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Trapped by Love

Trapped by Love

Max's Story

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Luca Moretti, an influential businessman, is forced to marry Amélie Lefevre, a woman he considers a simple family obligation. Already in love with another, he vows to make Amélie's life hell so that she will ask for a divorce. However, he does not know that Amélie is hiding a secret that could change his life forever. Behind her calm facade, Amélie is much more determined and intelligent than he thinks. What will happen when Luca finds himself caught in his own game? Will he succeed in breaking their union or will he succumb to the hidden truth?

Chapter 1 Chapitre 1

The forced marriage was no fairy tale. It was a matter of power, of convenience, a charade orchestrated in the shadow of family obligations. Luca Moretti sat in his father's austere office, looking down at the agreement laid out before him with contempt. His jaw clenched as the words echoed in his head: "For the inheritance, for the family, you must marry Amelie Lefevre."

- So that's it? he snapped. You want to sell me, tie me to a stranger to save your business?

His father, a cold man with a piercing gaze, did not blink.

- This is not a choice, Luca. It is a necessity. The merger with the Lefevres is essential. Their company is faltering, but with our support, it will benefit us. This alliance is strategic, nothing more.

Luca stood up abruptly, making the chair creak against the parquet floor.

- Strategic for you, not for me. I love Julia, you know that. You can't force me to abandon the one I love for a... a stranger!

The heavy silence that fell was broken by his father's dry laugh.

- Do you think love has a place here? Be realistic, Luca. Julia has nothing to offer this family. Amelie, on the other hand, is our key.

The name Amelie Lefevre sounded strangely sweet to Luca's ears. He had only seen her briefly, at a dinner organized by their families a few months before. A discreet young woman, almost self-effacing, dressed in a simple dress, her eyes lowered most of the time. There was nothing remarkable about her, nothing that could arouse any interest. And yet, today, she was at the center of his life, in spite of him.

- What if I refuse? he finally asked, arms crossed, glaring at his father.

- Then you will lose everything, he replied with icy calm. Your position, your inheritance, your place in this family.

Luca felt anger rising inside him, burning, uncontrollable. But behind that anger, a wave of helplessness washed over him. He was trapped, cornered.

The wedding day came faster than he could have expected. Everything seemed planned with surgical precision: the church, the reception, the hand-picked guests. But to Luca, it was all a grotesque farce.

Amelie, in a dressing room adjacent to hers, looked at her reflection in the mirror. The white satin dress suited her perfectly, highlighting her slim figure. Her hair was tied up in an elegant bun, a few strands falling delicately over her face. Yet she was not smiling. Her gaze, lost in her own reflection, betrayed a glimmer of sadness mixed with a strange determination.

The door opened quietly, and his mother entered.

- You look beautiful, my dear, she said with a trembling smile.

Amelie turned to her, giving a forced smile.

- Thank you, Mom.

His mother placed a hand on his shoulder.

- I know this isn't what you wanted, but...

- But that's what's needed, isn't it? Amelie interrupted her, in a soft but firm voice.

She stood up, smoothing the folds of her dress, and added:

- I'm ready.

In the church, the guests murmured, eagerly awaiting the bride's arrival. Luca, standing by the altar, looked like a man dragged to the slaughterhouse. He wore a crisp black suit, but his sullen expression was enough to understand what he was feeling.

When Amelie finally appeared on her father's arm, a respectful silence settled over the assembly. Luca, in spite of himself, could not help but look at her. She advanced slowly, her face calm, almost impassive. She seemed neither happy nor afraid, but something in her gaze made Luca shiver.

- Don't do this, Julia whispered, sitting in the front row, barely audible.

Her heart sank as she saw Luca looking at Amelie with an intensity she didn't understand. But Luca quickly looked away, remembering why he was there.

When Amelie reached his side, she looked up at him, and for the first time, their eyes truly met. There was a defiant glint in Amelie's eyes, as if she wanted to tell him that she wasn't as fragile as he thought.

- You may begin, she said to the officiant in a clear voice.

The thunderous applause that followed the exchanged vows seemed unreal to Luca. Every word he had spoken had been a betrayal of himself, an insult to his own heart. And yet, he had played his part, as always.

The reception was a sparkling spectacle, a perfect ballet where everyone played their part. Luca and Amelie stood side by side, exchanging pleasantries with the guests, but barely a few words between them.

- You seem comfortable, Luca remarked when they were finally alone, out of sight.

Amelie shrugged.

- It's just a role, right? And you're good at it.

His tone was calm, but there was a hint of irony that didn't go unnoticed. Luca gritted his teeth, irritated by his attitude.

- Don't think for a second that I'm going to make this easy for you, he whispered, leaning slightly towards her.

Amelie smiled at him, a sweet but mysterious smile.

- Oh, I don't expect it to be easy. But don't underestimate the surprises I have in store for you.

Luca stood there frozen for a moment, surprised by her answer. He had underestimated Amelie, that was for sure. And for the first time, he wondered what she was hiding behind that calm face and that unfathomable gaze.

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