After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 39
Through a series of events, Ryan discovered that both Roger and Glenn had cunningly tormented Sebelia and ultimately intended to kill her. Now, in Ryan’s mind, Glenn and Roger were no longer people he served but were among the key figures who caused Dehart’s suffering.
And then, by chance, he stumbled upon their weakness. It was nothing short of a gift from the heavens.
A chilling light flashed over Ryan’s dark eyes.
* * *
A hazy light seeped through the window glass. Dehart woke up with a start.
“…”
He seemed to be grasping at fleeting memories and soon buried his face in his hands in agony.
Roman’s outcry echoed in his mind.
[That bastard betrayed Inverness first. She deceived you! Didn’t you know that? Isn’t that why you punished her?]
The anger that had been burning in him crumbled to ashes. He wanted to punish them for pushing Sebelia to such extremes, to make them realize that it was because of them that she suffered. But then he realized that he was not free of that sin either.
No, I deliberately refused to acknowledge that fact.
A deep melancholy engulfed him. He was the sinner. He had driven her to that point. How dare he condemn anyone.
Because I was such a fool…
If someone were to witness him in this state now, they would surely be dumbfounded. As Roman had said, she betrayed them first and she deserved it. It was evident he had made decisions befitting of her treachery.
But what was the use? Justice, righteousness, punishment—they meant nothing to him now.
“You’re not here.”
He couldn’t have her sitting by his side. He can’t make her look at him and not think about anything else.
“So what’s the use of it all?”
It was hypocritical. If everyone knew his true thoughts, they would be appalled. He knew it himself. He just didn’t want to admit it. The moment Sebelia’s betrayal was revealed was the moment he realized he could keep her forever by his side. Outwardly, he was filled with rage, but deep inside, he was shaken.
“Ah…”
The golden eyes that had burned with uncontrollable emotion went blank. As the anger burned to ashes, emptiness took its place. He felt suffocated by the overwhelming lethargy that engulfed his entire being. But did he even deserve to die like this? Did the sinner who had driven her to suicide dare to die a comfortable death?
“Ha, ha…”
A dry laughter erupted, his hands trembling as they covered his face.
For a while, groaning in agony, he eventually rose from his seat. With his staggering body, he lit the hallucinogenic candles placed on the side table.
“I see. I never believed from the start, but now… ”
Dehart laughed hollowly, like a man who’d lost everything, and then flopped back onto the bed, regretting that he’d actually hoped for a normal love, a happy home.
“Sebelia.”
She, who he could no longer hold onto, who was unblemished and perfect beyond his reach, appeared before him like an illusion.
* * *
Dawn was breaking. The darkness receded with a wistful wave, and the sun rose. Fair sunlight cast its rays upon the dilapidated mansion that had turned into a wreck.
“Ugh…”
One by one, people woke up with a sickly groan. A strange day was beginning at Hillend Hall.
“What in the world is going on…?”
As grumbles and disgruntled morning greetings came in one ear and out the other, Ryan moved quickly but stealthily. It wasn’t long before he found himself in a deserted hallway. At the end of the corridor was Dehart’s room.
Ryan opened the door cautiously and bit his lip.
“My Lord.”
The thick scent of psychedelic herbs stung his nose. Ryan clamped down on his breathing, careful not to jostle what he’d hidden under his coat.
As he neared the bed, he could hear Dehart mumbling something unintelligible in his sleep.
S**t.
Short on thought, quick on action, he began with a blunt apology.
“I’m sorry.”
Thwack–!
“Ugh…!”
It was a heavy blow that shook his entire body. Dehart, clutching his chest, looked up at Ryan with wide eyes.
“What kind of crazy…Ryan.”
His flashing golden eyes quickly cooled down as soon as he recognized his opponent.
“If you’re here to nag , get lost. I am in the most perfect state right now.”
He reached for the psychedelic candle once more, but Ryan was faster.
“You!”
“Get a grip, Duke.”
“What the hell are you doing?”
Dehart’s face hardened as he glared at him with fiery eyes.
[Dehart, to you who were once my hope.]
It was Sebelia’s suicide note, which was clearly said not to have existed.
