The Cursed Witch

Chapter 6|You Remind Me

Ever since the day I appeared publicly, I was forced to find someone I can marry.

But Father noticed that I do not want to do such a thing so he chose candidates for me instead.

I met up with each one of them. But no one stood up to my standard.

If I would marry then I would at least want a wife who wouldn't burden me.

There wouldn't be a day when my father won't ask me about marriage.

"I do not want to marry, Father." I bluntly said.

"What are you saying, Alexander? All I ask is one thing. Marriage. If you can't even do that then you might as well leave."
.

.

.

.

Until a certain day when I met a lady in the capital.

While I was in the carriage, I heard a scream. It was brief but I heard it clearly.

I quickly jumped out of my carriage and found a lady being threatened by a noble.

"How dare you reject me, do you know who I am?!"

He tried to pull her hair but I won't let him.

I gripped his hand and glared at him.

"How about me, do you know who I am?"

He trembled in fear in front of me and struggled to reply.

"L-lamperouge...!" He shrieked.

I smiled at him as I kicked his stomach with my knee.

"I'm glad you know me."

I grabbed the lady's hand and took her out of the alley.

"Thank you, sir." She smiled at me and elegantly bowed.

I just nodded and turned away to leave.

"W-wait!" She yelled as she held my clothes.

"You're the son of Duke Lamperouge, right?"

I just stared at her without a reply or even a nod.

"No reply, I guess you are. See you later then."

She turned and walked away from me.

'See you later'?

I doubt we would meet again. What does she mean by that?

.

.

.

"Sir, one of the candidates has arrived."

"State the name," I demanded.

"Laura Loius, sir."

I went downstairs and saw a lady with long white hair sitting at the tea table.

"Pleased to meet you, Lady Laura Loui-"

Before I was able to continue my speech, she turned to me.

A face did not expect.

"Pleased to meet you again, sir."

Her smile was so gentle. Her golden eyes sparkled as the wind swayed her hair.

So she was one of the marriage candidates.

She's... Not that bad.

.

.

.

Soon after, we had our marriage. I fell for her during our relationship.

This is the first time I felt glad about the candidate list that my Father made.

We had twins. I promised to cherish her and our sons.

To protect them no matter what.

To prioritize their happiness above mine.

But in the end, I couldn't.

Laura was 9 months pregnant with a girl when she went to a tea party.

But she never arrived there.

"D-duke, L-lady got into an a-accident...!"

I hurriedly went to the place where the accident happened.

She was soaked in blood inside the carriage.

I trembled at the sight. Breathing got harder and my voice won't come out.

She slowly held my hand and placed the other one on her stomach.

"Deliver my baby safely..."

I immediately called the doctor and helped her deliver the baby.

Her screams echoed through my ears.

I couldn't even protect her.

My tears continued to drip at her hand.

But the moment the baby got out, she stopped breathing.

.

.

.

I didn't want to hate Ava. She didn't do anything wrong.

But still...Every time I see her my chest tightens. It hurts.

I am always reminded of Laura, who I wasn't able to protect.

She was a living reminder of her death, the baby who was born in her final moments.

"Daddy!" please don't call me...
.

.

"Look Daddy, I drew you!" Don't draw me.
.

.

"Father, I'm glad you're back." Don't greet me.
.

.

"I am pleased by your acquaintance, Duke."

Since when...?

Since when did she stop calling me dad?

It's my fault...I ignored her.

It's my fault, Ava, please forgive me...

You did nothing wrong...

I promise I would become a better father for you.