CHAPTER 7: REGRETS ARE ALWAYS TOO LATE

It was all for the sake of the child.

If Isabelle had been alone, she might have tried to escape Timogere’s shadow and survive somehow. However, because of the child in her belly, she couldn’t do that.

Even if she secretly left the Blanchette mansion without anyone knowing, with no immediate place to stay and no money to pay for things, Timogere would surely find out and take advantage of Isabelle and the child.

‘If you don’t want to live with me, I’ll get you a place of your own.’

Although it was a proposal, there were no other options. Since Richt had promised to help her become independent if they went to the capital, Isabelle had no choice but to believe his words as a last resort. All the way to Vehlin, she asked herself if this was for the best, but the conclusion was that it was.

When she first learned about her pregnancy, she was haunted by a strange sense of melancholy. But after calming down and collecting herself, her mind was filled with worries about the child. Would she be able to hide it from him? Could she safely give birth? Could she be a good mother?

Despite firming her resolve, the inherent self-doubt remained at the bottom of her decision.

Fortunately, Mia was there. She discreetly monitored Isabelle’s condition, caring for her and ensuring that the journey to Vehlin didn’t burden her pregnant body too much. Mia made sure to keep Isabelle’s spirits up, sharing amusing stories throughout the trip.

While these actions were small, they provided Isabelle with some comfort. The feeling of having someone on her side. Thanks to Mia, the journey to the capital was not as anxious and lonely as it could have been.

When they arrived, it was already getting dark. Richt’s mansion, located in the heart of Vechilin, was as spacious and lavish as the Calitheon mansion itself.

The four-story mansion showcased its expansive area at a glance, with valuable interior decorations and furnishings. The well-maintained garden and the number of servants surrounding the house were more than Isabelle had expected.

Among the staff, Richt introduced Herta, the housekeeper, and Tanya Mason, the head chef.

Mrs. Mason was about a foot taller than Isabelle and was a friendly-looking woman with round eyes and a healthy complexion. With her dark brown hair neatly framed, Mrs. Mason greeted her with a refreshing smile.

“Welcome, Madam. I’ll do my best to make your stay comfortable.”

“Yes, nice to meet you.”

Isabelle returned the greeting with a modest smile, though she knew she wouldn’t be here long.

“Since it’s late, it would be best to rest for today. Tomorrow, Herta and I will guide you through various parts of the house.”

Richt led Isabelle upstairs to the second floor, where a maid offered Mia a room as well. Unlike when they were in Blanchette’s, where he’d insisted on sharing a room at the mention of the word “married,” he allowed Isabelle to stay alone.

“I don’t know if you like it here. If there’s anything you don’t like, let me know. I’ll change it for you.”

The room was spacious and comfortable and had been decorated with care. The flooring, wallpaper, and furniture were all high quality. However, Isabelle had no desire to stay here for long. She needed to leave this place as soon as possible, especially as her pregnancy progressed.

When her belly starts showing, it will be difficult to hide the fact that she is pregnant.

“When are you going to start looking for a place for me to stay?”

Isabelle looked around the room and cut to the chase.

“There’s no rush, you just got here today.”

“I’m not in a hurry, I’m just checking, and I know you’ll keep your word.”

“Of course.”

His prompt response eased her a little.

“It will take some time. I can’t just let you stay anywhere.”

“All right.”

Her lingering resentment toward him still existed, but Isabelle suppressed it. Showing her annoyance and expressing frustration wouldn’t help her now that she needed his assistance.

“Is there anything you need?”

“Not yet.”

“Let me know if anything comes up. Anything at all.”

“Okay.”

Isabelle yawned wearily and lay back in the bed. Rather than the unfamiliar texture of the bedding against her body, being in the same space as Richt felt more uncomfortable.

She wished he would leave the room, but he only stared at her, showing no sign of leaving. He seemed to have something to say, but Isabelle had no interest in further conversation.

Any topic they discussed would inevitably lead to unnecessary emotional expenditure, something she had grown tired of. A simple offer of a place to stay would be all they needed to talk about.

Isabelle stayed still, resting her head on the pillow and waiting for him to leave. She pulled the covers up to her chest. She closed her eyes, and for a long time, she didn’t hear any footsteps moving toward the door.

A heavy silence filled the room, and within that silence, Richt’s scent felt uncomfortably present. Isabelle turned her back toward the wall, hoping he would leave. However, he remained motionless.

Against her will, every nerve in her body turned to his back. The sound of breath infiltrating her ears, a vivid presence—nothing could be ignored. It was Isabelle who finally spoke.

“I’m tired.”

Her tone was dry, without emotion. She’d heard enough, and now she wanted him to leave.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

The oblivious man blurted out, not considering the other person’s feelings. Isabelle frowned and pushed herself up off the ground. When she turned, the man who’d been standing firm was staring at her.

“What?”

She asked, her voice a little high with nervousness. There was an unmistakable wavering in his eyes, which met her in a straight line that belied the rigidity of his face. His heavy lips slowly parted.

“The real reason you wanted a divorce.”

Isabelle stiffened at the unexpected words.

Why is he bringing up Diana all of a sudden? Where did he hear that?

“……What do you mean?”

Isabelle pretended not to know.

“It’s because of my mother.”

Her calm face twisted into a pained expression. She’d thought he’d never know, but now that the whole truth was in his ears, there were no secrets that lasted forever.

“Why did you hide it?”

As Richt looked deeply into her eyes, Isabelle turned her head, avoiding his gaze. She hesitated, fumbling for words, swallowed hard, and stared at the faded wallpaper.

Why did I hide it? Because you were always busy, and I didn’t want to worry you. Besides, you never tried to find out until now. You didn’t care. What’s the use now?

“It’s not important.”

“It is.”

His voice was firm and clear, but his face looked pained and sad. The shadows around his handsome features were dark. Richt spoke in what sounded like a sigh.

“Viscount Ross said that to me. That I don’t know anything, so I won’t be able to make you happy.”

“Did ……Eden tell you that?”

“Yes. You must have told Viscount Ross everything.”

“No! Of course not. No matter how comfortable I am with Eden, I wouldn’t have talked about such things.”

Isabelle denied vehemently.