I Faked a Pregnancy, but My Husband Returned - Chapter 72

The thought made his ears burn bright red.

Since that day, Judith had truly never brought up the incident again. Whether she genuinely had no memory of it or simply refused to mention anything related, she had not once broached the topic.

Ekian couldn’t hide his bitter expression whenever he was alone.

The heated moments of that night, the burning desires that had ignited upon touching each other’s skin—were they really only memories that remained in his mind alone?

It felt as though he was the only one aching in this relationship.

In truth, when Judith spoke about her birth mother, she had seemed somewhat bitter. That was why Ekian had even ordered one of his informants to track down her mother’s whereabouts.

That was how attuned he was to Judith’s every reaction…

Amidst all of this, Anais called for him.

“Come forward, please. Today’s star is none other than…”

Anais cheerfully clung to Ekian’s arm as she spoke.

“The special guest I invited—Master of the Grey Information Guild!”

As he escorted Anais toward the center of the garden party, applause erupted. Ekian felt nothing but disgust at the warmth of Anais’s touch against his arm.

“Isn’t it fascinating? The Master of an Information Guild himself! Today, he has come to reveal the truth behind the countless rumors circulating in high society!”

A social gathering where gossip was a prized commodity—it was only natural that such an event would stir excitement.

By elevating his status in front of everyone, Anais likely planned to create a spectacle of him and Judith being caught together later.

She hadn’t informed him in advance, but pouring water on Judith and attempting to dress her in revealing clothes must have been part of the scheme as well.

“Good evening.”

Ekian concealed his icy disdain and greeted the crowd.

“It is an honor to be here.”

The audience roared with enthusiasm.

His role today was simple. All he had to do was not fall into Anais’s trap. Judith needed to participate in high society’s events without attracting unnecessary scandal while secretly meeting with Melanie.

Since Melanie had already taken the initiative in approaching Judith, their plan was progressing smoothly.

And yet… why did he feel so uneasy?

Judith had yet to glance his way and was still engaged in a lively conversation with Melanie. Meanwhile, Anais flashed a knowing smile and spoke again.

“Now, now, I’ve prepared a special event with the Master!”

Curious gazes turned toward Anais, wondering what kind of event she had prepared.

“Each of you will take turns asking him questions—anything at all! You may ask the man who knows everything, and he will provide an answer! Doesn’t that sound delightful?”

The crowd buzzed with excitement. Some were already huddling together, discussing what questions to ask.

“Let’s begin with the guests at Table One!”

Coincidentally, Judith was seated at Table One. Just as Ekian resolved to use this chance to ask if she was truly alright—

‘Hm?’

Judith stood up, said a few words to a servant, and then walked out.

…She actually left. Without even a backward glance.

Only Melanie remained, shrugging as she commented, “She seemed worried about catching a cold. Pregnant women tend to be extra cautious, after all. I sent her off to rest.”

Since the Crown Princess herself had intervened, no one could argue against it.

But Ekian couldn’t shake the nagging feeling in his chest.

‘She stayed put all this time, yet the moment she was expected to speak with me, she left?’

And she wasn’t even truly pregnant.

There was a certain instinct he couldn’t ignore—Judith was avoiding him.

Far more intensely than he had anticipated.

Ultimately, Ekian had come to this event solely for Judith’s sake. He had played the role of a performing fool, indulging idle nobility at a ridiculous party, dealing with people who didn’t interest him in the slightest.

Judith always said, “I feel bad for causing you trouble, Master…”

Yet, when the time came, she didn’t even acknowledge his presence. Instead, she simply left him standing there alone.

Under the pretense of heading to the restroom, he impulsively summoned one of his subordinates and whispered a few commands.

Moments later, his subordinate departed the estate, carrying a note personally written by Ekian.

***

As soon as Judith boarded the Mayus Ducal House’s carriage, she spoke, “Take me to the ducal estate.”

There was no way to say she was fine, even as a lie. Her neatly pinned-up hair had come undone, her dress had changed, and there was a strange fishy smell lingering around her.

“Ah…”

The coachman looked at her with concern. Isabella had already been quite worried about her.

She had fretted over Judith attending a social event after such a long time, wondering if she might feel overwhelmed. She had also worried that, with Ekian coming home so sporadically, Judith might experience something unpleasant and have no one to comfort her.

‘And yet…’

The coachman stole a glance at the note he had secretly received earlier.

It was directly from Ekian Mayus, the Young Duke himself.

[Take Judith to the annex at No. 37.

If she’s worried that the Duchess will be concerned, suggest buying new clothes before returning home.

Make it seem like your own idea, and do not mention that this is my order.

Take as many detours as possible to delay the time.]

The annex at No. 37 was a small estate located in the bustling city center, similar in size to a warehouse owned by the ducal family.

Though small, it was large enough for a family to live in. It was mainly used as a place to rest when exhausted from shopping or as a hideout when wanting to explore the night market discreetly.

Most of the time, it remained empty, and it was certain that no one was there now.

‘But why…’

The coachman couldn’t understand how the Young Duke even knew what had happened to Judith.

But he was a veteran who had served the Mayus Ducal House for a long time, and he knew better than to question his master’s affairs.

His duty was simply to follow orders.

[Do not tell anyone about this.

Do not let anyone else enter.

Keep this a secret, even afterward.]

This was a direct order from the Young Duke regarding Judith.

There was no reason to refuse, nor was there any danger in obeying.

In fact, he actually felt somewhat relieved.

Lately, Ekian’s behavior had been incomprehensible even to the servants. He had barely returned home in the past few days, which had only heightened their concerns.

But if the relationship between the two improved, and if Judith safely gave birth to the next heir of the Mayus family, there would be nothing to worry about.

After all, if Ekian was going to such lengths to ensure Judith’s well-being, wasn’t it clear how much he cared?

‘And the most important part—do not let anyone else inside.’

A young man and woman, locked together in a secluded space—what else could happen?

Especially since they were already married and had previously engaged in intimate relations!

‘Is this some kind of surprise event? Seeing as he even ordered me to keep it a secret from the young madam?’

Thinking along those lines, the coachman felt quite pleased. He resolved to stay away from the annex for a long while.

“Oh, are you worried about me?”

Seeing his concerned gaze, Judith chuckled softly.

“Nothing happened. I just got tired and left early. Ah, though… I do look a little… Well.”

She did seem slightly troubled. The coachman gently made a suggestion.

“There’s an annex at No. 37 belonging to the ducal house. If you’re concerned about worrying the Duchess, perhaps you could freshen up there and do some shopping before returning home.”

“Oh!”

Judith immediately brightened.

“That’s a great idea. I didn’t even know there was an annex.”

She clapped her hands with a smile.

“I’ll buy a bunch of clothes and then say that I was trying them on and the dressmaker must have made a mistake with the sizes. If there’s a place to wash up, that’s even better.”

“Then, I shall take you there.”