Fragrance of Deception

By Lillian Delacroix

In the heart of Paris, amidst the wafting scents of blooming flowers and freshly baked pastries, lies a hidden world of intrigue and passion. Isabelle Rousseau, a gifted perfumer with a penchant for capturing memories in her fragrances, leads a seemingly ordinary life crafting perfumes that evoke emotions and stir the soul. However, when she stumbles upon a long-forgotten family secret buried within the layers of her ancestral history, her world is turned upside down.

 

Isabelle's latest creation, a mysterious perfume that unlocks visions of her ancestors' unsolved murder and a clandestine romance shrouded in secrecy, plunges her into a perilous journey of discovery. Determined to unearth the truth behind the enigmatic visions, she enlists the help of a charming yet elusive historian, Gabriel Leclerc.

 

As Isabelle and Gabriel delve deeper into the labyrinth of the past, they find themselves entangled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and long-buried desires. Each clue they uncover leads them closer to unraveling the mystery, but also deeper into a dangerous game where love and danger intertwine in unexpected ways.

 

Amidst the flickering candlelit corridors of old Parisian mansions and the bustling streets of the city, Isabelle and Gabriel navigate through hidden passages and dark secrets, their own hearts becoming entwined in a forbidden romance fueled by the adrenaline of the chase. But as they draw closer to the truth, they realize that some secrets are meant to remain buried, and that uncovering the past may come at a price neither of them is prepared to pay.

 

In a race against time, Isabelle and Gabriel must decipher the clues hidden within the intoxicating scent of The Perfumer's Secret before they become victims of a history that refuses to stay buried. Will they unlock the truth and find redemption in each other's arms, or will the ghosts of the past destroy their chance at happiness forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: momo
• Release date: Feb 29, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224063406

Book preview

1

The Discovery

The Discovery

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I

sabelle Rousseau stood amidst the shelves of her perfumery, surrounded by a symphony of scents that danced around her like invisible spirits. The air was thick with the aroma of lavender, jasmine, and sandalwood, mingling together in a harmonious blend that tickled her senses. She moved with purpose, her slender fingers expertly mixing oils and essences, each drop a carefully calculated addition to her latest creation.

As she worked, Isabelle's mind wandered, drifting through the memories of her childhood spent in this very perfumery. She recalled the long hours spent at her grandmother's side, learning the art of perfumery, the secrets passed down through generations of Rousseau women. It was here, amidst the rows of delicate glass bottles and shimmering vials, that Isabelle had found her true calling—a gift for capturing memories in scent.

Lost in thought, Isabelle reached for a dusty bottle tucked away on a high shelf, its contents forgotten amidst the bustle of daily life. As she uncorked the bottle, a cloud of nostalgia enveloped her, transporting her back to a time long gone. She inhaled deeply, closing her eyes as the scent washed over her, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips.

But then something caught her eye—a glimmer of gold hidden amongst the shadows. Curiosity piqued, Isabelle reached out, her fingers brushing against the edge of an old journal nestled within the shadows. With trembling hands, she pulled the journal free, its pages worn and yellowed with age. A rush of excitement surged through her veins as she flipped through the brittle pages, her heart racing with anticipation.

The journal was filled with handwritten notes, its pages filled with cryptic messages and faded ink. Isabelle's pulse quickened as she read the words, her mind racing to decipher their hidden meanings. There were references to her ancestors, long-forgotten names whispered through the centuries, and tantalizing clues hinting at a secret buried deep within the family's