Chapter 20 – A Stranger’s Face
Duke Alexander’s Mansion – Grand Hall
The ticking of the grand clock echoed through the vast hall as a carriage stopped at the entrance. The butler stepped forward, opening the door to welcome the guest.
Lady Evelyn Sinclair, Lucia’s aunt, stepped out gracefully, her sharp gaze scanning the mansion. She had received an urgent letter from Duke Alexander, claiming to have found something—someone—of great importance to her.
Her hands clenched around her silk gloves.
She was led inside, her heels clicking against the polished floors.
A few moments later, the butler opened the doors to the parlor.
Inside, Duke Alexander stood near the fireplace, his expression unreadable. Beside him, a man in his thirties, dressed in a doctor’s coat, examined a set of documents. And sitting across from them…
A young woman with striking green eyes.
Evelyn gasped, her heart stopping for a moment.
Lady Evelyn Sinclair
Lucia...?
The girl blinked at her with mild curiosity but no recognition.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(softly) I’m sorry… Do I know you?
Evelyn’s breath caught in her throat.
No… No, this couldn’t be.
She took a step closer, searching for any trace of familiarity in her niece’s face.
Lady Evelyn Sinclair
It’s me… your aunt, Evelyn. Do you not remember?
Lucia hesitated, glancing toward Alexander as if looking for reassurance.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(shaking her head) I… don’t know. I don’t remember anything before waking up in the countryside two years ago.
Evelyn turned to Alexander, her eyes narrowing.
Lady Evelyn Sinclair
What is the meaning of this?
Alexander remained calm as he spoke.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
I found her two days ago during a trip outside the city. I was traveling through the northern forest when I saw a small cottage. An elderly couple lived there… and so did Lucia.
Lady Evelyn Sinclair
(shocked) Two days ago…?
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
(nodding) They told me they had found her unconscious near the river after the fire two years ago. She had no memories of who she was. They took her in, cared for her, and she lived a quiet life helping them with daily tasks.
Lady Evelyn Sinclair
(whispering) All this time… she was alive?
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Yes. When I met her, she only knew her name was Lucia, but nothing else. I wouldn’t have recognized her either… if not for this.
He retrieves the pendant and places it on the table.
Lady Evelyn Sinclair
(eyes widening) That… that pendant…
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
It belonged to the Marquess. The moment I saw it, I knew she was Lucia Sinclair.
Lady Evelyn Sinclair
(voice trembling) And you brought her back immediately?
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Of course. I knew her family would want to know. That’s why I sent for you right away.
Lady Evelyn Sinclair
(composing herself) I can't thank you enough Duke Alexander for finding my dear niece. I will take Lucia home with me and I will take care of her.
Before Alexander could respond, the doctor stepped forward.
Dr.Caldwell
I strongly advise against that, Lady Sinclair.
Lady Evelyn Sinclair
Why is that? And who are you?
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
(gesturing toward the doctor) This is Dr. Caldwell, a trusted physician. He has been examining Lucia’s condition.
The doctor adjusted his glasses, speaking in a professional tone.
Dr.Caldwell
Lady Sinclair, your niece suffered a severe head trauma, which led to her memory loss. It is common for survivors of traumatic events to develop selective amnesia. I believe she has dissociative memory suppression—her mind is protecting itself from something too painful to recall.
Evelyn pressed a hand against her chest.
Lucia looked down, fidgeting with her dress.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(softly) I’m sorry…
Evelyn swallowed hard. If Lucia had forgotten everything… then she didn’t remember that night either.
A wave of relief swept over her features.
Dr. Caldwell placed his hands behind his back as he continued.
Dr.Caldwell
Sudden changes in environment could worsen her condition. If she is forced into an unfamiliar situation with people she doesn’t recognize, it may cause distress and hinder her recovery.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(quietly) The Duke has been very kind to me. I… I feel safe here.
Evelyn studied Lucia carefully.
After a long pause, she let out a breath.
Lady Evelyn Sinclair
Very well… If staying here is what’s best for her condition, I won’t force her.
Alexander gave a slight nod.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
You are, of course, welcome to visit anytime, Lady Sinclair.
Evelyn pursed her lips, considering his words.
Lady Evelyn Sinclair
If she doesn’t remember me, then I believe we should get reacquainted. I’d like to visit her regularly—perhaps we can take walks together or attend small gatherings. Being around family might help her recover.
Dr. Caldwell nodded thoughtfully.
Dr.Caldwell
Gradual exposure could indeed help. However, I must insist on controlled visits at first. Sudden overwhelming experiences could be counterproductive.
Evelyn smiled, satisfied with the compromise.
Lady Evelyn Sinclair
Then it’s settled. I’ll return in a few days.
She turned back to Lucia, her expression softer now.
Lady Evelyn Sinclair
Rest well, my dear. I hope you remember soon.
With that, she bid them farewell and left the mansion.
As soon as the door closed, Lucia finally exhaled, tension leaving her body.
She turned to Alexander, her fingers curled against her dress.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
She’ll be keeping an eye on me… but that means I’ll have the chance to watch her, too.
Alexander glanced at her, a hint of approval in his eyes.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Then use it wisely.
This was only the beginning.
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