Betrothed to My Sister's Ex

"A magical tool for strangers to become friends"—the Chaidan set slowly released the aroma of tea.

Staring absentmindedly at the gradually thinning, delicate steam, Nanny Ella began to share bits of her life story.

"They say my hair was much more beautiful and silver when I was born."

But it wasn’t a happy tale.

In fact, the more she spoke, the heavier my chest felt.

"My mother passed away when I was little. My father was always busy with work and indifferent to his daughter. We were a wealthy family, but no one knew how to keep hair and skin beautiful. I was never even given a single comb… and before I knew it, my hair had dulled and turned almost gray."

"...I see..."

All I could do was respond with shallow sympathy. Nanny Ella continued in a dark voice.

"When I turned ten, my father remarried. My stepmother had children from before... Two step-sisters, their husbands, and the children born between them—all of their care fell on me. At the busiest times, including my father, I was responsible for the household chores and childcare for fifteen people."

"Fifteen!?"

A sound close to a scream escaped me. Was it true that a teenage girl like her was solely responsible for the chores and raising that many people? And no one helped her? It was cruel. Nanny Ella was just too pitiful.

She furrowed her brows in distress.

"It can’t be helped. Unlike my sisters, I’m not beautiful. Clumsy and not smart… I was only good for doing housework. There was no one to marry me off or offer me work, so they just kept me at home. I’m grateful to my family."

Despite speaking so pessimistically, she smiled brightly.

My chest ached again.

I pressed my hand over my heart through my clothes.

The déjà vu I’d been feeling all along—I finally understood its source.

This person... from the moment I met her, I thought she resembled someone. Now I realized who.

It’s me. She looks just like me...!

I was repeatedly told by the Shadelan Family that I was ugly and useless, and I lost sight of any good qualities in myself. I couldn’t believe even rare compliments or helping hands. I hated myself, was too used to unhappiness, and had come to find cold water comforting. I was afraid of happiness—that was me back then.

If that’s the case... her words now are honest. Being overworked was easier to bear than being ignored completely. Even cold, blade-like fingers felt like a blessing to touch.

Tears welled up. This isn’t sympathy—it’s resonance. I painfully understand her feelings.

If I opened my mouth, I would cry, so I stayed silent. Nanny Ella looked at me curiously.

"What’s wrong, Lady Marie? Did I say something unpleasant again?"

I shook my head vigorously, but her face darkened and tears appeared.

"I’m sorry, I’m so sorry."

She cried and apologized as naturally as breathing.

I wanted to help her somehow.

Just as I was saved here at Granado Castle, I wanted to save her too.

...But what should I do? Should I imitate what Lord Cyrus and Mio did? Although her and I have similar backgrounds, our hobbies and talents differ. I don’t know if we could bond over foreign stories like Lord Cyrus and I do.

I really need to get to know Nanny Ella better. But digging too deep into her past might hurt her even more...

"I'm sorry..."

Hearing her sobbing, not only my chest but even my stomach began to ache softly.

Pressing my palm against my lower abdomen, I forced a meaningless smile, feeling my cheeks twitch.