Every time she closed her eyes, memories from her past rushed into her dreams. She used to call them nightmares, even though they were just memories of her tough childhood. She hated the fact that she had to relive those difficult days every single night.

In her dreams, she became a twelve-year-old girl again, living in a dark alley, picking flowers from the ground to sell, all while taking care of her five-year-old sister, Jules. Even though people ignored her and even made fun of her, no one had the courage to ask if she was okay or if she had anyone to rely on.

When she felt hopeless about making money, she turned to stealing. Sometimes it was taking money from someone's pocket, and other times it was stealing bread from shops.

It all started on the streets of France when she was just twelve. She didn't know any better, and nobody had ever taught her to be cautious around strangers. She was born alone no one ever told her to run away when she saw an old man standing in front of her and grinning down at her

But the street, in its own way, raised her and molded her into the woman she had become. One fateful night, while fleeing from street dogs with her little sister, Juliette was struck by a car. The driver hadn't been paying attention when Juliette suddenly appeared in front of her.

Juliette fell to the ground, her leg broken, but thankfully, her sister Jules was unharmed.

The woman driving the car rushed to Juliette's side, helped her stand, and asked, "Are you alright, little one?"

Juliette winced but replied, "Yeah, I'm fine."

The woman noticed the fear in the girl's eyes and insisted, "Come with me. I need to make sure you're okay."

"But-"

"No, I insist"

Reluctantly, Juliette agreed and brought her little sister along. Little did they know, this seemingly fancy woman was about to change their lives, in other words, save them.

And when she opened her eyes, everything had driven away, and she was still in the hotel bed, the clock ticking, the sheet moving and she was one hundred percent that the Shelby were celebrating.

by her right is her was her little sister, Jules. Her little snores proved that she was still asleep.

They have spent the entire night, planning for the wedding tomorrow, the Ada Shelby wedding. How couldn't they? Even if they have come into a different circumstance they still own a band and they have to do the job

_________________________

Juliette carefully slid into her pink dress, feeling the soft fabric embrace her figure. Meanwhile, her little sister Julie gleefully hopped into a lovely blue dress, both of them ready for the day's proceedings. The early visit to the church was a necessity, a trial for the upcoming event.

As the band leader, Juliette had an important role to play in ensuring Ada's Shelby wedding would grow seamlessly. However, beneath the surface of musical notes and harmonies, Juliette maintained an undercover motive – a quest for revenge. Yet, she skillfully masked her true intentions behind the responsibility of leading the band.

The church echoed with the practice tunes, the tools blending in harmony as Juliette produced the melodies. Her eyes subtly scanned the surroundings, noting every detail, every face. Ada's joyous occasion was the perfect cover for Juliette's ulterior motives, a revenge plot that needed to remain shrouded in the shadows.

Despite the weight of her hidden agenda, Juliette maintained an outward act of professionalism. With each wave of her hands, she guided the band through the detailed places, all while keeping the fake smile on her lips. The pink dress she wore symbolized her outward responsibility to the celebration, masking the storm within.

While discussing the band's entrance and the instruments for the night with her little sister, Juliette's gaze wandered to the Shelbys, huddled in a circle with worried expressions. Their secretive whispers hinted at trouble.

Juliette couldn't resist the thrill as she observed their fear, enjoying the curiosity that stirred within her. Caught up in the moment, she didn't notice Jules, still focused on her paper, cautioning, "Curiosity kills the cat, you know."

With a sly smirk, Juliette retorted, "Well, the cat does have eight lives,"

"This is stupid," Jules whispered to herself, frustration evident in her voice. She took her eyes off the paper, locking a gaze with her sister. "Can't we just hand the police the evidence we have against them and end this with them being where they deserve?"

"No, we can't, Jules. I didn't spend twelve years of my own life planning all of this just for them to end up casually in prison," Juliette retorted, her gaze unwavering as she stared at the Shelbys. Her fists tightened, expressing the intensity of her emotions. "I want them to suffer, just like we did."

Jules hesitated, torn between her sister's thirst for revenge and her own desire for a more straightforward resolution. "But Juliette, revenge won't bring back what they took from you. It's eating you alive. Can't we find another way to make them pay without sinking to their level?"

Juliette shook her head. "They need to understand the pain they caused. It's not just about punishment; it's about making them feel what I felt. Trust me, Jules, this is the only way."

"Maybe — but if one thing goes wrong, we will be in danger. You know how dangerous these people are," Jules whispered, a sense of fear creeping into her words. She could feel her sister's frustration through the intensity of her voice.

"Nothing will go wrong. I planned everything to go the way I wanted it to be," Juliette declared with determination, shaking her head in disbelief. "It may seem useless and stupid to you, but you weren't there when it happened. I was the one who had to witness it, me."

