Chapter 118: Forgive me!
Anabelle was in turmoil. She was aware that her consciousness has drifted off for a while now and a part of her mind constantly shouted for her to get back on her feet but due to exhaustion, the girl slept straight for four days before she felt there was something amiss.
Initially, when she felt Seth's presence around her, the raven-haired healer was able to drift into slumber with ease but the sense of panic grew past some days when she did not sense the familiar presence around her. She wanted to rest some more and replenish the energy she had depleted the past days but nothing could suppress the resolve to see her beloved.
"Seth...!"
Snapping her eyes, the first word nearly yelled out of her dry throat was the name of the person whom she yearned for the most. It took her some time before her eyes adjusted to the natural light inside the room, blinding her initially.
"You are finally awake."
Anabelle shot her sight in the direction of the voice which was familiar yet not the one she wanted to hear at the moment.
There sat a blond woman in her thirties with her sharp observative gaze fixated on Anabelle. There was another girl in her teens, some years younger than Anabelle whom she recognized as well but have barely come in contact with in the past.
However, none of them mattered to Anabelle at the moment. She wanted to see him. He...he was angry with her, justifiably so but Anabelle wanted to ask for forgiveness. She did everything to protect Seth. Her every gesture or action is meant to ensure his well-being. And right now she could pay the highest bid to see him even for an instance.
"Eleanor, leave." By that name, Anabelle remembered that she was the eldest daughter of the household who currently was watching Anabelle with wariness.
She cared about none other than the lady in the room for now since she is the only person who could help Anabelle.
Getting out of bed, she staggered in her steps before she fumbled, and dropped to the ground but she had enough determination to crawl her way toward the lady before the girl asked in a desperate tone, "W-Where is he..."
(Valarie's POV:)
I am having conflicted thoughts about this girl now.
I was told by my son that this healer girl was mentally broken since she did something against Seth which made the girl drown in regrets. I was bewildered and annoyed to hear that the candidate I chose for my son's concubine was actually the reason which could have harmed my beloved son.
But the fact that Seth firmly told me how important this girl is to her forbade me from using different means of interrogation. It was slightly hurtful to see my son growing fond of the girl but I knew this day would come long ago.
I kept an eye on Anabelle for a few days, thanks to the piles of pending work I had which made me stay back in the mansion.
I have been monitoring her fluctuations in soul status, and studying her behavior. Even now what I could deduce, this girl was anything but stable. Both in the soul aspect and emotional one.
She has very condensed energy in her possession. I have barely seen someone with so much potential before, even more than my children who were around her age. Seth definitely had better control of his skills and was a wonderful warrior but in a match of sheer soul clash, Anabelle might come out victorious.
The first time I sensed her potential I knew this girl was required. And considering her feeble background and the unhealthy amount of love she carries for my son, I was already considering a family portrait containing this girl as well.
But things changed when she was brought in here and to get certain about my decision, her following words mattered a lot.
"First tell me something or you might never see him ever again."
Her eyes flashed with horror which soon shifted to rage, much to my delight. I like arrogant people who like to show challenges in front of me only to get blown into ashes at the end.
But fortunately, the girl had enough sanity to calculate whom she could challenge and who was out of her league.
Witnessing the look of defeat I jumped on the topic which I was dearly eager to get informed about.
"Did you betray Seth?"
That was all I was concerned about. If she is loyal to my son and has the strength to support him as a loyal wife then she is accepted in the family. But if not...
The girl remained silent under my gaze for a full minute before she stuttered out the words I was expecting.
"Yes...but please can you listen to my reason for doing so?"
I was told by my son to not harm the girl which was why I still had my hands off her. I was barely holding myself from bestowing some punishment on the girl and letting my anger decide whether this impudent lass could stay alive to see my son yet another day or not. But I have to keep myself in check for now at least.
I took my time and nodded for her to present whatever plea she has in stock.
"Speak."
(3rd Person POV:)
Anabelle was feeling extremely nervous at the moment as she gazed at the domineering figure in front. But if she wants to get supported by a strong ally, then gaining the trust of the Duchess was the best option.
She was not going to fabricate the truth but she couldn't reveal the whole reality of the matter as well considering it holds the aspect of the rebirth as well. Her answer came out after a thorough deliberation which occurred in less than half a minute.
"It was after the Temple incident when I discovered that there was someone in the academy who wanted to harm Seth. I lied to the President that I knew nothing about it when I brought him the head of the informer. I thought I could handle this on my own and didn't want to stress Seth for this. Believe me, Madame Valarie, I had no ill intent behind it nor I could ever desire anything which could harm Seth."
It was true that Anabelle knew that Seth's other friends had transmigrated into this world as well however she never knew their exact location. But when she was attacked by Professor Edward after the temple incident she came to know that someone named Ethan was after Seth. Some investigation led her to the truth but she thought she would handle Ethan once things settle down. But that bastard had no patience whatsoever leading Seth to know everything in the process.
She wanted Seth to be unaware of the other transmigrators since she didn't want him to go search for Miyuki if possible but Anabelle's selfishness gained her, Seth's hatred.
"And why do you expect me to accept your words as truth?"
Anabelle leaned forward and despite being anxious and shaky a little, she took hold of Valarie's hand in a delicate hold, and while fixing her innocent gaze on the blond noble before she let out the words which had their string connected to her heart.
"Because I love Seth more than anyone in the world. Every fiber of my body, my soul, and everything I possess belongs to the man I have ever come to treasure. I may not be the perfect woman who could stand beside him but I can guarantee that more than anyone I could provide him the support and love worth several lifetimes." She paused and took a breath before continuing, "I have already betrayed him once but I promise that would be the last time when I will ever tell any lie to him. So please, mother..." Anabelle drew closer, relieved that Valarie didn't react negatively to being regarded such by her before the girl concluded her words.
"Please give me another chance and I will prove it to you...that I am worthy to be with him."
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A/N: - Do you think Valarie would forgive her? Hmmm... Lemme know in the comments~