After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 298

If she had intended to simply leave without a second thought after everything was over—just as she had when she first planned her revenge against her father—Sebelia wouldn’t have felt so restless now.

But things had changed. The problem was that she had grown greedy, wishing he would stay by her side.

“Are you sure you’re really okay? Should I call the doctor?”

Dehart asked, his hand still gently caught in hers. Sebelia drew a breath and met his gaze.

“If it’s too difficult to speak, at least nod for me—please.”

His tender voice and worry-laden eyes lingering on her face, making it all the more difficult for her to reply.

“Bella.”

Standing before his sigh, Sebelia didn’t know how to start. She was anxious inside, unable to decide how to broach the topic.

What should I do?

She had no intention of carrying the burden of her father’s sins alone. Nor did she think Dehart, as a child who had never truly been loved by his own father, ought to bear that guilt by himself.

Yet, looking at him now, her heart felt conflicted. Part of her wanted to demand if he was truly alright, while another part wished she could ignore everything and look away forever.

She knew she couldn’t do that.

It’s something we’ll have to face eventually.

For their future’s sake, the subject of her father needed to be settled. Hopefully with as little pain as possible on both sides.

Only after a long, silent struggle did Sebelia finally organize her thoughts. Just then, there was a neat knock at the door, and a servant’s voice followed.

“A guest has arrived.”

The timing was almost uncanny. The visitor to the Inverness estate was none other than Rossel Ashrent.

* * *

“To think I would one day see you up close like this…”

Rossel’s wistful voice soon wavered, overcome by tears. He had barely sat down before he started to cry, so much so that Sebelia was left flustered, not even able to properly greet him as she handed over a handkerchief.

“You… you still carry this around.”

“Ah.”

Rossel’s eyes welled with tears again at the sight of the handkerchief given by Balak. Sebelia blinked in surprise at the dramatic difference from the man she’d seen at the ball.

I hope he hadn’t come just to cry.

Rossel was so preoccupied dabbing his tears on the handkerchief without even a proper greeting, left her a little anxious. Especially remembering Dehart’s troubled expression as he left.

Maybe I worried him for nothing.

Still, now that Rossel was here, Sebelia devoted herself to their meeting. She asked gently if he was alright. Rossel managed a small smile, finally putting down the handkerchief.

“Forgive me. Ever since Balak told me about you, I’ve counted the days until I could see you. I just couldn’t control my emotions.”

“Ah…”

“You already know my name, I’m sure—Rossel Ashrent.”

He rose to his feet, beaming like sunlight, and held Sebelia’s hands tightly. He smiled brightly.

“I’m your cousin.”

“Yes, I know. It’s nice to meet you, Rossel. My name is Bella, as you know.”

Although she found his easy warmth a little strange, she didn’t dislike it. In fact, she was surprised by how much she didn’t mind.

After one last reassuring squeeze, Rossel sat down and got right to the point.

“So, have you thought about it?”

“What?”

Sebelia asked, eyes wide with confusion. Rossel tilted his head as if puzzled himself.

“You haven’t read the letter yet?”

“Ah…”

She realized she’d only opened the envelope, not the letter itself, and let out a soft, embarrassed sound. Realizing what had happened, Rossel lowered his eyes.

“I was too hasty.”

Rossel apologized, clicking his tongue softly. When Sebelia still didn’t look like she understood, he spoke again.

“I put a little spell on the envelope that alerts me when it’s opened. I thought you’d read the letter when you woke up, so I hurried over.”

“I’m sorry, I haven’t actually read the contents yet. If it’s not too much trouble, could you tell me now?”

“About that.”

His pale blue eyes darted restlessly before finally fixing on a single spot. In an instant, the warmth vanished from his gaze, replaced by a sharp chill. As if he had just noticed a man boldly approaching them.

“Sorry, but could you leave us, Duke? It’s been so long since our family has been able to spend time together.”

Even at Rossel’s cold tone, Dehart seemed unfazed. He claimed the seat beside Sebelia, plopping down with an energy that radiated a barely restrained tension.

“Dehart, is something wrong?”

“Let me start by saying I’m sorry for going through your things without permission.”

Dehart ignored Rossel completely, turning first to Sebelia with a gentle apology. He reached briefly into his b****t pocket and took out something familiar.

It was Rossel’s letter, the one Sebelia had tucked away in her book. She let out a quiet gasp.

“A maid found this when she dropped one of your books while putting away gifts. Normally, I would’ve left it where it was, but I sensed something unsettling from it and decided to take a closer look, just in case.”