Even though I hated the countess, I had no way to get revenge except for one single method. I killed my husband, who was going to die soon from illness anyway. And then I escaped. I ran non-stop day and night. And finally, I arrived at a place completely cut off from the world.
Inside the dark, moonlit room, my thoughts began to wander.
At first, I thought someone might come to capture me, or that the people in the abbey would report me. But there were many others in the abbey besides me who also couldn't explain their own circumstances. Seeing those scenes, I was determined to live a new life there.
Laya's heart couldn't help but feel sad. That's why this abbey felt so familiar. Because this is where I started my new life.
As time flew by year after year, I naturally became a member of the abbey.
Seeing the slightly ajar door surprised her a little. The past Laya peeked outside to observe and asked, "It's so early. Who's there?"
And that day came when I met that person, as if by destiny. She was a woman who concealed everything except for the name Gray.
With the refinement I gained from learning noble etiquette to replace Helena, I recognized her natural elegance. I respected Gray and tried to get closer to her. Gray also opened up to me.
The past Laya was incredibly happy, smiling to herself. Then she bowed her head, expressing her feelings. "I feel so happy. This recent period has been the time I felt was the happiest, being with Gray."
That dream was a rare moment of peace after a long time of suffering. However, that didn't last long. Just like in reality, the Gray in my dream also fell ill with an incurable disease of unknown origin.
Standing by the door to Gray's room, she couldn't help but sadly lower her head and call out, "Lady Gray."
At that moment, Gray squeezed the past Laya's hand regretfully. "If I die, too, you'll be all alone again."
She could only reply, "Don't say that."
Gray lay on her sickbed. She smiled weakly. "I wish I had met you sooner. Then you, me, and that lonely child would have all been better off."
The past Laya's face darkened as she asked, "Are you talking about that boy?"
Gray closed her eyes, sighing with a hint of sadness. "Yes, that child. My poor son. When I leave this world, who will be by his side?"
This made the past Laya a bit agitated. "Your son is living well in the capital. So why are you still so worried at this moment?"
Laya, watching from afar, also felt confused. Wait a minute. That face.
She sobbed in sorrow. That's the person who left Gray all alone here, isn't it?
In the dream, I was jealous of Alen at that time, because back then Gray was my only family. Even though I received endless love from her, that son never showed his face. So I really hated Alen.
At that moment, Gray weakly turned, gripping the watch tightly in her hand, and instructed, "Please take this. My grandmother gave it to my mother, and my mother gave it to me. I also wanted to pass it on to my own daughter, but I never had one to do so. That has always made me feel regretful. But now that I can give it to someone worthy, I also feel at peace. It's yours."
The past Laya, with tears welling in her eyes, called out, "Lady Gray."
That was the last time I saw Gray.
Even though I was still drowning in sorrow, Gray's funeral was meticulously prepared. And just before the funeral began, someone from the outside appeared.
On the day of the funeral, the past Laya choked back sobs. "Gray, you will no longer be in pain there and can rest in peace. From now on, you won't have to endure any more suffering."
Just then, Alen approached from a distance. He offered her a handkerchief and introduced himself.
"It seems you might need this. I am Alen Thodell."
The past Laya turned in surprise and replied, "So you're Lady Gray's son."
That was how I met Alen for the first time. Although I disliked Alen for not being by Gray's side during her final moments, when I thought of Gray's last wish, I couldn't ignore him.
She remembered Gray's face as she stated her last wish. Yes, that child, my poor son. When I leave this world, who will be by his side?
Because of that, the past Laya spoke to him. "Actually, Lady Gray was very proud of her son."
My feelings toward Alen were so complicated.
He hesitantly placed a hand on his chest and replied, "Thank you."
Joy, jealousy, resentment, and longing, along with curiosity and insecurity. As time went on, I only felt more confused.
She closed her eyes to sleep, her head constantly nodding off by Gray's grave. Suddenly, someone approached from behind, draping a coat over the past Laya's shoulders. Alen spoke softly.
"I'll keep watch, so please get some rest tonight."
That kind and thoughtful concern seemed to be building trust with every action, and she could only look up dazedly in response. "Yes."
I looked at Alen, was reminded of Gray, and made a decision I never should have, which was to propose a deal using Alen Thodell's only weakness.
Before doing that, the past Laya also hesitated a lot, pacing back and forth in her room, because even though she knew his weakness, the act of confronting and threatening Alen was no easy task.