My Husband Caught Me Having an Affair - Chapter 53

Jacques cleared his throat and spoke, “Well… that’s true. The Duke has said as much.”

“Then why?”

“…May I be honest with you?”

“I’d appreciate it if you would.”

“The fact remains that you are still hiding something, Duchess. Given the seriousness of the situation, I imagine the Duke doesn’t want to leave any potential risks unchecked. The Duke is a cautious man by nature, suspicious even.”

Jacques lowered his voice slightly, clearly careful not to mention Gerard’s name openly, even in this outdoor setting.

“He’s worried I’ll run off and spill Dumont’s secrets? That’s absurd. If I intended to do that, there are plenty of ways I could go about it now. It’d be far easier to keep my position as Duchess.”

“It’s not because there’s solid proof. As I mentioned, the suspicions haven’t been fully cleared, so I think it’s just a precaution. And…”

“And?”

Jacques hesitated briefly before continuing. “May I ask you something first? Why are you so determined to divorce the Duke?”

“I’ve already told you the reasons. Do you find them unconvincing?”

“No, I mean that from the Duke’s perspective, the same question could arise. Why is the Duchess suddenly demanding a divorce? He might suspect you have some ulterior motive. It would make it even harder for him to accept.”

Jacques had a point.

He continued, “Generally speaking, being the Duchess of Dumont is not something one gives up easily. While it’s true that you and the Duke have been distant for years, it’s not unheard of for couples to live like that… And from the Duke’s perspective, you’ve never seemed particularly unhappy with the situation.”

Though Jacques had phrased it diplomatically, the meaning behind his words was clear.

For the past five years, Camille had spent an exorbitant amount of money on jewels and dresses, attending banquets and balls every day, never wearing the same dress twice.

‘In other words, it probably looks like I’ve been living well off my husband’s money, and now I suddenly want out.’

From the outside, it would certainly seem that way.

‘But in reality, Camille felt deeply lonely and abandoned by Ethan, which eventually led to her affair with Liam.’

Of course, that didn’t make it entirely Ethan’s fault.

After all, infidelity couldn’t be excused.

“I suppose it’s true that, to others, it might have looked like I was enjoying my life as Duchess. And yes, I did indulge in the wealth of the Dumont Duchy.”

“That’s not quite what I meant…,” Jacques stammered, clearly uncomfortable.

Camille smiled bitterly, a forlorn expression crossing her face. “It’s alright. As I said, it’s true. At first, I thought spending money might fill the emptiness I felt. Later, I did it out of spite because my husband didn’t bat an eye. But in the end, neither brought me any comfort.”

“……”

“Some women compromise and turn their attention to other things. Others value a luxurious life over love. But that’s not me. I’ve only recently come to realize that.”

Camille had stopped attending social events after the Viscount Rochefort’s banquet, and her spending had completely ceased. Considering Camille’s once lavish lifestyle, rumors had surely spread within the estate by now.

“As someone known for being a loving husband, you must understand. I don’t want to continue a marriage without love.”

“……”

Jacques glanced around uneasily before speaking again, cautiously, “Since you mentioned resolving the core issue… Is there no way to reconcile with the Duke through conversation?”

“If that were possible, I wouldn’t be asking for your help. Ethan is too stubborn about this, he refuses to listen to me.”

“No, what I mean is, is there no way for the two of you to clear up any misunderstandings?”

I narrowed my eyes. “There are no misunderstandings to clear up. What would we even talk about?”

Jacques quickly elaborated. “The Duke is not as indifferent to you as you think. He’s been giving serious thought to how he can mend your relationship.”

“That’s only because he suspects me of being a spy. Of course, he’d pay attention. Mending the relationship is just an excuse to avoid divorce.”

“Well, I wouldn’t say it’s just…”

“We’re here.”

I cut off Jacques’ words as I muttered, noticing we had nearly reached the entrance of the main house.

“Anyway, I’ll head to my room now. You should go back to Ines.”

Jacques looked startled. “Sorry? But…”

“Enjoy the rest of your day off. Spend some quality time with your wife. Oh, and as for today’s conversation, feel free to report it or not. Do as you see fit.”

“……”

I added the last part as if it had just occurred to me. Jacques remained silent, wearing a strange expression.

“You’re back, Madam.”

Victor, who had come to greet me, bowed. I gave him a slight smile in response and made my way up the stairs.

‘So, there’s no hidden reason why Ethan won’t agree to a divorce after all.’

From Jacques’ reaction, it didn’t seem like he was hiding anything. Since he owed me a debt over Ines, if there had been something, I would have noticed it.

‘Now then…’

I ascended the stairs, lost in thought.

***

Jacques watched Camille’s retreating figure with a conflicted expression. Soon, Victor approached him.

“Why are you back so soon? Where’s Ines?”

“…Oh, the Duchess suddenly remembered something urgent.” Jacques shook his head slightly and sighed.

“What’s wrong? Did something happen during tea?” Victor asked with mild concern.

Despite having completely opposite personalities and nearly a 15-year age difference, Jacques and Victor got along surprisingly well.

Victor had looked out for Jacques since his first arrival at the estate, and even someone as cynical and mistrustful as Jacques regarded Victor with respect.

“…No, it’s nothing. I should go back to Ines now.”

Jacques bowed his head lightly to Victor and turned to leave.

However, after only a few steps, he paused and looked back.

“Victor… about the Duke and the Duchess…”

***

That evening, as I sorted through the mail Marie had brought me, I found a letter from Audrey.

She invited me to a banquet at the Viscount Grandbert’s residence next week and expressed how honored she would be if I could attend.

I had been declining all banquet invitations recently, but I had already been indebted to Audrey twice. Out of courtesy, it seemed right to attend this one.

‘While I’m there, I should make sure to show how close we are. If others see that I’m on good terms with Audrey, it will raise her reputation as well… in more ways than one.’

Camille had never cared about anyone except herself, never giving out compliments or even showing any interest in others. If I displayed affection toward Audrey publicly, it would surely become a topic of gossip.

I briefly considered mentioning the banquet to Ethan, but I decided against it.

He had already said I didn’t need his permission for casual outings, and besides, I was sure he was monitoring all of my correspondence.

I picked up a pen and began drafting a reply to Audrey.

***

“Duchess Dumont!”

Audrey beamed as she spotted me and approached excitedly.

With a fan folded elegantly in one hand, I greeted her with a graceful smile.

“Thank you so much for coming. I wasn’t sure if you’d actually attend despite the invitation…”

“Oh, of course, I had to come. After all, it’s an invitation from Viscountess Grandbert.”

My words caused a slight stir among the people nearby. Even before I arrived, I had already drawn plenty of attention.

“I’m truly honored you think so.”

“Honored? There’s no need for that between friends.”

“Friends…?”

Audrey blinked, clearly surprised. With that expression, her round, bun-like face looked even cuter than usual.