My Husband Caught Me Having an Affair - Chapter 52

Honestly, I couldn’t understand why Ethan was acting like this.

‘If things keep going this way, the only option left is to file for divorce…’

But even if I did, it was almost certain I would lose.

Not only did I stand no chance against Ethan in terms of money or power, but the law itself was overwhelmingly in favor of men.

To win, I needed a clear fault on his part.

‘Like cheating with another woman, for example.’

Of course, even that didn’t guarantee victory, and Ethan wasn’t the type to cheat.

He was fastidious about such matters and had little interest in women from the start.

‘If the direct approach is blocked… is the only option left that?’

It was the method often used by female protagonists in romance novels to escape from their male counterparts: running away.

‘In most cases, the male lead would overturn the world to find her… but Ethan wouldn’t go that far.’

In fact, I had thought of this plan a long time ago, but I didn’t want to use it unless absolutely necessary.

Not only would it be a hassle, but a successful escape usually required meticulous preparation.

‘If I were okay with living on the run, surviving with just a bag in hand, then sure, I could run out right now. But I don’t want that.’

For a bright and secure escape, at least three things were essential.

I needed a safe escape route, a place to hide, and money to fund both the escape and my future life.

‘Including securing funds, preparation would take at least a few months. And dragging it out could affect the decision on adopting Elodie… Ugh, what a headache.’

In the original story, Ethan was a fierce bachelor.

He only begrudgingly allowed Elodie and Roland to marry in the end, but up until then, he had openly declared he would never let Elodie marry.

In fact, Ethan himself never remarried or even had another lover throughout his life.

‘Of course, that was after he divorced Camille because she cheated on him… Was he always this conservative when it came to relationships?’

I never imagined Ethan would suggest bringing Olivier to the duchy. At this point, it wasn’t Ethan who seemed strange—perhaps I had misjudged him from the start.

‘…Am I missing something?’

After some thought, I raised my head.

“Marie, could you call Victor for me?”

***

“So, how do you like the tea?”

“Oh, it’s wonderful, Duchess. The aroma is amazing, and the flavor is just right. I’ve never had such fine tea in my life.”

Ines gushed as she spoke, her cheeks slightly flushed, her eyes sparkling. It didn’t seem like flattery but rather genuine admiration.

“I’m glad you like it. Take your time. We also have some snacks, so enjoy them together.”

“Yes, I was just about to say, the pastries are delicious! Especially these scones. I don’t think they’re made with any special ingredients, but they’re so rich and have such a great texture! I’m amazed!”

“Really? I’ll be sure to pass that along to the baker. He’ll be thrilled to hear it.”

“It honestly feels like a dream. I wonder if I even deserve to be treated this well… I’m so happy I’m worried I might get into an accident on the way home.”

Though Ines said it jokingly, given the content of the original story, I couldn’t laugh it off.

“We can’t have that. I’ll arrange a carriage for you to return home safely.”

Ines widened her eyes and waved her hands in protest. “Sorry? No, I can’t impose on you any more than this…”

“It’s fine. Don’t think of it as an imposition. It’ll make me feel better. I’m sure Jacques feels the same way. Right?” I turned to Jacques beside me and asked.

“Uh, yes, I suppose.”

Jacques shrugged slightly as he answered. He had been awkward ever since he arrived.

“It’s been hot for a while, but the weather is nice and cool today. The breeze feels refreshing, doesn’t it?”

“You’re right, Duchess.”

Ines quickly chimed in. I smiled as I raised my teacup to my lips.

I was having tea time with Jacques and Ines in the gazebo in the southern garden of the estate. I had invited them, feeling bad that I had always been the one visiting them.

For commoners to be invited to a noble’s residence like this was almost unheard of. Ines still seemed unsure of how to act, while Jacques looked lost in thought.

There were two reasons I invited them today.

One was the narrative I had established during the Marcel Bache incident, where I had shown great favor toward Ines. Even though that wasn’t necessary anymore, cutting off contact with Ines abruptly could raise suspicion.

The other reason was the real motive behind this meeting.

Just then, Marie returned from the main house, slightly out of breath from hurrying.

“Madam, the master is calling for you.”

“Right now?”

“Yes, and… Mr. Alide too.”

Marie glanced at Jacques as she spoke. It seemed she was still scared of him after the interrogation incident.

“What could it be? It sounds urgent… Ines, I’m sorry, but could you wait here for a moment?”

“Oh, of course, Duchess. Don’t worry about me.”

“Alright. If it takes too long, I’ll send someone to escort you. You can take the carriage home, and I’ll make it up to you another time.”

“Oh no, there’s no need for you to go that far.”

“I want to.” I smiled warmly.

Tears welled up in Ines’ eyes as if she were deeply moved. “Duchess…”

“Marie, please keep Ines company for a while.”

“Yes, Madam.”

“Let’s go.”

I turned to Jacques. He cast a worried glance at Ines before silently standing up and following me.

“Are you sure it’s okay to walk? It sounds urgent, so maybe we should call for a carriage now.”

The gazebo where we had tea was about a 15-minute walk from the main house. I had suggested walking there, saying it was a good day for a stroll.

Jacques frowned slightly, as if displeased. He probably thought Marie lacked common sense for not calling a carriage.

“There’s no need. The truth is, Ethan isn’t actually calling for us.”

“…Pardon?”

“It was a prearranged excuse. I wanted a chance to speak with you alone.”

Jacques looked at me in surprise. “Why… what is it that you need to talk to me about?”

“It’s nothing significant. I just didn’t want Ethan to know. If I called for you directly, it would have been too conspicuous.”

“…Aren’t you worried I’ll report this to the Duke?”

“I’d rather you didn’t. Will you?” I asked while looking at Jacques calmly.

“……”

Jacques remained silent, shifting his gaze.

He probably felt indebted to me over what happened with Ines, so I knew he wouldn’t outright refuse.

I chuckled softly. “I’m just joking. Listen, if you think it’s important enough to report after hearing me out, feel free to do so. But if not, I’d appreciate it if you kept it to yourself.”

“……”

Jacques sighed after a short pause. “Tell me.”

“Why won’t Ethan divorce me?”

Jacques stopped walking, stunned by my direct question.

“Ethan is adamant about refusing a divorce. I can’t figure out why. Do you know anything?”

“……”

Jacques didn’t answer immediately. I kept my gaze on him, waiting. I wanted to catch any signs of hesitation or falsehood.

“I’m not sure either. But I think it’s something you can probably guess, Duchess.”

“And what would that be? If it’s something I can guess, is it because of the suspicions about the informant I mentioned before?”

“Well… probably…,” Jacques admitted with a slightly embarrassed look.

I frowned openly. “Does Ethan still suspect me of being a spy? If that were the case, I’d be staying close to him, not asking for a divorce. If I were afraid of getting caught, I would have run away. I’ve had plenty of chances.”

“……”

Jacques seemed slightly flustered by my blunt statement.