"Lèvres closes" by Daniel Lesueur is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story explores the intricacies of relationships and the themes of love, desire, and betrayal, focusing on the life of Marcienne de Sélys, a woman torn between her duties as a wife and her passionate affair with a younger man, Philippe d'Orlhac. The narrative delves into Marcienne's emotional turmoil as she navigates her relationships with her husband, Édouard de Sélys, and her half-sister Charlotte, who becomes entangled in her secret. The opening of the novel immerses readers in the luxurious yet emotionally complex setting of the de Sélys household. As Marcienne prepares coffee and reflects on her life and marriage, we learn about her relationship with Édouard, an esteemed lawyer, and the internal struggle she faces regarding her past love and current infidelity. Their interaction highlights the emotional distance between them, underscored by Marcienne's melancholy introspection concerning aging and the fleeting nature of happiness. The arrival of Charlotte introduces further tension, as her admiration for Marcienne begins to clash with the shocking realities of Marcienne's hidden life and illicit love, setting the stage for conflicts that will unfold as the story progresses. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
