When Antoine and I first met during his exchange year in the U.S., our connection was immediate. A year later, with his proposal, I was ecstatic but anxious about meeting his French parents, Pierre and Marie. I wanted to make a good impression, and Antoine reassured me that they would love me.
Arriving at their charming countryside home, I was struck by its beauty. Pierre and Marie welcomed us warmly. Marie, petite with a bright smile, hugged me, and Pierre, tall and kind-faced, shook my hand. They seemed friendly and inviting, easing my nerves.
The evening started well. Their home, with its old stone walls and lush garden, was picturesque. Inside, the atmosphere was cozy, and the French cuisine was exquisite. The conversation was a blend of English and French, with Marie showing particular interest in my life as a graphic designer and my hobbies like hiking and photography.
A woman looking at a big beautiful house | Source: Midjourney
Marie said, “Elle est gentille, mais je ne suis pas sûr qu’elle soit la bonne pour Antoine.” (“She’s nice, but I’m not sure she’s right for Antoine.”)
My heart sank. They were questioning whether I was suitable for their son. Pierre added, “Nous devons nous assurer qu’elle ne découvre pas notre secret.” (“We need to make sure she doesn’t discover our secret.”)
The tension was unbearable. They were discussing something hidden under Antoine’s childhood bed that they wanted to keep from him. My hands shook as I tried to piece together what they were talking about.
When Antoine returned, I urged him to check under his bed, trusting my instincts. He looked puzzled but went upstairs. As the minutes ticked by, I felt a wave of dizziness and cold. Pierre and Marie’s concerned voices faded as everything went black.
I woke up in a hospital bed, Antoine by my side, his eyes red and worried. He explained that I had fainted due to stress and low blood sugar. More importantly, Antoine had checked under his bed and found a locked wooden box containing old letters, photographs, and a journal written by his biological mother.
Antoine revealed, “In the journal, she wrote about a family secret. Marie is not my biological mother. My real mother was someone else, and Marie agreed to raise me to protect the family’s reputation. The journal also mentioned a hidden inheritance meant for me, which Pierre and Marie have been trying to keep.”
Stunned, I asked what he planned to do. Antoine was determined to confront his parents but wanted to proceed cautiously. He decided to observe their behavior and keep the information to ourselves for now.
As we discussed our next steps, I reassured him that we would face the challenges together. Our bond had strengthened through this ordeal, and we were ready to tackle the truth and secure what was rightfully his.
Our journey had tested us, but with our shared resolve, we knew we could overcome the obstacles ahead. We left the hospital with renewed purpose, prepared to confront the family secrets and emerge stronger together.
