After I Died, My Husband Went Mad - Chapter 316

Sebelia closed her eyes for a moment at the soft touch of Dehart’s lips, opening them again with a flutter. No matter how much time passed, the sensation of his affection pressing into her chest was something she would never get used to.

After that day, Dehart truly made an effort to keep his promise. If he thought he’d be late, he always made sure to send word ahead so Sebelia wouldn’t stay up worrying all night. And whenever he came home, he’d quietly share with her the details of his day.

“Rosalyn has found a place to stay.”

“Already?”

“Yes.”

Dehart replied, rubbing the bridge of his nose, looking utterly exhausted. Hilend Hall was still under renovation, and he’d spent days wracking his brain trying to find Rosalyn a suitable place to stay.

Understanding his struggles, Sebelia pushed a teacup toward him—a blend meant to help with fatigue.

“Thank you.”

Dehart drained the cup, then leaned his head on Sebelia’s shoulder, closing his eyes for just a moment.

“I feel like I’m losing my mind, there’s just so much going on at once.”

“Don’t overdo it.”

“If only it were that simple…”

He trailed off, then pressed his forehead against her shoulder, seeking comfort.

“It’s not that simple.”

“Why not?”

“Because… I want to see everyone happy.”

His quiet words brushed her ear. She couldn’t be entirely sure what he meant, but she guessed he wanted to finish his work well and see those who depended on him happy.

He always pretends he doesn’t care, but he really does.

Sebelia smiled without realizing it. Her laugh was light and beautiful, like the ringing of a bell, and before she knew it, a smile curled Dehart’s lips as well.

As he quietly savored the sound of her laughter, Dehart suddenly grabbed her hand, playing with her fingers. He tapped her knuckles, then laced his fingers with hers, gently shaking their hands together—a gesture that sent tingles through her chest.

“Stop it, you’re not a child.”

“Is there a rule that says adults can’t hold hands?”

Suddenly, she felt a weight on her shoulder—Dehart had rested his chin there. He was so close, she couldn’t even turn her head.

Her cheeks grew warm from the nearness, and Dehart gazed at her for a moment before whispering softly:

“Aren’t you going to ask where Rosalyn’s moving?”

“Huh? Oh…”

“You two are close, aren’t you?”

His tone was a bit blunt, but she could tell it wasn’t serious. The note of jealousy made Sebelia burst out laughing, dissolving the tension in the air. Dehart just gave her a sulky look.

“Go on, move over.”

She nudged him, and he obligingly leaned back.

“So where is she going, then?”

He straightened up against the backrest and answered.

“It looks like she’ll be staying at Uncle Byron’s villa. It’s not far from the capital, and the area is well-connected—perfect, really.”

“I see. Wait, Byron… isn’t that—”

Sebelia suddenly recalled that Claude had once pretended to be Byron’s illegitimate child. Her expression turned thoughtful, and Dehart raised his eyebrows.

“Is something bothering you?”

“No, not really. I just remembered hearing he was the brother of the previous Duke.”

“That’s right. He was brothers with the now-disgraced Limms. But unlike Limms, who lost his mind young, Uncle Byron has managed to keep his head on straight.”

The two brothers had shared a conservative philosophy when it came to raising Dehart as the head of the Inverness family, but in terms of character, they couldn’t have been more different.

If Limms was a tyrant, Byron was strict and old-fashioned, but at least reasonable—more like a stern professor. While Dehart ran wild, Byron was the one who kept the council in check and prevented the collateral branches from causing trouble.

“He’s not the type to do anything reckless. He cares more about the direct heirs than his own children, so he’ll treat Rosalyn well.”

If Dehart said so, it was probably true. She’d never even met Byron, but she trusted Dehart’s judgment more than her own.

They were enjoying their quiet afternoon when someone knocked at the door—it was Eli.

“Your Grace, it’s time to go.”

Dehart’s expression immediately soured, and he shot Eli a look of annoyance, but that was all. It was irritating to have their sweet moment interrupted, but if he didn’t leave now, he wouldn’t get to savor even bigger rewards later.

With a sigh, Dehart gave Sebelia a goodbye kiss and started to leave the room, only to pause at the door. Eli was gesturing and mouthing something outside, but Sebelia, busy tidying up, didn’t notice.

Dehart lingered, biting his lip, then turned back.

“Sebelia.”

“Ah! I thought you’d left.”

“I forgot to tell you something.”

She tilted her head, and he spoke with a sigh.

“I’m going to be really busy for a while. So… you don’t have to wait up for me.”

“Huh?”

Sebelia looked up from the blanket she was tidying, not quite understanding.

“It won’t take long. This is the last time, I promise. Really.”

His low voice was so serious that it almost sounded like he was making a life-or-death vow. As far as Sebelia knew, he was just swamped with work because of his partnership with the Crown Prince—but now, watching him, she felt like it was something more serious.

Surely not… right?

While she tried to brush away her doubts, Dehart’s golden eyes burned with an unreadable emotion. When she didn’t respond, he spoke again…