Love Lies and Deceit

*Julliane* "Julliane! Hurry up and pack your things now! Youre coming with me!" The sharp voice of my mother pierced through the early morning stillness like a blade, dragging me out of sleep with a jolt. I blinked at the ceiling, my heart sinking before I even swung my legs over the edge of the bed. My weekend peace was shattered. Just days ago, she had married Mister Dankworth, a name that still felt foreign and unwelcome in my mouth. The ceremony had been small, abrupt, and filled with people I didn't know, just fourteen days after they broke the news to my grandfather and me. I hadn't approved of it, and truthfully, I hadn't thought she'd actually go through with it. At least, not so soon. And certainly not at the expense of dragging me into her new life. I had held onto a naive hope that she would leave without me. That I could finish school here, in the house I grew up in, with Grandpa. But that illusion shattered as she barged into my room, already pulling open my closet do

* Julliane * Mister Dankworth opened the back of the station wagon and, with Darren's help, managed to squeeze all our luggage inside. My mother slipped into the seat behind the driver and patted the space beside her, urging Mister Dankworth to sit beside her. I watched them momentarily, uncertain if there would be enough room for me, when Darren caught my attention. "It's alright, Julie," he said with a reassuring smile. "You can sit with us in the front. It's wide enough for three." His voice was calm and kind, and so I turned my gaze toward the front seat. But the driver, Lance, didn't look thrilled to see me. He didn't speak, didn't even look directly at me, but the stiffness in his posture made his silence louder than words. "Look, Marriane," Mister Dankworth said with a pleased chuckle as he settled in beside my mother. "Our kids are getting along just fine. The three of them look good together, don't they?" He sounded genuine, almost hopeful. As if he didn't, or chose not

* Julliane * During my first few days at Magnolia Manor, I truly believed my life had taken a turn for the better, even if just a little. The air was fresher, the surroundings were quieter, and the view of the sea stretching endlessly from the backyard offered a kind of peace I had never known in the city. The manor itself was grand, almost intimidatingly so, with its sprawling architecture and towering windows that welcomed the golden light of day like a fairytale palace. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I could breathe. Every morning, I would wander along the seaside path, letting the cool ocean breeze kiss my cheeks and tangle my hair. The rhythmic crashing of the waves was like music to my ears. It made me feel calm, even safe. Darren often joined me. In the short time since my arrival, he had become a close friend, like the brother I never had. There was something easy about being around him. No judgment, no expectations. Just comfort. One warm afternoon, while

* Julliane * Weeks passed, then turned into a full month. My mother had fully embraced her new lifestyle with the Dankworths. With her new wardrobe of designer clothes and glittering jewelry, she looked more radiant than ever. I am sure Uncle Primo bought her anything she pointed at, and she wore it all like a queen ruling over Magnolia Manor. Everyone admired her beauty and her new husband was the proudest of them all. I saw the way she flaunted herself around the manor, head held high, eyes scanning to make sure everyone noticed her. Uncle Primo indulged her constantly. He would throw lavish dinners and invite friends over just so he could show her off. My mother is like his trophy wife and she loved it! But not once had she called for me, not even to introduce me to their guests. In fact, she insisted I stay inside my room during important gatherings. "Stay out of sight, Julliane. It's not your place to be around them," she had said more than once, her voice sharp, eyes cold.

* Julliane *I was just about to close the door of my bedroom when I heard voices echoing down the hallway. It was my stepfather Primo and my mother Marriane, their conversation hushed but distinct enough to catch my attention. A sudden wave of curiosity washed over me, and instead of shutting the door completely, I left it open just a crack and leaned closer, listening intently."Why is Lance not letting us meet that woman who's always following him around, Primo?" my mother asked, her voice laced with something more than simple curiosity, something sharper."Oh, you mean Sylvia, dear?" Primo replied, with a hint of amusement. "The lady in the lavender dress?"There was a brief pause after his question. Silence lingered, interrupted only by the distant sounds of guests moving about inside the large manor. Some were exploring the antique furniture, admiring the grand portraits of the Dankworth family that lined the walls, part of the attraction that drew them in."Yes... I suppose tha