Back in Mont Blanc, Dominic was still trying to wrap his head around what had transpired. He could understand Rachel’s motives. After all, he was a reasonable man. Nevertheless, he was torn by indecision. As much as it hurt him, he couldn’t deny that she had a point. It would be extremely difficult for Rachel to keep seeing him, even if he decided to move to New York City. In essence, he would be dating a single mother and he was unsure whether he wanted that or not. Sooner or later, things would become rather awkward between them, as Rachel would struggle to find some time for him.

Something else troubled his already battered heart. The fact that she was an artist had lured him to her. Dominic wondered if he had fallen for the writer or the actual person behind her. Still, it didn’t take him long to answer that question. Yes, he loved her –supposed—talent, but there was much more to Rachel than just that. She was a sensitive, romantic soul, funny, intelligent and sexy.

“I’m hopelessly in love with the blonde girl that captured my heart, since the moment I saw her. Her name doesn’t matter.”

Not long after he had arrived back at his castle, as he crossed his rose garden, he saw a familiar face, coming his way. It was Melanie, dressed up and in a very good mood.

“Bonjour!” She chirped. “How are you? Where’s Marianne?”

“Marianne…” He murmured, as a bitter smile spread across his face. “I’m sorry, Melanie. Marianne was never here.”

“Pardon?” She squinted at him. He didn’t dignify her question with an answer. Instead, he pulled Rachel’s letter out of his coat pocket and gave it to her.

“Just read the first paragraph,” He urged. Within seconds, Melanie opened her eyes wide in disbelief.

“Rachel?” She said, as her eyes shot up to meet his gaze. “Her twin sister?”

“I thought you two were close,” Dominic muttered. “Didn’t you know?”

“I knew she had a sister,” Melanie declared. “I just didn’t know she was a twin.”

“Well, now you do,” He said, as she put the letter back in his hand. “She left this morning.”

“This is impossible,” She squeaked. “We spent a whole day together. I couldn’t tell the difference.”

“She mentions you in that letter. Rachel’s been studying you,” Dominic explained. “I’m not going to get into the specifics. Let’s just say I understand why she lied to the both of us. She left this morning.”

“Mon dieu!” Melanie covered her mouth with her hand. “Without saying ‘goodbye’?”

“That’s right,” He affirmed.

“And what are you going to do?” It was the question he had been dreading. Dominic clenched his jaw, tearing his gaze away from her.

“I don’t know.” He heaved a big sigh. “The situation between us is not as simple as I thought,”

“What do you mean?” Her persistence annoyed him, but Dominic didn’t think twice. Marianne was Melanie’s friend; he had to let her know of her predicament.

“Your friend was pregnant,” He spoke in a firm tone. “She had an accident. She’s in a coma as we speak. The baby survived. He’s Rachel’s responsibility.” Melanie gave a gasp of shock, putting her hands to her temples, as he turned his attention to her. “Do I want to be with her? Of course I do. I just don’t know how the hell we can make this work.”

“It is a tricky situation,” She exhaled hard. “But, I think you should try,” Melanie continued, dropping her arms. “Anyway, thank you for letting me know. I need to call the airport. Excuse me.”

“You’re going to the States?” He inquired, surprise written all over his face.

“Marianne is my friend,” She stated. “I want to be there, when she wakes up. If I were you, I would be there already. You say you love her. Prove it now.”

“And how am I supposed to do that?” He wondered out loud, a hint of sarcasm in his voice as he folded his arms across his chest.

“Raising a child is a 24/7 job,” Melanie replied, raising her tone. “Do you have any idea how exhausting this is going to be for her?”

“That’s precisely why I’m still debating,” Dominic glared at her. “She’s not going to have any time for us. I don’t want to get between her and that baby.”

“You don’t have to!” She yelled. “You just need to be there for her.”

“Like I said, it’s not so simple,” This time, he spoke in a calm, steady tone. “Not anymore.”

“Do you like being on your own?” Her words intrigued him. “Do you like living in this vast castle, listening to nothing else, other than your own voice? What’s keeping you here, Dominic? Your parents are dead.”

Unable to come up with a rebuttal, he remained silent, breathing deeply as he closed his eyes.

“I can understand your dilemma,” Melanie made her voice sound sweeter. “If you go there, she will be hard-pressed to find some time for you. She’ll be stressed, exhausted, but she’ll be happy. You both will. Isn’t that what love is all about? Happiness?”

“What happens if she’s too stressed and too exhausted?” His question put her in a difficult position. She kept staring at him, unable to force another word out of her throat. “Because, rest assured, Melanie: It’s going to happen. Rachel is going to be so tired that she will just fall asleep on the couch. She’ll neglect me. Eventually, we’ll drift apart. You know what follows after that.”

“I’ve said what I feel,” Melanie gave a small nod. “It’s up to you now. Think about it. Don’t let it end here, Dominic. For both of your sakes.”