To Those Who Regretted After I Died - Chapter 11

Sophia had vivid memories from childhood, particularly of Emily always wanting what was hers.

“Wow, big sister’s doll is so cute! I want it too!” Emily had cried.

“Um… but this doll is from Grandma…”

“I want it! I want it! Mommy, I want big sister’s doll!!”

“Sophia, why don’t you give the doll to Emily? You don’t really need it, do you?”

“…Okay.”

The doll that Sophia had received as a cherished keepsake from her grandmother ended up in Emily’s hands. After losing interest in it, Emily returned it to her—broken and tattered. Emily’s habit of coveting Sophia’s belongings didn’t change as they grew older, and now she had taken even Alec Palris, Sophia’s husband.

“…Madam…”

“…”

Sophia was slowly regaining consciousness when the familiar voice of the family doctor reached her ears.

“Madam, can you recognize me?”

“…Doctor…”

The doctor offered a reassuring smile, but Sophia couldn’t understand why he was there.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine… but, Doctor, why are you here?”

The doctor, who had been checking her pulse, released her wrist and sat down on a chair.

“You collapsed during a conversation with the maid.”

“What!?”

“I believe it was due to exhaustion. I’ve also been told you haven’t been eating properly for days. This likely contributed to your fainting.”

“…”

“Work is important, but you must take care of your health. Especially when considering future pregnancies, your body needs to be strong…”

“…That won’t happen.”

“…Excuse me?”

“It’s nothing… Thank you, Doctor.”

Sophia smiled, but the doctor could see the strain behind it, as though she were forcing herself to seem fine.

“Is there anything troubling you? Something weighing on your mind?”

“Ah…”

Sophia wanted to confide in him—about Alec, about everything—but…

“No… thank you. I’m fine.”

She clenched her hands and remained silent, unable to bring herself to say anything more.

Later, the head maid and several other maids came to check on her in turns, offering their well wishes. As the doctor left the room, he called for the head maid.

“Madam seems to be troubled by something. I suspect there may be emotional causes as well. If there’s anything you know, it could help.”

“…”

The head maid hesitated. Should she tell the doctor about Alec?

“…I believe she is burdened by issues within her marriage…”

“Marital problems? …Ah!”

The doctor seemed to recall something, but muttered to himself,
“This might be delicate…”

“I see. I’ll try to have a conversation with the Marquis soon. For now, I recommend that the Madam take a break from work. She must also ensure she’s eating properly.”

“I understand.”

“Is the Marquis in his room? I’d like to inform him about his wife’s condition.”

“Ah! …The Master has gone to handle a business matter…”

“I see. Well then, I’ll return another time.”

“Thank you very much.”

As the doctor departed, the head maid glanced toward Alec’s room. She had lied—Alec wasn’t away on business; he was still inside, likely with Emily.

“…Does the Master really care so little about the Madam? It’s deeply disheartening…”

Shaking her head in sorrow, the head maid returned to Sophia’s room, determined to continue supporting her however she could.

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“…My Lady, how are you feeling?”

The head maid gently spoke to Sophia, who was lying in bed. Sophia slowly opened her eyes.

“…Head maid…”

“Yes, it’s me. Please, don’t push yourself and rest.”

“…I’ve caused trouble again, haven’t I?” Sophia’s voice was faint, filled with guilt.

“It’s no trouble at all. For now, please rest and focus on your recovery, without worrying about anything.”

“…”

Sophia glanced toward the window and realized it was already morning.

“…Where is my husband?”

“…He left for his business trip to meet the suppliers. He’s expected to return in a week.”

“When I collapsed… what did he do?”

“…”

The head maid stayed silent, unable to respond. Sophia saw the hesitation on her face and understood.

“…Did Emily go with him?”

“…Yes, though she claimed she wasn’t going with the Master, saying she would return to her family home.”

“…She didn’t go home.”

“…Excuse me?”

“Emily pretended to go home but is staying somewhere else.”

“What… what do you mean by that, Madam?” The head maid was shaken by this revelation, unsure of how to respond.

“…Emily doesn’t matter anymore. What happens with her and my husband is their concern. It’s none of my business.”

“Madam…”

“I’m tired… Please, let me rest.”

“Of course. Please let me know if you need anything.”

“Thank you…”

As the head maid left the room, Sophia stared up at the ceiling, silent tears streaming down her face.

“…Even when I collapsed… Alec doesn’t care, does he? I am nothing but a convenient woman to him… If Emily bears his child… I’ll no longer be his wife…”

Stifling her sobs, Sophia cried quietly. Then, with tear-filled eyes, she rose from the bed and sat at her desk, writing a letter to her parents.

“May I come home?” It was short, but filled with longing.

After finishing the first letter, she began another. This time, it was addressed to Alec. For almost a year, she had been Alec’s wife, and now, when her voice couldn’t reach him, she chose to leave her thoughts in writing.

“…When I’m gone, if you think of me even a little… if you regret that we didn’t grow old together after reading this… then…”

She finished the letter and placed it inside the drawer. With that act, Sophia made up her mind. She had resolved to leave the mansion… and with it, made a decision she knew she should not have to face.