My Husband Caught Me Having an Affair - Chapter 60

“What? What are you saying…”

“You never trust me, never rely on me. During the Bernard incident and even during the Marcel Bache case, you tried to solve everything by yourself, keeping me out of it.”

“No, that’s because you were suspicious of me, so I had no choice…”

“If you had just been honest from the start, there wouldn’t have been any reason to be suspicious. I told you from the beginning: whatever you’re afraid of, I’ll protect you.”

“……”

Those were the words Ethan had spoken when he was pressing me about how I knew Girard was behind Liam.

“You are the Duchess of Dumont, under my protection. I’ll protect what’s mine. No one, not even Girard, will harm a single hair on your head.”

I had known back then that Ethan meant those words sincerely. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust him; that wasn’t the reason I kept silent.

‘…How could I tell him the truth? That I knew everything because I had read the original novel, and everything I told him was made up just so I could survive.’

“I admit I’ve been indifferent toward you. But it wasn’t because I hated you or didn’t think of you as family.”

“I know that much. But…”

“Then why? Why is it that every person in Dumont trusts and follows me, but you, my wife, constantly draw a line and push me away?”

“……”

“It’s the same even now. You were so terrified you fainted, yet all you keep saying is that you’re fine. Do you even remember that you nearly fell from your horse? If I hadn’t been there, you could’ve been seriously hurt. Do you understand that?”

Ethan’s voice was low and strained, as if he was barely holding back his anger. It wasn’t loud, but it carried a deep, rough edge.

“…I didn’t realize. Thank you for helping me. Thanks to you, I’m safe.”

At my words, Ethan’s gaze sharpened. “See? You’re drawing a line again.”

“What do you mean? I’m just thanking you for helping me.”

“You’re talking as if you were speaking to a stranger. Earlier, you even said I was a burden.”

“So what, I shouldn’t even say thank you? It’s just basic manners.”

“Manners? Is that what our relationship has come to, where we have to be polite to each other like strangers?”

“What a ridiculous—”

I stopped midsentence and sighed deeply.

“I really don’t understand. What are you so upset about? Since when did you care about our relationship?”

A deep frown creased Ethan’s brow. “…What did you say?”

“Am I wrong? Like you said, we’ve been like strangers… no, worse than strangers. And now you suddenly want me to trust you, to rely on you? Does that make any sense?”

“……”

Ethan’s mouth twisted, but he didn’t argue against my words.

“You say I’m drawing a line? Yes, I am. And why wouldn’t I? We’re going to divorce soon anyway.”

“Divorce—”

Ethan’s voice rose sharply, but he gritted his teeth and lowered it again. He glared at me, his voice barely above a growl.

“…I told you, divorce is not an option. Did you forget?”

“That’s just your decision. My stance is different. I don’t want to be your wife anymore, and I don’t want to stay in this house. I’ve felt this way for a long time, but I haven’t been able to leave because you’ve been holding me here. So yes, I’m drawing a line, and yes, I’m pushing you away. Isn’t that only natural?”

“……”

Ethan’s eyes flickered with emotion as I spoke, his expression tightening with every word.

He stared at me for a long time before finally muttering under his breath, “…You seem perfectly fine now.”

“I told you I was fine from the beginning.”

Ethan finally let go of my hand. I could feel the blood returning to my fingers as I rubbed them, relieved.

While I was busy massaging my hand, Ethan stood up and walked toward the door. He grabbed the doorknob and turned to look at me.

“…You.”

He paused, chewing over his next words. For a long moment, he just stared at me with a burning intensity in his eyes.

Finally, without saying anything else, he spun around and left the room.

Just as he exited, Marie hurried in, looking flustered. “Madam, are you alright?”

I glanced under the blanket as I replied, “I’m fine. Nothing’s broken… I don’t think.”

“Are you sure? Are you really okay?” Marie asked again, her voice filled with genuine concern.

“Yes, I’m fine. Why are you so worried? That’s not like you.”

“What? What do you mean? That’s too much.” Marie pouted, then she continued, “Do you have any idea how shocked I was when Master carried you inside? You were completely unconscious, limp in his arms.”

I couldn’t help but doubt my ears at those words.

“What? Ethan… carried me?”

“Yes. Don’t you remember? You both came in soaking wet from the rain. I honestly thought something terrible had happened to you. Master didn’t look his usual self either. He was so worried, telling me to fetch the doctor immediately. I’ve never seen him raise his voice like that before.” Marie gestured animatedly, reliving the moment.

“……”

Without thinking, I turned to look at the closed door.

***

In front of Camille’s room, Victor, Jacques, and Mael stood like scolded children, their expressions grim.

As soon as Ethan stepped out, Mael took a step forward and asked, “Is she awake?”

“Yes,” Ethan replied curtly, walking past them without stopping.

The three men hurried after him.

“How is the Madam? Is she alright?” Victor asked.

Ethan continued walking without looking back. “You heard the doctor earlier. She’s perfectly fine. If anything, she seems more energetic than ever.”

The three men exchanged quick glances. They quickened their pace and blocked Ethan’s path, bowing their heads in unison.

“We’re sorry.”

Ethan stopped and stared at them expressionlessly.

“We didn’t mean for this to happen. But it’s true that the Madam was put in danger because of us. We’ll accept whatever punishment you deem necessary,” Mael said without lifting his head.

The three men had already confessed that the entire situation—Ethan and Camille meeting at the stables—had been orchestrated by them.

It had been a pre-planned scheme. As soon as they heard that Camille was headed to the stables, Victor had informed Mael, who then approached Ethan and suggested the race.

“We thought if the two of you were alone together, you’d have a chance to clear up your misunderstandings.”

“That’s right. That’s why we deliberately made sure the Madam’s maid and the stable staff were out of the way. We never imagined something like this would happen…”

It was so absurd that Ethan didn’t even have the energy to be angry. Earlier, his concern for Camille had pushed everything else aside, but now, thinking about it again, the whole thing was just ridiculous.

‘They really thought leaving us alone would improve our relationship?’

How could they not see that whenever he and Camille were alone, they ended up fighting? Even now, as soon as she had woken up, they had immediately clashed again.

Remembering their argument just moments ago, Ethan’s expression darkened.

“…Forget it. But don’t pull any more stunts like this again.”

Ethan’s voice was cold as he brushed past them and disappeared down the hall.

Mael let out a long sigh. “I thought it was a good idea. I never expected it to turn out like this.”

“Indeed. Who would’ve thought… It seems the heavens were indifferent to our efforts,” Victor added.

“I’m not so sure. I don’t think it’s all bad,” Jacques chimed in.

Victor and Mael turned to look at him.

“What do you mean, Jacques? Madam was nearly seriously injured.”

“Yes, but in the end, nothing bad happened. And sometimes, a little danger brings people closer together.”

“Ah… that’s an interesting point.” Victor nodded, suddenly looking enlightened.

“Do you think so?” Mael blinked in confusion. As someone who had dedicated his entire life to knighthood, matters of romance were beyond his understanding.

“Yes. Didn’t the Master carry the Madam all the way back to the mansion himself? That says a lot.”

“But wasn’t that because we made sure no one else was around? It was a life-threatening situation, so anyone would’ve done the same.”

“……”

Jacques gave Mael a look of exasperation.

“…Why are you looking at me like that?”