Even if Your Regret Holds Me Back (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 8
“To think you could even pretend to be a family with such trash.”
“You—you’ve said your piece, haven’t you? From the looks of it, you’ve been kicked out of Evergale, so what gives you the right to act so proud? Shouldn’t you go crawling back on your knees right now?”
Matilda’s eyes, raised high with arrogance, were sharp as daggers. Helena finally unclenched the fist she’d been tightly gripping all this time. She felt the sting of her nails digging into her flesh.
Or perhaps some unseen place hurt even more. Truthfully, she couldn’t even tell where the pain was coming from anymore.
Like someone suffering from indigestion, she vomited out her final words.
“I wasn’t kicked out—I left of my own accord. And I’ll do the same here.”
A metallic tang rose from her tightly bitten lips. Helena kicked open the door and stormed out of the mansion.
Bang!
A violent shockwave struck her eardrums once—but no further commotion followed. Behind her heavy, stomping footsteps trailed only her own shadow.
Ah, suddenly, Helena realized.
She wasn’t merely trapped in a simple regression. It was a perfectly orchestrated misery, crafted solely for her.
The world sneered at her with a blood-red grin, mocking her: however hard she struggled, there was no escape.
[This is the timeline separator]After the commotion had passed, Matilda flopped down onto a chair, fanning her flushed face.
Viscount Owen, thoroughly drunk, already had his head buried on the table, fast asleep.
“Oh dear, oh dear, that wretch…”
Matilda sighed deeply, trying to calm her temper. Then, in a stubborn, sharp tone, she launched into a tirade against Helena.
“Just a few days ago, some crazy fellow with a decent-looking face showed up—just imagine what sort of conduct she’s been getting up to! No wonder the Grand Duke was furious enough to kick her out like this.”
“But the Grand Duke didn’t seem like the type to do something like that.”
“It’s been five years since they married. I suppose that high-and-mighty Grand Duke simply grew tired of Helena.”
“Still, he used to care for Helen quite a bit.”
“Hmph. I knew a day like this would come. A man caught between your thighs is like sand slipping through your fingers, son.”
Eric yawned lazily, half-listening. After staring blankly into space for a moment, he stubbed out his cigarette and clicked his tongue.
“That love… sure had a short expiration date.”
As far as he remembered, the Grand Duke had treated Helena with utter devotion during their marriage.
Every young lady in the village had envied Helena so fiercely they’d even resorted to sabotage.
He hadn’t entirely failed to anticipate that, as Matilda said, such affection might eventually fade.
After all, to a man of such high standing, Helena was nothing more than a pretty porcelain doll.
Even if she’d become the lady of a ducal house, it was no different. Ultimately, the ground beneath Helena’s feet was the same world he lived in.
The moment familiarity dulled the thrill of love, the doll would be discarded—to make room for a new one.
In Eric’s eyes, Helena was precisely that kind of existence. It was practically her fate.
Born with such a face into a life scraping the bottom—what more could she possibly hope for?
From the very beginning, Helena had only one path available to her.
‘Well, thanks to her, we’ve gained quite a bit. If she was going to abandon us anyway, why not stick around for a solid ten years instead of causing this mess after barely five?’
It was admittedly regrettable that the steady stream of income seemed about to dry up, but it wasn’t a serious problem.
With her striking looks, remarriage wouldn’t be difficult—she’d be welcome anywhere.
‘Come to think of it, Old Man Hector mentioned recently he’s looking for a new bride in his old age.’
Handing Helena over to him in exchange for wiping out his gambling debts would be perfect. Surely, the moment he laid eyes on her, he’d lunge at her like a dog in heat.
Having settled the matter in his mind, Eric shifted to another topic.
“But who was that guy, anyway?”
“What guy?”
Eric rubbed his bruised eye with his uninjured arm.
“The bastard who did this to me.”
Five days prior, a man had come to the mansion.
Dressed in shabby clothes indistinguishable from any commoner’s, yet possessing a striking appearance that clashed entirely with his attire.
He’d barged in abruptly, desperately asking for Helena’s whereabouts.
But beyond merely seeking Helena, he’d inevitably come across as thoroughly unpleasant—
for he’d left the Owen household in complete disarray.
As if recalling that nightmare, Matilda scowled and waved her hand dismissively.
“Helen must’ve fluttered her skirts again and acted recklessly, that shameless wench. What else could a penniless man with such looks possibly be—her lover? The Grand Duke, already weary of Helen, must’ve caught wind of it and temporarily banished her.”
“Well, she was going to be kicked out anyway. If only Mother hadn’t told him Helen was dead, that guy wouldn’t have gone berserk like that. We’re the only ones who ended up getting beaten for nothing.”
“Don’t talk nonsense. That’s exactly why he’ll give up and stop coming back. Judging by his appearance, they probably planned some foolish elopement together.”
“Oh, come on—Helena’s not the type to do something that reckless…”
“Hmph. It’s always the quietest cat that jumps onto the hearth first.”
Though Matilda declared it stubbornly, Eric scoffed inwardly.
