If You Leave Without a Word - Chapter 157
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
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Something happened that she had never once considered.
She had focused all her energy on solidifying her position to ensure her safety and to sever her ties with her fake husband, making plans for her future. But now, a child? It seemed that something had appeared to undermine both of her plans all at once.
“Lady Agatha.”
“……”
“This is a herbal tonic to soothe your stomach. Even if you don’t drink it all, just have a sip.”
Esther, who was the first to notice Agatha’s condition, had been taking care of her day and night. One of the things Agatha appreciated most about Esther was that she said nothing about the pregnancy. Despite the news, Esther remained calm and didn’t ask any questions.
“Lady Agatha.”
Esther gently urged her again, noticing Agatha didn’t answer.
Whether or not she was aware of how tense the situation was, Agatha hadn’t spoken a word since receiving the pregnancy diagnosis from the doctor.
Reluctantly, Agatha took a few sips of the herbal tonic and then waved her hand tiredly, signaling that she was done.
The old knight, who had taken it upon himself to protect Agatha, had told Esther to be careful not to upset her and just follow her lead. But Esther couldn’t leave Agatha alone.
It wasn’t just because Agatha was carrying her brother’s child; it was because she herself had suffered from an unwanted pregnancy in the past, and she could see too much of her own pain reflected in Agatha’s situation.
Esther had already suspected that there was something wrong with Agatha’s relationship with Cain. And the unexpected news of her pregnancy only added an immense burden and worry, something only a woman could truly understand.
Before being the wife of the Marquis or the Duchess, Agatha was a woman. It seemed that she was now at one of the most crucial turning points in her life. The fact that her husband wasn’t here with her, no matter the excuse, meant there was something wrong with him.
Esther believed this, even though he was her brother.
The fact that Cain had let such a fragile wife come here alone had deeply disappointed Esther. Agatha had arrived here, and not once had she mentioned anything about Cain.
Cain was a dear and cherished brother to Esther, but to Agatha, he was certainly a terrible husband.
“Lady Agatha.”
A man’s absence in a woman’s life could often come to one conclusion.
Lack of love.
Esther, who didn’t know that Agatha had distanced herself from Cain and hidden away, thought her brother must have callously abandoned Agatha. She assumed Cain had cruelly cast her aside.
“I’ve also been in a similar situation as you, Lady Agatha.”
At that, Agatha turned her gaze away from the window and looked at Esther.
“That’s why I cautiously ask you this.”
Now that Esther mentioned having been in a similar situation, it reminded Agatha of the day when Esther had first suggested that Agatha might be pregnant. Esther had said that she knew what it was like from her own experience. Agatha studied her closely with a serious expression.
If Esther had been in a similar situation, it must have meant that she had once been alone, carrying someone’s child. But what happened to that child?
Esther had cared for many children here, but none of them seemed to be her own. So, where had the child gone?
A fleeting curiosity crossed Agatha’s mind, but she didn’t ask. She felt like she already knew the answer, and she didn’t want to hear it, knowing it would likely cause Esther great pain.
“The child…”
Agatha hesitated as she spoke, and the tension in the air grew. What was Esther about to say? Why was she hesitating so much?
“You don’t have to keep the child, Lady Agatha.”
“What?”
Agatha reacted in surprise, not expecting such words to come from Esther.
Seeing her bewilderment, Esther swallowed nervously.
“Life, of course, is precious and a blessing to some… but that’s only for those who have eagerly awaited the new life.”
“….”
“I think it’s more important to protect yourself than to protect an unwanted pregnancy, Lady Agatha.”
If someone had overheard this, they would have been outraged, likely accusing Esther of blasphemy.
In the Empire, the expected role of a woman, regardless of her status, was to maintain a peaceful home and bear children to carry on the family line. Life was beautiful and noble, and it was considered a woman’s duty to fulfill that sacred role, even at the cost of her life.
But here was Esther, saying that it was okay to forsake that duty that every woman was supposed to fulfill.
“Do you even realize what you’re saying to me?”
“Yes. I understand, Lady Agatha.”
“You know who the father of this child is, and you’re still saying this?”
“Yes. I think it’s more important that Lady Agatha decide whether or not you want this child. More important than the will of a useless husband who couldn’t be by your side when you needed him the most.”
