You’ll Regret Stealing Him from Me — My Sister Who Took My Fiancé and Celebrated Was a Fool - Chapter 49

“Lady Seraphina, we’ve received a request for a party arrangement.”

Albert delivered the news with visible excitement.

“Thank you. I’ll check my schedule.”

The parties I organized had, by grace, become immensely popular in high society. Civil nobles and military nobles alike both found enjoyment in this new style. Other nobles watched with keen interest, often seeking guidance to host similar gatherings themselves.

Now, I found myself in the position of teaching this style to various noble houses, spreading its influence.

“Lately, more and more parties are taking inspiration from your style, Lady Seraphina.”

“Fortunately, yes.”

The spread of my style meant the walls between civil and military nobles were lowering. More interaction, deeper mutual understanding. Recognizing each other’s strengths and working together. This kind of social circle was gradually becoming reality.

“I’m fulfilling my mission.”

Every day, I felt that truth, and it brought me happiness.

“You look busy again today.”

Lord Maximilian stepped into my office.

“Yes, but it’s a fulfilling kind of busy.”

“Don’t push yourself too hard. If you fall ill, nothing else will matter.”

“Understood. I’ll take care of myself.”

His gentle concern warmed my heart. Just knowing someone cared for me like this—it made ordinary days feel full of quiet, certain happiness.

Then, one day, my father visited.

“Seraphina.”

“Father…!”

It had been a long time since I’d seen him. He looked worn, but his eyes burned with firm resolve. He had something important to say.

I led him to the parlor. As we sat across from each other, Albert served tea. The conversation was hushed.

“I’ve returned my title to His Majesty.”

“…What?”

Returning his title? I never could have imagined such a thing. He continued.

“I intend to retrieve Isabella soon.”

“…”

At the mention of my sister’s name, my body tensed reflexively. I’d heard bits and pieces that she was living in a countryside estate, that she’d supposedly married Roderick but I hadn’t paid much attention. Now, Father filled in the details. The situation was worse than I’d realized. That was why he was going to bring her back.

“I failed to raise her properly.”

Deep regret weighed on his voice.

“I overlooked the fact that Isabella was the type to covet what was yours. I let it go on for too long.”

His words came slowly, deliberately.

“I spoiled her. I didn’t watch over you two as I should have. That’s what led to all this.”

Each syllable carried a heavy burden.

“I’m sorry, Seraphina. But from now on, I won’t turn a blind eye.”

“…Father?”

“You don’t need to worry about Isabella anymore.”

His gaze held mine, unwavering.

“I’ll isolate her. Live with her. If she tries anything, I’ll stop her. I’ll watch her. Make sure she never does anything again for the rest of her life.”

“Father, that’s—”

“I’ll keep her from getting in your way. Always.”

His eyes were utterly serious. Not a trace of hesitation.

“Time and again, she’s taken what was yours. Each time, you endured it. I won’t let there be a next time. I’ll ensure she never troubles you or the Liebenfeld family again.”

The weight of his words, his absolute determination was palpable. He was dedicating the rest of his life to preventing further problems.

But was this truly necessary? Was it right for family to be torn apart like this? He must have sensed my hesitation.

Looking straight into my eyes, he said:

“You are no longer of our family. You belong to House Liebenfeld now.”

The words felt like a final push away.

“From now on, devote yourself to the Liebenfeld family, your true home. Prioritize your own happiness.”

“But, Father—”

“You needn’t concern yourself with us anymore.”

He shook his head gently.

“I’ll say it again: You are a Liebenfeld now. That comes first. This is my final wish as your father.”

His final wish.

“We likely won’t meet again.”

Without his title, Father was now just a commoner. Our paths would never cross.

“Father…!”

“So—”

He smiled softly. A lonely, yet peaceful expression.

“Be happy.”

With those words, he turned away. I watched his retreating back as he left the room, then the estate. Step by step, never looking back.

Tears threatened to fall.

But I didn’t cry.

I wouldn’t let his resolve go to waste.

The moment I was alone, my chest tightened painfully.

“…”

Words failed me. What should I have done? Should I have fought harder to stop him? Or was this the right outcome?

“Seraphina.”

Before I knew it, Lord Maximilian was beside me. He pulled me into a gentle embrace.

“…Lord Maximilian.”

“Your father’s eyes were full of resolve.”

His warmth soothed my heart. I let myself melt into the comfort.

“He doesn’t love you any less. If anything, it’s because he loves you deeply that he made this decision. He cut ties to sever any lingering attachments to protect your future. To ensure your happiness.”

His words lightened the weight in my chest. Through Maximilian, I finally understood my father’s thoughts.

“…Thank you, Lord Maximilian. For always supporting me.”

“I’m only doing what’s natural.”

He smiled gently.

“Your father entrusted you to me.”

“…What?”

“So, I’ll protect you with everything I have. That’s my duty.”

His words were a pillar of strength.

“I must live up to Father’s wishes, then. I’ll strive to be happy.”

“Good.”

Maximilian nodded.

“Seraphina. Just keep moving forward, as you always have. You have the strength for it.”

I married Lord Maximilian officially. The wedding celebration was meticulously prepared, more vibrant and warmer than any party before.

Civil nobles and military nobles alike offered their heartfelt blessings.

“Lady Seraphina, congratulations!”

“Your new party style was wonderful!”

“We’d love a wedding like this too!”

High society buzzed with praise. The style caught on, and soon, “wedding parties” became a trend among the nobility.

Requests for party planning and management poured in endlessly. Busy, but fulfilling. To be needed like this, I’d never imagined it possible.

Every day was happiness.

My life with Maximilian. The satisfaction of my work. The trust of those around me. Everything fit together perfectly, like well-oiled gears.

During a brief respite, I stood on the balcony.

The sunset painted the sky orange. The sight brought back faint memories.

That day—

I thought I had lost everything when my engagement was broken. But I was wrong.

What truly mattered had never been taken from me.

My abilities. My sincerity. My diligence. My compassion. All of it remained within me. And in the end, I gained what I truly needed.

A precious new family. Trusted companions. A beloved husband. And my purpose.

Back then, Roderick had told me:

“You stole Isabella’s achievements.”

But the truth was the opposite.

They were the ones who stole.

My fiancé.

My standing.

And—

In the end, they were the ones who regretted it.

“Losing it all was the best thing that could have happened.”

I truly believed that. Had I married him as planned, I would never have known this happiness.

A life married to Roderick.

A relationship with Isabella.

Days spent unrecognized for my worth.

The mere thought sent a chill down my spine.

“Seraphina.”

Maximilian’s voice called me back. To him, I repeated the words that mattered most.

“Lost in thought?”

“Yes, just a little.”

“About the past?”

“…Yes. But I have no regrets.”

He smiled at that.

“Good. The past is the past. What matters is now and the future ahead.”

Hearing those words, I reaffirmed my feelings for the present and what was to come.

“Let’s walk forward together, Lord Maximilian.”

“Of course, Seraphina.”

His smile was tender.

Hand in hand, we faced ahead. The future would surely be bright.

Because we would build it together.

[The End]