After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 97
Dehart smiled as he opened the door. In the distance, he saw Sebelia sitting on a bench, looking this way. He felt a complex mix of emotions as he gazed at her.
“Mr. Dehart.”
As he looked into her calm, shimmering blue eyes, warmed by the morning sunlight, he tried to steady his rough breathing.
Stay calm; don’t get deceived. Think of the foolish tyrants in history. Remember the fools who were betrayed by the fake lovers brought by their courtiers and met their demise.
Sebelia is buried in Hillend Hall. I kissed her forehead and laid flowers on her chest.
Recalling the moment Sebelia’s coffin was buried in the ground made his blood boil and then freeze cold in an instant. It felt as if he had plunged into icy water, jolting his senses and sending chills down his spine.
Bowing slightly toward Sebelia, who was watching him, Dehart gently asked, “May I sit beside you?”
He shuddered at the sight of himself at that moment.
He knew he didn’t have the best personality. He had never really tried to win someone’s affection or to grow closer to anyone in his life. So, he had chosen to imitate Eli, who was known for being charming.
However, this plan had a critical flaw.
It was none other than Dehart’s appearance. Unlike the likable Eli, who would easily adapt even in the countryside, he was an urban and handsome man.
As a result, all his attempts to be considerate ended up giving off a rather decadent vibe. Though he was completely unaware of it.
“Oh… of course. Please, have a seat. I was just about to get up because I was feeling a bit chilly.”
Sebelia, unexpectedly tempted since morning, stood up with a dazed expression.
After living locked away in the mansion for over twenty years and entering into an arranged marriage with Dehart, she was completely unaccustomed to such situations. Her husband had never once acted in a way that would bolster her immunity to such encounters.
And yet, the perpetrator shamelessly blocked Sebelia’s path, pretending to be gloomy.
“There’s no need for you to make up excuses because of me. I don’t want to take Miss Bella’s seat, so let’s sit together. Like this… see? We can read side by side comfortably.”
Dehart guided Sebelia back to her seat and then sat beside her, leaving barely a palm’s width of space between them. Caught off guard by this natural flow, Sebelia fell into confusion.
…What is this?
And as she let her guard down, Dehart seized the opportunity to strike. Casually, he examined the space between the book she was holding, wondering if something was wedged in there, and asked without a care.
“This book is quite thick. Is it one that Mr. Watts lent you?”
“Oh, yes. But Mr. Dehart might find it boring; it’s about herbs.”
“Hmmm… Miss Bella thinks I’m someone who isn’t interested in such books?”
Sebelia flinched at his suggestive remark. When she turned her head, she found Dehart looking at her with keen interest. She swallowed hard, meeting his gaze.
Their eyes intertwined in the air. Curiosity and wariness blended into the crisp morning atmosphere.
Suddenly, a voice broke the silence.
“What are you two doing over there?”
Claude appeared, carrying a basket full of laundry. His deeply furrowed brow looked quite displeased. He glanced back and forth between Dehart and Sebelia before placing the basket on the ground and gesturing toward Dehart.
“Building knowledge is good, but you also need to learn how to manage a household. Come over here.”
“…”
“You know, moving around can help spark forgotten memories. Are you ignoring the assistant doctor’s words?”
Claude, with his arms crossed and a stern expression, scolded him. Annoyance flickered and then disappeared from Dehart’s smiling face. As the standoff continued. Suddenly, Sebelia stood up.
“I’ll help you.”
“No, Miss Bella, you should go inside and rest.”
“Let’s do it together.”
As Claude frowned and tried to dissuade her, Dehart quickly stepped in. The two golden-eyed individuals stared intensely at each other. Tch. Dehart clearly witnessed Claude click his tongue in frustration.
“I’ll take care of the heavy lifting. You two go ahead.”
Dehart swiftly lifted the laundry basket, effectively blocking Claude’s objections. Sebelia hesitated but then nodded. Dehart observed the cover of the book she had been reading as they followed behind.
This won’t do.
While getting closer was nice, there was still a strong sense of wariness. After all, anyone would be taken aback if their target suddenly lost their memory. Until new orders came, she would likely act passively.
As Dehart hung the laundry according to Claude’s instructions, he felt the need for a new plan. He would have to shake her up more actively to uncover her true identity and alleviate this frustration.
Just as he flung a sheet onto the clothesline, a shout rang out.
“Bella!”
Claude’s scream echoed through the yard. The peaceful atmosphere froze in an instant. Dehart turned his head and saw Sebelia slowly collapsing amid the white fabric.
In the next moment, he found himself cradling her in his arms. Looking up, he saw clothes tangled on the ground in disarray. Claude was shouting something toward a distant spot.
But he couldn’t hear a word.
