WCMBI - Chapter 267: Same Pain To Endure

Flustered and unable to find any words, Lorena added to my silence, her voice taking on a contemplative tone, "Sometimes, I can't help but wonder if Betas, like yourself, might eventually realize they can never bridge the gap between Alphas and Omegas."

In truth, I began to consider that perhaps it was not Lady Lilliana but myself who had disparaged Lorena. It was due to my understanding of her nature and my recollection of the disdain and mistreatment I had endured. Thus, I found myself somewhat prejudiced, imagining that she, too, must have suffered as I did. She seemed indifferent to her own plight.

Though it was difficult to sympathize with her words, I could, to some extent, understand them. Yes, perhaps it wasn't just Omegas like us who suffered, but the Betas who found themselves in between, ignorant and entangled in a world they did not fully comprehend.

"I understand what you mean," I said quietly, fresh shock rendering me momentarily speechless. I bid my farewells, eager to leave the disconcerting scene, but Lorena cautiously interjected, "By the way, did you know something?"

"What? What is it?"

"Earlier, I overheard the servants talking about it. Lord Bryant has been gravely injured during his journey with Lady Rosewood."

"Ian, injured?"

"I don't know the specifics, but there was a carriage accident. They say both of them are in critical condition."

It was difficult to process Lorena's words. The perpetrator who had sought to harm me, Monica, why would Ian embark on a journey with her? And a carriage accident.

My stream of thoughts came to a sudden halt, and his words resurfaced in my mind. "If I were to endure as much suffering and repentance as you, would you give me a chance then?"

If he had meant that he would endure as much pain as me, what state was he in now?

"Melissa, are you alright? You look terribly pale."

"Ah..."

I wiped my face upon her words. Lorena couldn't hide her apologetic demeanor as she said, "I've been curious since meeting you, and I often asked the Viscount about you. I thought it was impressive that you left the aristocratic world. I never imagined you would be so surprised. I'm sorry, Melissa."

"It's alright."

Though I was taken aback, I didn't consider it as serious as Lorena had suggested. However, I couldn't simply stay still when Dio was a cause for concern.

"Sorry, but I should be on my way now. I apologize for the sudden visit."

"Melissa."

"Yes?"

"Will you come again? I've been wondering how other Omegas are faring. It doesn't have to be frequent, but please drop by when you have the time."

Even if one remains devoted to the Viscount, loneliness cannot be entirely dispelled. I held Lorena's hand and spoke, "Yes, I will. And please let me know if you change your mind. This place will always be open for Omegas like you."

"Just your words mean a lot, Melissa."

After bidding her farewell, I instantly teleported to the Viscount's residence. However, upon entering Dia's room, I realized he wasn't there. It dawned on me that I had always come to see him at night. Naturally, he wouldn't be in his room during the day.

Nonetheless, I longed to see Dia's face. No, more accurately, I was curious about Ian's condition. What had he intended to achieve? As I deliberated on whether to leave or stay, the door suddenly swung open.

"Come in, lower-ranking!"

"Ha ha, you scoundrel. Even though it's nap time."

As Duke Sunde and the First Duchess entered the room together, they caught sight of me and came to a sudden halt.

"Oh, Dia!"

The child who had been in Grandfather's embrace saw me and promptly scampered down, bounding towards me. In the brief moment I hadn't seen her, she seemed to have grown considerably, frolicking towards me with unbridled energy.

"Dia."

"Mama, why didn't you come earlier?"

"I'm sorry, Dia. Your mother has been quite occupied."

"I missed you, Mama."

Scooping up the child who hugged me tightly, I rose to my feet. Duke Sunde, with wide-open eyes, gazed at me. Pondering whether I should offer greetings or quickly make way for him, he strode towards me and laid a hand on my shoulder.

"Were you alive?"

"Yes."

Before I could even wonder about the intention behind his question, he heaved a deep sigh. Emotions resonated so strongly in his trembling breath that I could feel them distinctly.

"Thank goodness, thank goodness..."

Unaware of the unexpected words I was about to hear, my body stiffened involuntarily. Witnessing Duke Sunde, whom I had never directly confronted during my time as a commoner, finding solace in my being alive felt strangely surreal.

"I am sorry. I should have taken care of you sooner."

"No, it's alright."

"Even though Nicola left notes concerning you in his will, I was too preoccupied with my own grief to look after you properly. It's all my fault. In the end, I've ruined everything, including Ian."