared to hold a party because Paola had been consumed with grief.

Hearing this, Griss heart grew heavy. Now that Paola was holding parties, it seemed to suggest that she really believed her granddaughter had returned. The betrayal she would probably feel when it was revealed that her granddaughter turned out to be a fake would be excruciating.

Gris somehow understood that this lie would become her life, and she would have no choice but to maintain the lie forever if she wanted to live. To live by the skin of her teeth now seemed a daily occurrence for her.

As Gris finished dressing, she dyed her lips with a red flower extract that enhanced the delicateness of her porcelain skin. But Bellins hand, holding the crushed flower, began shaking. She seemed to be more nervous than usual and was terrified of making a mistake. Gris noticed a trickle of sweat rolled along the side of her forehead. She looked at Bellin quizzically, conscious of the maids eccentric behavior.

YYour skin looks amazing. Its like a babys, no, it reminds me of a soft petal., Belling stammered. Then she continued to enthuse, praising her masters beauty, Im sure anyone who is of marriageable age at the party tonight will fall in love with you at first sight.

Gris didnt understand why Bellin was so overwhelmed and just when she was going to question her further, her maid quickly held a mirror up to her face.

She was immediately stunned by the sight. Her hideous and unkempt hair and dry skin covered in rash were nowhere to be seen, and only a beautiful woman looking luminous with glittering eyes and pouty red lips sat in front of the mirror.

Gris slowly shut and opened her eyes. And the lady on the mirror mimicked her all the same. She touched her nose, only to find the lady in the mirror follow after her.