"I know, I'm sorry," Jules nodded, acknowledging the pain her sister endured alone. She wished she could have been there to shield Juliette from the harsh reality they faced when everything was taken from them.

As the sisters continued their conversation, they noticed John Shelby and his wife approaching. Instantly, their expressions shifted, and they exchanged glances, faking smiles to conceal the tension beneath.

"Remember, keep calm," Jules whispered, a concerned undertone in her voice.

Juliette nodded, forcing a smile that concealed the storm of emotions within. John Shelby greeted them with a charming smile.

"How are you ladies doing?" John inquired, his wife echoing the sentiment with a gracious nod. "Please tell me it's a boy"

Both sisters raised an eyebrow at him, clearly, he was joking by the way he laughed.

Jules locked her eyes with her sister hoping for an explanation but seeing that she held the same expression, she turned to John and asked "What?"

John grinned, enjoying the confusion evident on their faces. "It's a joke because you two are wearing gender-reveal colors," he explained, pointing to their dresses.

Seeing the look on his wife and how she shake her head in disbelief, they know that he was always like that. It wasn't funny to them but they did laugh to cover things up.

"It's always something with him," John's wife remarked, exchanging a knowing glance with the sisters.

Juliette, still wearing her fake smile, added, "Yes, he does have a unique way of keeping things interesting."

John's wife extended her hand toward them. "I'm Esme, unfortunately, John's wife."

Well, that was funny to them, Juliette chuckled at the self-deprecating remark and shook Esme's hand. "Juliette Monet."

Esme smirked, clearly amused. "A French band leader. Oui?"

Juliette nodded with a hint of a fake smile. "Is calling a woman who owns a band a leader around here or what?"

"Well, what do you want to be called?" John interjected, raising an eyebrow.

"A businesswoman. Maybe?" Juliette replied with a sly grin.

"Polly is turning you into herself?" John said with a hum. "It's just been one week."

Juliette chuckled, playing along with the banter. "Well, they do say influence is a powerful thing. Who knows, maybe I've found my calling in business after all."

Esme joined in, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "I see why Polly admires you. Maybe she'll let you run the Shelby Company alongside her in no time."

Juliette flashed her a grin that revealed more than it concealed. If only you knew, little Esme, that I'll be running it, minus Polly, of course. Juliette's thoughts echoed with a sly amusement. Then, a laugh escaped her lips. "Maybe,"

_________________________

As the day wore on, guests began to trickle into the church room, filling the space with a buzz of anticipation. Juliette's eyes widened as she noticed the increasing number of attendees.

Thomas, sensing her surprise, came up from behind. "Impressive turnout, isn't it?" he remarked, his voice carrying a hint of satisfaction.

Juliette nodded, still processing the growing crowd. "It's more than I expected. Are these all Shelby associates, or did your sister invite the entire town?"

Thomas chuckled, but it didn't last. "A bit of both, I reckon. Ada wanted a grand celebration, and the Shelbys have a way of drawing a crowd, for better or worse."

"You, as a family, full of yourselves," Juliette smirked, her words laced with a blend of mockery and amusement.

Thomas grinned, not taking offense. "Well, you know the saying – it comes with the territory. The Shelbys do have a certain reputation to uphold." As the guests continued to fill the room, Thomas leaned in with a flirtatious grin. "You know, Ms. Monet, your band might just be the most exciting thing to happen in this dull town. Maybe we should find a more private venue for you to perform."

Juliette, unimpressed by his advances, maintained a cool manners. "Mr. Shelby, I'm here for the wedding, not to entertain private fantasies."

He chuckled a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Well, a man can dream, eh?"

Ignoring his flirty banter, Juliette steered the conversation in a different direction. "I've noticed you and Mrs. Shelby seem quite distant today. Everything alright between you two?"

Thomas, always guarded about his personal life, responded with a nonchalant shrug. "Oh, you know how it is, Ms. Monet. Marriage has its ups and downs."

Juliette probed further, curiosity glinting in her eyes. "Is that so? It must be tough to keep things together, especially with a woman as strong-willed and loyal as Mrs. Shelby."

Thomas scoffed at the mention of loyalty, and that just proved to her that she was right. Cheating wasn't the thing that made him cold with his relationship with Grace betrayal was. She betrayed him and Juliette will do everything to know what her betrayal was

Suppressing a triumphant smile, Juliette pressed on, "Loyalty is a rare trait, Mr. Shelby. It's what holds relationships together. But when it falters, things can get complicated. Isn't that right?"