‘Helena committing adultery and running away for love? Even after Basil died, she quietly kept sending money home. If she’d had that kind of spirit, she would’ve cut ties with us long ago.’
It was utterly absurd even to hear—but Matilda acted as if it were an established fact.
As though she desperately needed confirmation that Helena was just as vulgar, despicable, and dishonorable as herself.
Eric shook his head helplessly.
“What if she really runs away?”
“No—Helen will come back to us.”
Matilda was resolute.
“She has no choice. With nowhere else to turn and always starved for affection, she’ll return. If the Grand Duke ever asks about her whereabouts, we simply keep our mouths shut. Understand?”
“Wasn’t their relationship already on the verge of ending…? Besides, there’s no guarantee that thug won’t go straight to the Grand Duke. Wouldn’t it be wiser to give Old Man Hector a heads-up beforehand?”
“Nonsense! Do you take me for a fool who’d chase away a golden goose? We hold out to the very end first. We can always approach Hector later—it won’t be too late then.”
“The position of the Grand Duke’s wife isn’t something you can just hold onto by sheer will…”
“Don’t speak as if you understand. Until the divorce is finalized, it’s not over. Neither Helena nor that man exist to us. We know nothing—clear?”
Helena had clearly stated she’d left the Grand Duke’s mansion of her own volition.
Though it seemed thoroughly over already, under Matilda’s fierce glare, Eric had no choice but to nod reluctantly.
“Yes, yes. Of course, that’s what we’ll do.”
[This is the timeline separator]A dazzling chandelier lit the ballroom as brightly as daylight. Beneath it, soft music and laughter mingled in the air.
Eugene clicked his tongue inwardly and swallowed his wine as if chewing it.
‘Your tastes remain unchanged, as always.’
If not for the host being his own mother, he wouldn’t have set foot in such ostentation.
Although her influence had waned since her husband’s passing, her stubborn temperament hadn’t softened at all. Reflecting her character, the venue glittered everywhere with a brilliance rivaling an imperial banquet.
Eugene slowly emptied his glass after glass, surveying the room with his eyes alone. Most of the couples moving in pairs immediately caught his attention.
They were truly irritating.
Were it not for his position requiring him to uphold the social mask of a cadet branch, he wouldn’t have wanted to face any of them.
Suppressing his annoyance, Eugene simply waited for the host to appear. He’d only planned to show his face briefly before leaving.
Fortunately, before his patience ran out, the awaited figure arrived—an extravagantly dressed elderly woman approached, fanning herself gently.
“It’s been a while, Eugene.”
“Perhaps your sense of time differs from mine. I feel I’ve been seeing you far too often.”
“You still haven’t learned warmth.”
“You never wished for it anyway.”
For blood relatives, their first exchange carried an unmistakable chill. Though the conversation should’ve ended there, Christine paid it no mind and continued with feigned nonchalance.
“Well, it doesn’t matter. When I die, just bury me with plenty of diamonds. Gemstones are far more lovable than people—they never change. Every time I look at you, I’m reminded of this truth even more.”
Eugene’s suppressed irritation flickered visibly across his face.
Christine watched him and smiled quietly. Despite the marks of time, her beauty remained striking.
Yet, as if refusing to permit even a single wrinkle, she raised her fan to cover her lips.
Then she gestured with her eyes toward the empty seat beside Eugene.
“By the way, where’s that girl today? She’s usually trailing after you like an anxious hound.”
That girl.
Except at formal occasions demanding strict etiquette, Christine always referred to Helena this way.
Not as Lady Evergale, not as her affectionate daughter-in-law, not even as Helen—just ‘that girl’.
Eugene corrected her phrasing in his own manner.
“My wife is unwell and resting. She likely won’t be able to go out for a while, so please refrain from arranging unnecessary events, Mother.”
Instantly, Christine’s eyes sharpened.
“Now you’re making every excuse imaginable. Tsk—growing lazier by the day… You sit in a position far beyond your worth yet fail to fulfill your duties. It’s shameful.”
“I wasn’t aware a daughter-in-law’s duty included humoring her mother-in-law’s entertainments.”
“Then perhaps don’t lie from the start.”
Christine lowered her fan and plainly revealed her anger as she murmured.
“You have no idea how insolent that girl acts whenever she sees me. Last month, she even dared lecture me to scale down the party because a famine might be coming! Her excuses are as pitifully poor as she is. Had I known she’d dare defy me like this, I would’ve taught her proper manners long ago.”
Christine subtly waved her closed fan toward the surrounding nobles, signaling them to join the conversation.
Baron Lockton, who’d been hovering nearby waiting for an opening, quickly sidled up to Christine and whispered,
“My, how indifferent! How could the lady fail to understand His Grace’s feelings? Even the Grand Duke must grow weary of seeing the same wife every day. Please bear with it just for today.”
Not to be outdone, the Baroness wrapped her hand around her husband’s arm and giggled.
“That’s why they say birds of a feather flock together. A husband and wife must understand each other.”
