To Those Who Regretted After I Died - Chapter 45
Paul Colbert… Born as the heir to a count’s family, Paul is a 20-year-old young man, one year older than Emily.
Due to their close ages, there had been a marriage proposal arranged for Emily and Paul.
“I don’t want to! I don’t want to marry someone I don’t know…”
Unable to forget her sister’s husband, Alec, Emily asked her parents to decline the proposal with Paul.
“Just meet him and try seeing him once.”
“…”
“Sophia also met Alec for the first time in a similar way. I hear that Paul is a kind person, and he’s close to your age.”
“…”
After her parents waited for Emily’s response, she finally agreed, reluctantly puffing her cheeks, saying, “…Only if it’s just a meeting…”
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“Are you Miss Emily?”
“Yes…yes…”
When Paul greeted her with a smile, Emily blushed. From the very first meeting, she was drawn to Paul’s appearance and kindness, and the two became engaged.
They began going out to various places together.
“It’s so cute… I really want it…”
“It really is cute. It would suit you, Emily… Do you want it? I’ll get it for you as a gift.”
“What!? Really? I’m so happy, thank you!”
Paul loved seeing Emily’s delighted expressions and often gave her gifts.
Eventually, they grew closer, and Paul became Emily’s first partner.
“I’ll cherish you, Emily.”
“Thank you, Paul… Somehow, I feel embarrassed…”
With six months left until their wedding, Paul and Emily discussed wrapping up any unfinished business before their marriage and planned to meet occasionally.
“Wait, you have a sister? Emily, I didn’t know you had an older sister?”
“Oh, I hadn’t mentioned it?”
“I think you might have… So, you want to visit your sister, who married into the marquess’ household?”
“Yes… I haven’t seen her since her wedding… May I go?”
“Yes, of course! If it’s to see your sister after so long, don’t worry about me. After we’re married, it may be harder for you two to meet often.”
“Really!? Thank you, Paul!”
Emily gave Paul a kiss and arranged to visit her sister, Sophia.
One day, as Emily had been visiting Alec’s estate regularly, she made a request to Paul.
“What!? Your sister is unwell?”
“…Yes… She’s not eating much lately… I’m worried, so I thought I’d stay at her place for a while. It means we might not see each other for a while, but I’ll still come to visit you occasionally… Is that alright…?”
“…”
With her hands clasped together as she pleaded, Paul told her, “If your sister is unwell, I understand why you’re worried, so don’t feel bad about it. But, when you have time, we can still meet, right?”
“Yes, that’s fine. Thank you, Paul.”
Paul gave Emily permission to stay at her sister’s residence.
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After several weeks of not seeing Emily, Paul was busy with wedding preparations, such as meetings and choosing outfits, as their big day approached.
Paul decided to visit Emily’s parents to check if she had returned to their estate.
“No, Emily hasn’t come back… I understand her wanting to be by her sister’s side, but it’s troubling that she hasn’t contacted her fiancé Paul at all,” Emily’s father sighed and apologized to Paul.
“Please don’t worry. If Emily returns, let me know.”
“Of course, I’m sorry.”
A few days after visiting her family’s estate, Emily came to Paul’s house for the first time in a while.
“Paul!”
“Emily!?”
Hearing from the maid that Emily had arrived, Paul rushed down the stairs and embraced her after their time apart.
“I’m sorry, Paul. I couldn’t visit you for so long…”
“I missed you…”
“Miss Emily!”
Paul’s mother, walking down the hallway, stopped when she saw Emily with her son.
“Ah… Hello, Mother…”
Emily quickly pulled away from Paul and greeted his mother.
“Miss Emily, where have you been without contacting Paul? He’s been waiting for you every day.”
Emily felt uneasy as Paul’s mother spoke to her with a displeased expression.
“I… I’m very sorry, Mother. My sister… she hasn’t been well, and she asked me to stay by her side… So…”
“I see, well, if Sophia’s health is poor, that can’t be helped. But I’ve heard she supports her husband and helps with his business. When you marry Paul, you won’t be able to just spend your time playing, you know!”
“…”
“Well? Do you understand?”
“Yes… Mother…”
“Honestly…”
“Mother, please don’t compare Emily to her sister. We’ll live our own life, and I don’t intend to take orders from you.”
“Paul!?”
Surprised by Paul’s outburst, his mother fell silent, and Paul led Emily to his room.
Emily cherished Paul’s kindness in defending her, but she also felt guilty about keeping secrets from him. She thought about how nice it would be if she could introduce him to Alec… and blushed as she watched Paul, who was holding her hand, walking ahead of her.
Once in Paul’s room, the two sat on the bed and began to talk after their long separation.
“How is everything with your sister?”
“She’s alright.”
“And her health?”
“She told me not to worry… I can stay with her for a little while longer.”
“Really!?”
“Yes, but I may stay overnight again… but I’ll come back in time to choose the outfits… I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine, as long as you’re here with me now.”
Paul and Emily spent several nights together, and then Emily returned to Alec’s estate, where he awaited her return. Paul had no idea that Emily was being unfaithful to him…