After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 237

“It’s a rumor that’s been quietly circulating, but it’s probably true. They say there’s an illusionist working alongside the Second Prince.”

“That’s the first time I’ve heard of it.”

Sebelia alternated her gaze between the door and Claude, then returned to her seat.

“Do you think the Second Prince will have him attend the meeting with me?”

“It’s very likely. Thinking that way makes it easier to understand why the Second Prince sided with you back then.”

“Indeed. He was far too favorable to me for it to be just a move against Nathan and the First Queen’s faction.”

Without prior knowledge, facing that hellish scene, anyone else would have been wary of her. Even if the horrifying visions were drawn from the perpetrators’ malice, it was her own ability that manifested them in reality.

“Now that I think about it, that explains Prince Shateian’s calm response and reaction. I had only assumed he was trying to send everyone back quickly at the time.”

“In any case, he’s the First Queen’s greatest rival, so we probably don’t need to worry too much.”

Claude said, leaning back comfortably in his chair.

“Ah, of course, I wouldn’t let you go to the palace alone.”

“I thought as much.”

Sebelia said with a shrug. Her calm reaction brought a faint, wry smile to Claude’s face. He knew she was sensitive, but it couldn’t be helped.

He didn’t want to feel powerless again.

Just as he was about to get up, there was a knock at the door, accompanied by Eli’s voice.

“Is the Duke here?”

“It’s just me and Miss Bella here. Has the Duke left again?”

“Oh, it’s not that he went out. He would have taken me along for anything like that.”

Eli replied firmly, leaving Claude slightly taken aback.

“I see… the last time I saw the Duke was in his office. If he’s not there, we should search elsewhere. Is it urgent?”

As Claude spoke with Eli by the doorway, Sebelia quietly listened while remaining seated.

“Ah! Could you help me?”

“Hm?”

“I need to stop by the capital guards’ office. If it’s alright, could you deliver this to the Duke? It just needs to reach him by today!”

“If it’s no trouble… very well.”

“Thank you!”

With a cheerful farewell, the door closed behind him, and Claude returned carrying the bundle. Sebelia, forcing her gaze forward, continued sipping her tea with composure.

“Good grief.”

Claude dumped the bundle onto the table, and only then could Sebelia finally look at him.

The table was piled high with invitations—beautiful, ornate, and elegant.

“These must be the ones sent to Dehart.”

Each envelope was plain in color, but the names were adorned in elaborate inkwork, coming from some of the most prominent families in the capital…

“Some of these names are familiar.”

They were the young ladies once considered for political marriages between the North and the Central regions. Sebelia had never expected to see these names again like this, and it stirred a strange feeling within her.

Becoming the Madam of a Northern Duke’s household must have been unexpectedly desirable. The effort expended for that indifferent man…

Having only witnessed Nelia refuse the marriage with disdain, Sebelia felt like she’d been hit across the back of the head. And once again, she realized that she and Dehart were no longer husband and wife.

So many women desired him. Blind with greed for his wealth and honor, countless people reached out for him…

Without knowing anything about him. They had no idea what pain he had endured, or what scars his horrific past had left.

I’m the only one who truly knows Dehart.

She alone could bring him to his knees, make him cry, and keep him awake at night with worry.

“…!”

“Bella, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing, it’s nothing… I just felt hot for a moment. I’ll step out first, sorry.”

“Bella?”

Sebelia jumped up, hiding her red face, and ran toward the garden. The cold wind hit her cheeks, biting into her mouth, making her gag.

“What on earth are you thinking…!”

Her true feelings were revealed. The selfish desire she had buried deep inside. Her gaze met it, and she felt her mind reel.

“Haah…”

She reached the fountain and began walking slowly. Water droplets splashed onto her reddened cheeks. She sat down, trying to cool off, but had to stifle another low groan.

Beyond the fountain stood a small greenhouse. Inside, Dehart was tending the flowers. As if struck by a revelation, he turned, and Sebelia saw it.

The joy filling his normally indifferent, cold face, the blind, all-consuming affection in his golden eyes directed at her.

“Ah…”

She shouldn’t have realized it yet.

But it was too late. Sebelia opened the greenhouse door, meeting him as he approached, and slowly closed her eyes. Within her eyelids, the image of a bouquet of roses remained vivid.

“Bella.”

The sweet fragrance of flowers filled the air.