The Wicked Wife's Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 21
***
There is no shortcut to atonement.
Cutting off the past as if slicing a radish and running away is only possible when you think solely of yourself. It means leaving the aftermath for others to handle and pretending you have no responsibility.
Unlike in her previous life, Nina, now equipped with a conscience, decided to temporarily put her dreams of escaping worldly matters on hold and follow the actions of a time-traveler learned through novels.
It’s not grandiose; it simply means she plans to gradually resolve the things she had done wrong.
“Marsha, please call the head maid for me.”
“The head maid?”
“Yes, I’m thinking of taking a look at the household management again.”
She had neglected her duties as the lady of the house with the intention of divorcing and leaving soon, but since she might stay for up to a year, she needed to return to her role. How could she hold her head high if she didn’t fulfill her duties? To live comfortably at home, she first had to remove the unfriendly gazes directed at her.
‘First, let’s start with the head maid.’
Currently, Melanie was the one managing the household in her stead. Even before her return, Nina had almost abandoned her duties due to her obsessive behavior, and after her return, she intentionally ignored them.
It would be absurd to say she would resume the duties she had neglected, but there was no other way. The best way to showcase her change was through household management. After all, this is the golden rule of romance fantasy novels.
“Madam, you called for me.”
Melanie appeared shortly after. Perhaps due to the conflicts they had whenever she was called, there was a faint trace of caution on her face.
“I neglected my responsibilities to you because I was not in good health, both physically and mentally. I understand you have suffered greatly because of me.”
“…As I have always managed the duties in your absence, I wouldn’t call it suffering.”
Is she subtly implying I shouldn’t try to take over the household management? Sorry, but that’s not going to happen.
“From now on, I intend to take charge of the household management again.”
Melanie’s gaze sharpened.
“Madam, half of the budget has already been used according to the planned schedule, and the remaining budget also has predetermined uses. This means there is nothing substantial for you to do.”
It was a momentary bitterness Nina felt from the straightforward comment that reflected the head maid’s distrust of her.
“That is for me to see and decide. You do know that I don’t need your permission for this in the first place, don’t you?”
A wrinkle appeared between Melanie’s eyebrows.
In the past, Nina’s sense of economy was a mess—frequently changing expensive tea sets according to trends, buying excess food that would spoil because she believed it was better to have too much than too little.
On top of that, she had indulged in luxuries beyond the quarterly allowance for maintaining her lifestyle, even adding debts to the family name. It was no wonder Melanie was worried about her suddenly wanting to take charge of the household affairs.
“I understand what you’re worried about.”
A lavish and wasteful wife.
Melanie’s distrust was a result of Nina’s past behavior.
“However, I no longer intend to cause trouble as I did before. I just want to fulfill my duties properly. So, won’t you help me?”
Before her marriage, she was an object of envy, but afterward, she became a target of pity and ridicule.
In the past, she filled the gap between those perceptions with material possessions, but now she realized that this could not be a lasting solution.
If one’s value is determined by others’ perspectives, then soothing the heart through consumption is like pouring water into a bottomless jar.
Nina waited for Melanie’s response, meeting her sharp gaze with her own. Perhaps she sensed the sincerity in Nina’s eyes, for Melanie sighed deeply and spoke in a low voice.
“…I will bring the work logs and the ledgers. It would be great if you could review them, Madam.”
“Thank you.”
A gentle smile appeared on Nina’s face. Though it wasn’t a complete handover of the household management, it was a significant step forward. Reviewing the work logs and ledgers meant Melanie was halfway convinced.
‘Great, now I really have to work hard!’
It was an opportunity to get closer to Melanie.
Nina’s blue eyes sparkled with determination.
