“What?”
“That’s impossible!”
“She DOES look like her!”
Voices echoed through the mansion while guests crowded closer, staring at Anna with growing horror.
Daniel couldn’t move.
For the first time in years, fear crept into his face.
Because now that someone had said it out loud…
He saw it too.
The same eyes.
The same smile.
The same soft expression Isabelle used to make whenever Sophie was scared.
Anna stepped backward, pale with panic.
“No…” she whispered shakily. “Please don’t do this…”
But it was too late.
One of the guests grabbed the large framed family portrait hanging near the staircase.
Isabelle’s painted face stared down at the room.
And beside it stood Anna.
Looking almost identical.
Sophie tightened her grip around Anna’s hand.
“Don’t make her leave,” she cried.
Daniel finally found his voice.
“Who are you?” he demanded.
Anna’s eyes filled with tears.
But before she could answer, an older woman from the crowd spoke quietly.
“I remember now…”
Everyone turned toward her.
“She was at the funeral.”
Anna closed her eyes immediately.
Like she already knew the secret was over.
Daniel stepped closer slowly.
“What funeral?”
The woman swallowed nervously.
“Isabelle’s.”
The room fell silent again.
Daniel stared at Anna in disbelief.
“You knew my wife?”
Anna’s lips trembled.
Then, with tears rolling down her face, she finally whispered the truth.
“She was my sister.”
Gasps echoed everywhere.
Sophie looked up in confusion.
Daniel stepped backward like the floor had disappeared beneath him.
“No…” he breathed.
Anna nodded painfully.
“We promised never to tell anyone.”
“Why?” Daniel shouted.
Anna looked directly at Sophie before answering.
“Because Isabelle was terrified you’d take Sophie away from my family forever.”
Daniel’s face darkened.
“What are you talking about?”
Anna reached shakily into her pocket.
Then she pulled out an old photograph.
Daniel grabbed it instantly.
And froze.
It was Isabelle.
Pregnant.
Standing beside Anna.
But written across the back in Isabelle’s handwriting were six words that changed everything.
“If anything happens to me… trust Anna.”