He chose to remain silent. Which wasn't surprising to her. With a dismissive wave, Thomas redirected the conversation, adopting his signature tone of arrogance. "Enough about my personal life, Ms. Monet. Let's talk about something more interesting. What do you think of this town, this event? Quite different from the glamorous life you lead, I suppose."

Juliette, ever the master of diplomacy, managed a humble smile. "Every place has its charm, Mr. Shelby. I find beauty in unexpected corners. Your town is no exception."

Thomas, reveling in his own ego, chuckled. "You know, in Birmingham, we own everything. Shelby Company holds the reins. It's a different world here, a world you might not be familiar with."

Juliette, not one to be easily swayed, responded calmly, "True, your world is unique. But every world has its complexities, different doesn't mean inferior."

He smirked, his ego unyielding. "Maybe you'll learn a thing or two about power and impact while you're here, Ms. Monet."

She shrugged nonchalantly, "Who knows? I'm always open to new perspectives."

_________________________

The wedding had just started and the band began to play, filling the air with delightful melodies. Juliette couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction, masking the storm within her as she watched the Shelbys and their associates dance and enjoy the evening. Not knowing that those siren whispers of music they're hearing and enjoying now will be their downfall

As their performance came to an end, the applause was thunderous, and people continued approaching Juliette, requesting her band's presence at their own weddings. As Juliette kept smuggling them cheeky smirks.

Polly approached her with a proud smile, placing a hand on her shoulder. Her smile conferment that she was satisfied by her band performance. "When they told me about your band, I had doubted it but seeing it now, I'm impressed"

Juliette stared at her hand on her shoulders, feeling another surge of rage but controlled it, replacing it with a smile and a nod, "Well, thank you, Mrs. Gray —"

"Polly" she corrected, a hint of a smile lingering at the corner of her lips. " You can drop the formalities now, Juliette"

On the other side of the room behind the guest, Jules couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction as well, seeing her sister earning Polly's trust and admiration and succeeding yet in another step in their plan. Not noticing the sharp gaze of Thomas Shelby on her. But as she turned to meet his gaze there was nothing but an unfeeling stare directed at her, no hint of recognition or emotion in his eyes, as if he was reading her soul wanting to know what was hiding behind her brown eyes.

Jules shivered, turning away from his intense gaze, suddenly feeling exposed and vulnerable. She has told her sister to give anything to do to help their plan to work, but not to become any closer to Thomas Shelby. She knows about his reputation for being a ruthless leader and fears him just as much and she knows how possessive he becomes when it comes to his family.

Her eyes even widened when she noticed that he was slowly approaching her across the hall, his eyes still holding her in her grip and she froze. Pleading in silence with her eyes for her sister to come and rescue her but Juliette didn't notice since she was busy having a conversation with Polly

But as he got closer, Thomas simply walked past her without a word, leaving Jules feeling unsettled and unsure of his intentions. He was playing with her and it sent a chill down her spine. He knows that she fears him so he is toying with her like a cat does when it catches a little mouse

Juliette broke her conversation with Polly and excused herself when she noticed Jules walking away out of the hall lost in thoughts, she followed to see her sister breathing heavily and biting her nails in distress.

"Jules—"

Jules gasped when she heard Juliette's voice behind her, she turned to face her sister as her voice trembled "I told you Thomas Shelby is smart, he was watching me as if he knew something about us—"

"He knows nothing Jules, he's just playing with you. Because he can see your fear anyone can, because you make it obvious. Calm down you're stronger than this—"

"I'm not!" Jules yelled in depression, her eyes starting to reflect with tears threatening to spill any second. "I am not you Juliette. I'm not brave or strong or anything like you"

"No you're not and I don't want you to be like me" Juliette embraced her sister, feeling guilty for leaving her alone. "Because I am not someone you should aspire to be, Hell I don't like being me right now and I know that I look brave and fearless to you but I'm not, I am just like you afraid of them, even Thomas Shelby."

"But you're still fighting and facing this despite all that—"

"Yes, because if we let our fear control us it will beat us. We can't let it win, we can't let them win. And I know that you're scared and I know that you feel lost but remember that I'm here, and do you think that I will let them do anything to you?" Juliette smiled at her sister, assuring her with a hand on her arm

"No, you won't, I'm sorry. I'm not going to able to face Thomas, what he just did was to make me fear him more, he enjoys it doesn't he? Making people fear him" Jules shook her head in disgust,

"Yeah he does, he's ruthless and if we have to get through him we have to get through Polly first" Juliette's voice shifted into a tone of steel, then smirked "And we did it"

"But we planned to be around them more. We were to be in the same house as them, but the plan changed when Thomas and John got married" Jules stated worriedly

Juliette smirked slightly, "Yeah, but I did find a way,"

Jules smiled slightly, "Of course you did,"