After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 197

If I had known, I would’ve put my name on the patron list in advance.

Dehart now regretted having once sneered and burned the letter requesting patronage.

“Looks like it’s starting, Dehart. Let’s get to our seats quickly.”

“…Alright.”

Dehart sighed softly and sat beside Sebelia. Her continuous expressions of awe upset him.

She’s lived in the capital for over twenty years, yet this is her first time at Lang Elisa’s pride, the grand theater.

Dehart clenched his teeth, realizing how harshly her childhood had been wasted. But it was only for a moment. Sebelia soon became captivated by the opera’s magnificence, and Dehart was deeply drawn to the lively sparkle in her eyes.

After the first act ended, the intermission bell rang. A soft murmur grew gradually. They could feel people seated below the box occasionally glancing up at them.

Then, just as expected, Karl Appenz appeared at the box seat.

“Sorry I’m late.”

“Mr. Appenz is always busy.”

“Watts isn’t much of an opera fan, so he said he’d wait outside.”

“Is that so? That’s unfortunate.”

Everyone saw Dehart shaking hands with a middle-aged man he was meeting for the first time. Sebelia watched the scene, whispered something to Dehart, and then left the box seat.

Outside, Watts stood in the corridor looking bored.

“Mr. Watts.”

“Miss Bella.”

Watts greeted her with a faint smile. They could feel the gazes of other nobles nearby fixed on them.

“Did you enjoy the opera?”

“Yes. It was much more thrilling than I expected. I wish you could have seen it too, Mr. Watts.”

Sebelia recalled the prima donna, who had stared daggers at her rival and sung with an incredible vocal power. Her performance was flawless despite such intense acting—truly the pride of the capital’s opera singers.

“I’m fine. But you’d better hurry before intermission ends.”

“It’s already this late. See you after the opera.”

Sebelia said a light goodbye and headed to the toilette room. She felt lingering, reluctant gazes of those debating whether to approach her follow along her back. But she didn’t give them the chance and kept walking.

Soon, she met the person she had been waiting for.

“Could you spare a moment?”

Rosy cheeks, sparkling eyes like stars—one of the social scene’s brightest flowers, raised with love and affection, naturally charming those around her.

“I really wanted to see you.”

Nelia Wheddon smiled warmly at Sebelia.

* * *

The bell announcing the start of the second act sounded. It was likely too late to return to their seats. Sebelia declined Nelia’s invitation to sit.

“So, what do you want, Lady Nelia? I don’t think we’re close enough to be chatting casually.”

Her stiff attitude toward the stranger made Nelia pout and respond sulkily.

“It’s been a while. You’re still as cold as ever.”

“…”

“Relax your eyes a little. Father always said that treating people that way is why everyone dislikes you.”

As usual, the blame naturally fell on Sebelia. She figured she’d be scolded even if she did nothing but breathe.

Maybe I shouldn’t have bothered meeting.

She had hoped to figure out her father’s intentions, but only her stomach was upset.

Tired of her sister’s unchanged attitude, Sebelia sighed. Dehart had been right—they didn’t care why she made those choices.

“You must be confusing me with someone else. I have nothing more to say, so I’ll be going.”

“Sebelia, are you going to be like this until the end?”

Nelia sighed deeply, then looked up at Sebelia as if coaxing a childish younger sister.

“I don’t know why you chose such a difficult, complicated path, but Father has agreed to follow your wishes. We’ll give you a new identity, so just come back. Do you think someone spoiled all their life like you can adjust to commoner life?”

Sebelia felt her breath catch. The person who had mocked and despised her all her life was now persuading her that this new life was fine and to return.

The anger she felt at Nelia instantly froze cold. Sebelia spoke firmly in a low voice.

“Saying more would only soil my mouth. I’ll be leaving.”

“Ha, you said you’d hold out until the end. Really? Then listen to what Father said before you go.”

Sebelia turned halfway and stared at Nelia. The sharp glare made Nelia flinch briefly, but then she realized this was her insignificant younger sister and returned to her usual expression.

“If you come back, I’ll tell you about the birth mother you were so curious about.”