After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 55
Located in the southeastern region of the empire, Supredi was a city renowned for its ancient ruins atop high hills and its famous fortress. However, this did not necessarily mean it was a bustling tourist destination.
With nothing but heaps of stones in the ancient ruins and a rather modest fortress, there were no admirers marveling at the sights.
“It’s a quiet and serene place indeed. The residents and priests here are all kind and simple-hearted,” the physician subtly remarked while handing over the last prescription—as if to reinforce her choice.
“The air is clean and good, surely beneficial for the patient’s health.”
Perhaps impressed by her decision to seek treatment, a glint of moisture shimmered in the physician’s eyes.
“By the way, did you remember how to find the doctor I showed you and what to bring?”
Sebelia nodded. Even though her fingertips still felt numb and her steps were heavy in the morning…
Still, it’s better than having no hope.
As she stepped out of the clinic, Sebelia closed her eyes, embracing the gentle sunlight caressing her face.
“Ah…”
A shiver ran through her entire body, a sensation that reminded her she was alive. Paradoxical as it might seem, she was at peace with it. It didn’t matter if it felt selfish or contradictory.
She didn’t care if she was accused of being selfish for wanting to live now, when she’d given up everything for the idea that she was going to die anyway.
If she could live, then she wanted to live. Even if the six months ahead promised to be filled with uncertainty, unhappiness, and despair, it was alright.
“It’s my choice.”
While the escape from Hillend was for a liberated death, this time, it was for a liberated life.
* * *
Was this a dream?
Dehart stood still, gazing up at the eerie mansion that had turned sinister.
The world was hazily enveloped in a delicate mist, yet amid this obscurity, only the charred mansion possessed an unsettling clarity.
“I didn’t realize I missed it enough to dream about it.”
Dehart raised his eyebrow, questioning his own subconscious. He turned away and took a few steps into the fog. But inevitably, he found himself returning to the front of the mansion.
“Ah…”
This annoying dream seemed to insist on him entering the mansion.
“Of all the things.”
Dehart sighed and ran a hand roughly through his hair. At that moment, a blue light flickered and faded from the crucifix necklace around his wrist. It went unnoticed as he began striding purposefully towards the mansion.
“…What an eyesore.”
Dehart squinted as he stepped into the mansion. The interior appeared more desolate than he had imagined.
“It can’t have crumbled this much even in the fire.”
He strolled through the cracking hallway, surveying the dust-laden structures, encroaching ivy, sagging ceilings, and creaking corridors. Everywhere he looked, it seemed like a dilapidated ruin.
At this point, Dehart felt a sense of relief.
I’m sure I’m not dreaming because I miss Hillend Hall.
It seemed more fitting to think that perhaps his subconscious wish for utter ruin had materialized.
Walking along the never-ending corridor, he stumbled upon a large and peculiar door.
“This is…”
He looked the door up and down in bewilderment. The door, standing proudly at the end of the hallway, was made of clear glass, and he could see right through it. It was the door to the greenhouse.
“…”
Dehart’s eyes fluttered violently for a moment before settling into resignation.
“It wasn’t longing or hope.”
It was a dream conjured by his guilt. A pained voice escaped his lips before breaking.
Since Sebelia’s death, he hadn’t set foot in the greenhouse.
Or rather, it would be more accurate to say he couldn’t. Every time he so much as glanced at the greenhouse, memories of what had happened there flooded back.
[Tomorrow is our wedding anniversary.]
[I understand if you don’t remember. I’m not blaming you. I just really want you to be with me this time. There’s something I want to tell you…]
What she wanted to tell him, he still didn’t know. There wasn’t a single sentence about in the suicide note she left behind.
That day, what was it that she wanted to say to him?
She knew she would be met with his disapproval and that she would be hurt by his harsh words.
“What on earth were you trying to say?” Dehart muttered quietly, resting his forehead against the cold glass door.
And in that moment, a voice he didn’t want to remember cut through the current.
[She had already said goodbye to the Duke in her heart.]
Denisa’s matter-of-fact words, which he wished to believe were simply lies, pierced through his heart.
