After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 48
“Sh*t.”
Dehart was devastated when he learned that Denisa had already returned to the Capital.
“No one knew she had left. Unbelievable.” A sigh escaped through his cracked lips.
Ryan, sorting documents nearby, glanced up. “No need to blame yourself.”
He seemed composed compared to his boss, whose emotional state was in waves. To be honest, Ryan had all but given up trying to calm him.
“No one thought of her until it got to this point in the first place, so you’re not the only one who forgot about her.”
That woman, Denisa, was usually unobtrusive. Even Ryan, who served Dehart, had only occasionally seen her with Sebelia. She left a faint, forgettable impression on people. An unremarkable and common face that didn’t stick in people’s memories—a simple nursemaid from a common background.
“Most of the servants didn’t even know the maid’s name,” said Ryan. “Of course… I’m in the same boat.”
Ryan frowned, clicking his tongue. It was hard to remember someone whose name he hadn’t even known. She had gotten buried in his memory, not even having a clue what she looked like.
“Yes. Those lot didn’t even know who she served, damn it—none of the countless servants in this cursed manor!”
Hillend Hall encompassed a vast estate, including two hunting grounds, hills, a parkland with a lake, and meadows. Thus, those working there seldom bothered about one another unless they were directly involved. So while Dehart was on a rampage, questioning Sebelia’s death, no one thought of Denisa.
I drove her out of the estate.
Denisa lived outside Hillend Hall, only coming in for work and locking herself in Sebelia’s room. Of course no one remembered her.
“No matter what, she was the sole maid to the Duchess of Hillend Hall. Isn’t it absurd that not a single soul remembers her!”
Dehart slumped in his seat, fuming. “They’re all so arrogant, treating her as if she were nothing…”
Yet, even as he voiced this, he was acutely aware that those same words could have very well applied to himself. He felt all the more foolish and insignificant.
“I’ve sent word to those dispatched to the Capital, and as a precaution, I’ve arranged for additional knights, so don’t worry too much.”
Ryan placed neatly organized documents on his desk, speaking calmly. “Although I can’t say for certain if this maid is someone who can resolve the Duke’s suspicions.”
Dehart glared at Ryan, seemingly uncomfortable with his indifferent words. However, Ryan remained unfazed, his expression unchanged. Unlike his boss, whose suspicion and distrust of others had reached a fever pitch and who now believed his wife’s death was a murder, Ryan still retained some semblance of reason.
“Once the maid arrives, don’t intimidate her. It might be better to make her feel comfortable.”
“Are you suggesting sitting down with her for some light banter?”
To that maid, Dehart must seem like the worst scoundrel in existence.
“It’d be a relief if she doesn’t curse me the moment she lays eyes on me.” Dehart sneered before abruptly rising from his seat, seemingly unable to stay still any longer. “No, this won’t do. Waiting for her to arrive from the North will take too long. I have to go myself.”
“My Lord.”
“I entrust the affairs of the Duke and Duchess to you. You should be able to hold off those old men until I return.”
Issuing rapid commands, Dehart swiftly exited the study, leaving no time for Ryan to stop him.
“Ah.” Ryan sighed deeply, meeting the gaze of the bird with emerald eyes that had been brought from the port, its golden feathers gleaming. “At least you seem the most sane one here.”
Watching the bird, which hadn’t sung a tune since arriving in the North, Ryan swallowed another sigh.
* * *
Not long after receiving a letter from Sebelia, Denisa became certain she was being followed. It all started on the day she went to the post office, carrying a letter to send to Sebelia.
I thought someone was yelling at me in my dream to run.
Denisa felt an eerie sensation as she left her house the other day, attributing it to a dream she’d had. Then, as she turned onto the main road, it happened. She caught the gaze of a stranger reflected in a shop window.
They were looking at me.
The hairs on her head stood on end. She’d thought it could happen, but the realization filled her with dread.
However, Denisa disguised her unease and offered a friendly smile to the person whose eyes had met hers. It was like greeting someone whose gaze you coincidentally met while walking down the street.
In response, the stranger’s face stiffened awkwardly. Denisa didn’t miss that. Shortly after, the stranger turned away and disappeared into another alley.
It was only then that Denisa swiftly turned away from the glass window and hurriedly left the spot.
“Goodness.”
Denisa grasped at her racing heart, nearly collapsing where she stood when their eyes met.
…Let’s hold off on going to the post office for now.
If someone was truly following her, then it was likely that their real target was Sebelia. In a cold sweat, Denisa turned to go back the way she’d come.
Do they know where I live?
The suddenness of the situation sent her into a panic. Is going home the right thing to do? But if she doesn’t go home, they might realize that she knows she’s being followed.
How much money do I have on me? Do I have enough money to get to where she is?
Denisa could feel her head spinning.
No, first things first, send the letter. That way, the lady can go to her treatment and…
Even as she forcibly tried to string her thoughts together, Denisa felt lost. Her chest tightened, and she had no idea what to do. She wished someone could provide her with answers.
At that moment, someone grabbed her shoulder.
“If you can’t hear me… ugh!”
Denisa reflexively swung the umbrella she was holding. She thought it was the person who had been following her.
“Hmph…”
“Get away… oh! Goodness!”
But the man who staggered, clearly in pain from being struck in the side, was someone Denisa could have ever imagined.
“…the Duke?”
