My Husband Caught Me Having an Affair - Chapter 34

The incident involving Jacques’ wife, Ines, occurred before Elodie was adopted. In the original story, it was mentioned through Ethan’s recollections. The serial killer targeted young women with brown hair.

After losing Ines, Jacques abandoned his work and desperately searched for the murderer. Fearing capture, the murderer ceased killing after Ines’ death. For half a year, Jacques wandered the streets like a ghost until Ethan personally sought him out.

Jacques listened with vacant eyes as Ethan urged him to return to the duchy. Finally, Ethan grabbed Jacques by the collar and said:

“The murderer will start again someday. People like him never change. I promise you, when he moves again, I will find him and bring him to his knees before you. Then you can do whatever you want with him—boil him alive or tear him limb from limb.”

The murderer resumed his activities about six years after Elodie was adopted, when she was sixteen. As soon as the news broke, Ethan and Jacques immediately sensed that it was the same person who killed Ines and began their pursuit.

Elodie, aware of the situation, offered to disguise herself as bait. Jacques vehemently opposed, knowing Ethan would be furious, but Elodie insisted, saying Jacques could protect her. After several nights of luring, Elodie finally succeeded in drawing out the murderer.

Jacques was ready to kill the murderer, but Elodie stepped in his way.

“We can’t kill him. He must face justice. Ines wouldn’t want you to dirty your hands because of her.”

“What do you know about Ines?” Jacques snapped, raising his voice in a rare display of emotion before gritting his teeth to regain control.

“Step aside. The Duke promised me this man’s life. He said I could do whatever I wanted with him.”

“Of course, my father could easily cover up this man’s death. But if we do that, it would bury all the other crimes he committed. Think about the others who lost their wives, daughters, and mothers. They deserve to know the truth and see justice served.”

“……”

“Please, Jacques. Do as I say. He will be sentenced to death anyway. Let the world see his crimes and make him pay.”

Moved by Elodie’s plea, Jacques relented and followed her advice.

In the original story, it was never specified when exactly Ines died. As a reader, I only saw it as part of Jacques’ backstory, and it never occurred to me that it could still be in the future. Focused on my own survival in this new reality, I hadn’t considered that these events had yet to unfold.

‘To think that it would happen after Camille and Ethan’s divorce…’

Ethan adopted Elodie about a year after divorcing Camille, and by then, Jacques had already returned to the duchy.

‘It has been two months since I transmigrated into this world, and Jacques wandered for about half a year. So, the incident is likely to occur in the next three or four months.’

Of course, that was just the maximum time frame. It could very well happen today if luck wasn’t on our side.

“Duchess? Is something wrong?” Jacques asked, noticing my prolonged silence.

“Nothing at all. But tell me, is your wife at home right now?”

“Sorry? Well, it should be dinner time soon, so she probably is,” Jacques replied, a bit puzzled.

“Good. Then let’s head to your house so I can greet her,” I said. I needed to see for myself that Ines was safe.

“To greet her? You mean, you want to meet my wife?” Jacques looked at me as if he couldn’t believe his ears.

“Yes. You’re an important retainer of the Dumont family. It’s only right that I know your wife’s face.”

“Our home is too humble to host someone like you, Duchess. Besides, we haven’t prepared anything to welcome such an esteemed guest. If you set a date, I can have her come to you and pay her respects,” Jacques suggested.

“There’s no need to go through all that trouble. I don’t want to inconvenience her with unnecessary preparations. I’ll just stop by briefly to say hello. Don’t worry about it,” I insisted.

“……”

Jacques looked at me with an uneasy expression, openly wary in a way that was unlike him. Ignoring his discomfort, I opened the window to speak to the coachman.

“Daniel, do you know where Jacques lives?”

“Yes, Madam,” he replied.

“Take us there, please.”

“Understood,” Daniel said, and the carriage started moving towards Jacques’ home.

***

Jacques’ home was located about twenty minutes away from the Duke of Dumont’s residence by carriage, in a bustling area. Although Jacques was a commoner, he received a salary from the Dumont family, which allowed him to live comfortably. His house was sizable, comparable to that of many merchants, and he employed several servants.

“Please wait a moment. I’ll have everything prepared for your visit as quickly as possible,” Jacques said.

“There’s no need for that. I just want to see her briefly,” I replied.

“But… Duchess?” Jacques protested, but I ignored him and opened the carriage door. The coachman, Daniel, hurried over to help me down.

As we approached the front door, a dog started barking and came running towards us. It was a Border Collie, about knee-high. Despite its barking, I felt more delighted than scared, as it was the first dog I’d seen since coming to this world.

A young woman, appearing to be in her early twenties, followed the dog out. “What’s wrong, Titi? Oh my…” she exclaimed, her eyes widening at the sight of me. She had dark brown hair and a gentle, sweet expression.

“Titi, no!” she scolded the dog firmly. The dog retreated, circling around her protectively.

“I’m sorry. He’s very protective,” she apologized.

“Don’t worry about it. He’s just wary of a stranger,” I said with a smile.

Judging by her hair color and demeanor, I was certain this was Ines. Seeing her safe reassured me. While I doubted today would be “the day,” it was better to be cautious than regretful.

“You must be Jacques’ wife. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am—”

“Duchess!” Jacques interrupted, rushing in and positioning himself protectively in front of her.

“It’s not proper for you to enter like this. We weren’t prepared for your visit, nor were we informed,” he said, clearly flustered.

“Oh, come now. Do you think I’ll harm your beloved wife?” I teased, watching Jacques fall silent.

From behind Jacques’ large frame, Ines murmured softly, “The Duchess? The Duchess of Dumont?”

“Yes, I am Camille Dumont,” I confirmed.

“Oh my!” Ines gasped, stepping forward with her hand over her mouth.

“I was startled because such a beautiful person appeared at our door. I’m Ines. I’ve heard a lot about you from my husband,” she said excitedly, then quickly bowed her head in respect.

Remarkably, her enthusiasm didn’t come across as rude or childish. She seemed genuinely bright and pure-hearted.

“You have a lovely wife. I can see why you cherish her so much,” I remarked.

“……”

Jacques looked around, seemingly at a loss for words.

“So, Jacques has spoken a lot about me? I’m sure it wasn’t all praise,” I said with a hint of humor.

“Yes? Oh, no, that’s not what I meant…” Ines stammered, looking slightly flustered. I could easily imagine what Jacques might have said about me.

“Well, my curiosity is satisfied, so I’ll take my leave now. Why don’t you take the rest of the day off and spend some time with your wife?” I suggested.

“Sorry? No, Duchess. I must escort you back to the mansion as you initially instructed.”

“Why, are you worried I might ditch you and do something suspicious?” I teased.

“……”

Jacques fell silent again, and I chuckled at his speechlessness.

“I’m just joking. The mansion is right around the corner. I’ll head straight there, so you don’t need to worry.”

“But, I—”

I stepped closer to Jacques and whispered softly, “There’s already someone trailing us, isn’t there? If you’re concerned about me wandering off, you can always confirm with them later.”

“……”

Jacques’ expression subtly hardened. I patted his shoulder lightly, then turned to Ines.

“I’ll be off now. Until next time.”

“Oh, yes. Goodbye, Duchess. I’ll see you out,” Ines said, hurrying to follow me as I made my way outside.

***

“I was amazed. I didn’t know someone could be so beautiful. You get to see that face every day? I’m envious,” Ines said, still visibly excited after Camille’s departure.

“She’s nothing like what you described. Her appearance, her manner of speaking—she was so elegant and refined,” she continued.

“……”

Jacques frowned, deep in thought. ‘What on earth is she up to?’