“Fortunately for us, our perspectives align perfectly—we never tire of each other even after seeing each other daily.”
Watching Christine’s loyal pack bark like dogs, Eugene let out a quiet scoff.
Honestly—once that repulsive flesh was stripped away, they’d all be indistinguishable skeletons. Yet they carried such pride. Did they plan to put a price on mere bones?
Today, more than ever, Eugene had no patience to force down this unpleasant conversation.
So he spat it out as it was.
“That seems to be your illusion alone, my lord.”
The short sentence landed heavily. With just those words, the air in the room shifted completely. The previously carefree atmosphere now focused intensely on one person.
Christine, who’d been smiling leisurely, the Baron and his wife, and the nobles who’d been watching in silent agreement—all instantly held their breath and stared at Eugene.
Unfazed, Eugene directed a scornful glance at the Baroness.
“Since you still remember so vividly how you begged—saying you’d abandon your children and husband in a heartbeat if only someone would take you in—it can’t have been that long ago. If you’re testing my memory, I understand; but as for my patience…”
He turned his gaze to the Baron, his expression now entirely devoid of mockery. Only suffocating pressure remained, flashing sharply in his golden eyes.
“Well… I’m not sure how much longer I can endure it myself.”
Male lead Asks for a Divorce Every Day
It’s not often you come across a plot like this in the female-dominant genre — make sure to check it out!
This is a novel I’m planning to reread as well.
The male lead is strong, skilled in martial arts, and not the usual fragile type you often see in matriarchal novels.
Meanwhile, the female lead is a scientist—rational and logical. Even when she falls for the male lead, she doesn’t let her emotions cloud her decisions.
If you push through the first few chapters, you’ll gradually find the story really intriguing.
It has a mix of mystery, detective elements, and romance.
The author’s writing style is like crafting a puzzle—except they deliberately leave out a few pieces, making it hard to predict what happens next, yet keeping you hooked.
In the end, everything will come together and be explained.
One-sentence summary: Wife, stop playing with beakers and look at me!
In a laboratory accident, research scientist Zhu Wansheng accidentally travels to a matriarchal world. The original owner of the body is an eighteen-year-old only daughter of a wealthy rouge merchant, already married with a handsome young man.
Zhu Wansheng grins: Nice! She always said she was heaven’s favorite granddaughter. After a life of toil in her previous life, she can enjoy blessings in this one.
However, her joy lasts no more than three seconds as bad news arrives: the original owner’s family is about to go bankrupt, and her husband wants a divorce.
Even worse, she’s stuck with a research system full of restrictions.
Zhu Wansheng: ? Is this the destiny of a research dog?
——
Faced with this mess, Zhu Wansheng pours herself a bowl of wine to drown her sorrows. In her drunken haze, her husband arrives.
His figure is imposing, holding a long sword, with a dignified air that captivates Zhu Wansheng.
Gu Yingqing, however, looks at the alcohol-reeking Zhu Wansheng with undisguised disgust and coldly asks, “Divorce or not?” The intoxicated Zhu Wansheng mumbles vaguely, “I think… it’s not… it’s not… impossible!”
——
The next day, after sobering up, Zhu Wansheng is full of energy, rolling up her sleeves ready to make a big move. As for yesterday? She has no memory of it.
Zhu Wansheng is ambitious; a research dog fears nothing!
Upgrading rouge, extracting fragrances, producing perfumes, researching lipsticks… all shall bow to the power of modern technology!
The original owner’s dying rouge shop is revitalized. Her mother is pleased and with a wave of her hand, passes on the family business to her. As she takes control and her experimental results gain popularity, it’s the pinnacle of her life…
——
But there are always those who can’t stand to see her doing well. Jealousy, scheming, assassination attempts – they want nothing less than her life.
The person who has always kept his distance from her suddenly holds her tightly in his arms, eyes full of concern.
She is unharmed, but he falls into a pool of blood…
Zhu Wansheng feels guilty, “I can grant you one wish.”
Gu Yingqing tentatively circles his arms around her, carefully resting his head in the crook of her neck, pleading softly, “I regret it. Can we not divorce?”
Zhu Wansheng: ? When did I agree to a divorce?
[Small Theater]
The newly developed rouge is beautifully packaged, and Zhu Wansheng is eager to try it.
Gu Yingqing suddenly appears: “My lady, may I apply it for you?”
Cool fingertips lightly brush her lips. His Adam’s apple bobs as he leans in for a light bite.
Zhu Wansheng: ?
Gu Yingqing: It smells so good, I wanted to taste it…
On a warm spring day, Zhu Wansheng tries a new perfume: “Spring Night.” Gu Yingqing corners her against a wall.
Warm breath lingers on her neck.
“My lady, from now on, may I test the fragrances for you?”
[Humorous female scientist vs scheming live-in son-in-law male lead]
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Who cares? 😒 That mf deserves a lot of pain 😒😒😡😡
EXACTLY! She’s with someone else …now you aint shit
Me too 😒 she should have kicked his balls and cut them 🤔