After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 122
The conversation flowed without any hindrance. Both of them no longer had the intention to deceive each other, which made it possible.
However, while Claude admitted that he was a member of the Inverness family, he did not reveal that he was Dehart’s youngest uncle.
Since his name had been erased from the family tree, Claude had completely ceased to exist within Inverness. To explain that he did in fact exist, they would have to trace back to the day Dehart’s parents died.
Claude believed Sebelia didn’t need to know that fact.
She’s someone who had to bury her past just to escape from Hillend Hall.
There was no need to burden her with a long, drawn-out history about why he was there. Instead, he introduced himself in this way:
“I’m the son of Count Byren, the younger uncle of the late Duke Gilland. I’m an illegitimate child who never appeared on the family tree, but I spent a lot of time with Dehart when we were young.”
“Ah, that explains it.”
Sebelia nodded as she imagined the two men, who appeared to be around the same age. If they were as close as brothers, it would explain why he had lost his composure so much when Dehart was sick.
Sebelia looked at Claude with renewed interest. As he felt her gaze, he tilted his head slightly, as if realizing something, and then muttered, “Ah.”
“You needn’t worry about the knights stationed in Suffredi.”
“Really?”
“Dehart has already told them not to look for you. So, the situation you’re worried about won’t happen.”
Claude said with a bitter smile. At that moment, the relief that settled over her chest made Sebelia take a deep breath.
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“Were you planning on heading to Suffredi?”
“…”
Sebelia hesitated for a moment before nodding slightly. Claude sighed again. This couple—well, they weren’t a couple anymore, but still, these two had a knack for causing trouble in ways he hadn’t imagined.
“You should know how dangerous it is to go through the forest and down the mountain alone, Miss Bella.”
“I wasn’t planning on doing it recklessly. Besides, I’ve changed my mind. I won’t go until I’m fully healed.”
Sebelia shrugged lightly. Claude furrowed his brow and looked down at her, shaking his head as though there was nothing to be done.
“Fine. It’s a done deal anyway. So, when are you planning to go to Suffredi?”
Honestly, Claude didn’t care much whether she went to Suffredi or not. But Dehart wouldn’t let him off that easily.
Stop staring. You’ll be caught, you fool.
Claude quickly glanced at Dehart, who was watching Sebelia through a crack in the curtains. Then, he swiftly lowered his gaze as Sebelia continued explaining her plan.
“You’re planning to stop by the post office? Got it. I was going to head to Suffredi too, so let’s go together in two days at lunchtime.”
Sebelia thanked him and he was about to turn toward the storage room when, in the blink of an eye, Dehart, hidden behind the curtains, disappeared without a sound. His movements were swift, almost like lightning.
“Ah…”
He canceled the time when he said Dehart resembled Gilland. Claude clicked his tongue and walked toward the mansion.
* * *
After confirming that Sebelia had entered through the back door, Dehart silently returned. The breath escaping his lips was heavy.
“Bella.”
Dehat’s trembling eyelashes as he called her not by Sebelia but Bella, fluttered slightly. A faint sadness appeared and quickly vanished in his golden eyes, hidden in the shadow.
It had been five days since he last saw Sebelia. Contrary to his assumptions, he wasn’t holed up here to give up on his feelings for her.
He was doing everything he could to ensure that she, having chosen a life as Bella, could protect her future.
“But I can’t help but miss you.”
He swallowed a bitter smile and picked up a pen. He couldn’t believe how he had been circling around her until now. He, a mere sinner, had tried to claim her by shamelessly forgetting that fact.
It was definitely Sebelia’s last words, but also the situation in Hillend Hall, learned through Eli and Claude, that made him realize his place.
Even if she forgets it all, I won’t forget.
Gren, Lash, and Flora. The ones who, after him, hurt Sebelia and drove her to the brink of death. He couldn’t let them walk away as victims, leaving Hillend Hall at their whim.
And…
No. Don’t think nonsense, Dehart.
What you need to do now isn’t to get lost in sentiment. You have no such luxury. Dehart clenched his teeth.
* * *
The day to head to Suffredi arrived. Sebelia, with a fluttering heart, gathered her wallet and letters, waiting for Claude in the living room. He had gone down to the research room, saying he had something to get from Watts.
“No, come here!”
With a thud, Maya dashed down the stairs so quickly that Sebelia couldn’t even see her.
“Meow!”
Maya proudly let out a strange sound before quickly jumping onto Sebelia’s lap. And, as if to show off, she stared at Dehart, who was standing at the landing of the stairs.
