A Stepmother’s Marchen

Chapter 4

It looks like I fell asleep while leaning against the window. When I opened my eyes, it was already dawn.

It was snowing outside. I was surprised that my face reflected in the white steamy window looked like that of an old man at the moment.

Even though I’m 23 years old, I feel like I’m an old man who is already about 60 years old.

Although we all say that old people are wise, I don’t know if I’m wise, but I feel old.

Anyway, it’s snowing. Leon and Rachel will love it…… Oh, are those times over?

When the children were young, whenever it snowed like this, the children would go to the yard to play.

While the twins made a snowman and Elias threw snow all over the place, Jeremy galloped through the snow with the dog. And I used to watch them play through the window here, in my place.

It’s funny and ridiculous. I’ve known for a long time that I didn’t have a place among them, but now I’m getting upset.

“Madam, are you up? Would you like me to prepare the carriage?”

“Yes, please. ……And Gwen, I have a favor to ask of you.”

The wedding ceremony of the century, which had been getting prepared for mouths, will start in a while.

It would be a gorgeous and dazzling scenery. It must be different from my wedding, which ended with a simple wedding pledge and signing documents.

I’m sure all the guests won’t be able to take their eyes off the bride and groom. Even the bridegroom’s family will enjoy their time……

The only advantage for me is knowing when it’s over and accepting that fact.

Leon and Rachel, who were so sad over the loss of all their parents at such a young age, Elias, who was always mischievous but couldn’t be hated, and… you always made me feel nervous, Jeremy.

You never knew that in the past, when you were with a high fever, I spent countless nights beside you and thought that I would be happy if I traded my life for yours. I didn’t even know myself that I would even think that for someone.

It is said that doing something in hope of a reward leaves only bitterness. So I won’t blame you at all… I know you guys have your own reasons.

It’s not that I don’t worry. Can the young guy take care of everything according to his father’s will? Can he protect this splendid legacy?

For me, who had to step into the adult world from a very early age, I was only worried and uneasy.

But that’s none of my business anymore.

It’s okay for the kids to live on their own.

“Madam?”

By the time I had laid out all the things on the table, Gwen the maid, Robert the butler, and Albert the captain of the Knights, stood side by side.

He is a faithful family member who has supported this family for a long time and the only one I have trusted.

“I’m going to Heidelberg. Don’t let anyone know, I’m going to leave the kids behind, so get ready.”

“Heidelberg …… I see. But do you plan to stay for a few days?”

“I’m not coming back.”

“…What?”

The Marquis Heidelberg villa is the only place that can be said to be entirely mine. My husband gave it to me as a wedding gift. Although I’ve only been there once in the early days of my honeymoon.

Anyway, it goes without saying that the three people’s eyes, who were staring at the table, were simply as wide as a plate.

On the table, there are treasures I kept hidden in the past seven years, keys, will boxes and seals.

“Madam, what’s going on?”

“It’s a surprise that the madam is leaving.”

“It’s Jeremy’s wedding today. My eldest son is getting married, and as a mother, I should give him a wedding gift.”

“What?”

“The wicked guy must be desperately hoping that I’m gone.”

As I put my hands on my waist and laughed, their faces stiffened.

“Take it easy. It’s true.”

“Madam.”

“Take care of yourself while I’m gone, okay?”

“Madam …”

“Serve the new lady well when she comes. From now on, Jeremy is your master. Don’t go against him. You know, that guy has a great temper.”

“No, madam, that’s nonsense. You are the one who raised the young masters and young lady!”

Robert, the housekeeper, couldn’t stand it. Like the lament before death, the sad cry made me suddenly stunned, and then I smiled.

“I’m glad that even you guys know. Still, don’t say that in front of the kids, okay? Or they’ll hate you.”

“Madam!”

“Come on, we don’t have time for this. All three of you go down now!”

That’s all I have to do here, I’m going to eat well and live well on my own from now on.

I’ve never had a proper relationship because I’ve been working hard, I’ll have to start anew for myself.

Yeah, it’s okay. Everything’s gonna be fine.

That was just one of my other illusions.