My Husband Caught Me Having an Affair - Chapter 61

“It’s nothing. Just wait and see. I’m sure something will change between the two of them starting today,” said Jacques with confidence. He was known for his good intuition.

“I hope so. The Master has given strict orders, so we won’t be able to plot anything further,” Victor muttered quietly, glancing toward Camille’s room with a slightly worried expression.

‘Is she really alright…’

He had heard that she had fainted from shock due to the thunderstorm. Though it was something that could happen to women, it still bothered him. Victor prayed inwardly that everything, including the relationship between the Duke and Duchess, would work out well.

***

I caught a cold for several days, likely due to being soaked in the rain and emotionally shaken.

After that, Ethan didn’t visit my room again.

‘Well, after the way he left, it’s not like he’d want to come back.’

Honestly, I didn’t think I had said anything I shouldn’t have. Still, after hearing what happened from Marie, I felt a bit sorry for Ethan.

“I didn’t mean to eavesdrop; it just happened to come up by chance, and I thought I should tell you…”

According to Marie, the whole incident had been deliberately orchestrated by Mael, Victor, and Jacques. Apparently, they had wanted to bring Ethan and me closer together, so they had arranged for us to be alone.

‘Idiots. Ethan and I would only end up fighting if we were left alone.’

Given that, Ethan was an innocent victim. Not only had he missed his much-anticipated race with Mael, but despite going through the trouble of carrying me back in the rain, he didn’t even receive a word of thanks.

However, apologizing to Ethan first was a bit awkward too.

‘I clearly told him that I was drawing a line and didn’t intend to reconcile, so it would be ridiculous to say, “Sorry about that time” now.’

‘Right. Besides, my goal is to divorce Ethan. If this incident soured his feelings toward me to the point that he thinks, “If you want a divorce so badly, I’ll grant it!” then it’s all the better for me.’

I decided to move on.

Just as I had fully recovered from my cold, I received a timely message that the dresses I had ordered were ready.

I called for Josephine and went through the fitting process.

Both dresses were much simpler and more subdued compared to what Camille used to wear.

One was a cream-colored dress with floral embroidery and a black velvet band as an accent, while the other was a lavender off-the-shoulder gown adorned with small diamonds.

“Oh my, you look absolutely stunning. To be honest, I was a bit worried since this is a different style from what you usually wear, but you pull off this subtle elegance perfectly. As expected of the Duchess.”

Josephine couldn’t stop showering me with praise.

‘Well, I have to admit, it does suit me. When you have a good base, any makeup can work wonders,’ I thought as I glanced at the mirror.

“There’s no need for any size adjustments. I should be able to have them ready for you by tomorrow.”

“Good. Please go ahead.”

“Yes, Duchess. And, by the way, this is…”

Josephine whispered as she handed me a small pouch.

From the feel and weight, it was unmistakably the payment for the second-hand dresses I had sold.

“Thank you.” I smiled warmly.

Josephine bowed her head. “Please call me anytime if you need anything.”

Three days later, it was time for the banquet I had decided to attend.

It was a gathering hosted by Count Lenucci.

Out of the many invitations, I had chosen this one because Countess Sofia Lenucci was notorious for being talkative and a show-off.

I had already sent a reply confirming my attendance, so she had probably already spread word of my participation throughout the capital.

‘That way, Nicolas will know in advance and come to see me.’

In the original story, Nicolas first appeared when Elodie turned eighteen.

He believed that seducing Elodie, whom Ethan cherished dearly, would be a sure way to secure victory against Dumont, so he approached her.

However, contrary to his original plan, Nicolas found himself genuinely opening his heart to the innocent and kind-hearted Elodie.

Nicolas had lost his mother at a young age and had always craved affection. The reason he worked so hard to gain his father’s approval was because of that deep yearning.

While grappling with his feelings for Elodie, Nicolas accidentally overheard a conversation between Marlon and his eldest son, Thierry.

Thierry was confronting Marlon about Nicolas being his illegitimate son.

At that moment, Marlon said something shocking.

“The only reason I kept him close was to prevent him from doing anything foolish. But it turns out he’s more capable than I expected.”

Marlon’s voice was even colder than usual, sending a chill through Nicolas.

“He’s just another card I can discard whenever necessary. So stop wasting my time and leave.”

Devastated, Nicolas betrayed Girard and joined forces with Ethan.

With the inside information Nicolas provided, Ethan successfully cornered Marlon.

However, when Marlon’s life was in danger, Nicolas couldn’t bring himself to abandon his father and ended up saving him.

“What I said to Thierry that day wasn’t true. It was a lie to protect you from danger.”

Marlon told Nicolas, “Kill Ethan Dumont. He trusts you completely right now, so there will be an opportunity. If you succeed, I’ll make you my heir.”

Following his father’s words, Nicolas went to assassinate Ethan. However, unwilling to witness Elodie’s grief, he deliberately allowed himself to be killed by Ethan’s sword.

“Please don’t tell Elodie about today. Just say that I left because I couldn’t bear the guilt of betraying my father… That’s my final request.”

With those last words, Nicolas breathed his last.

He was a character who became popular for his tragic storyline, always being used by his father and ultimately sacrificing himself for Elodie.

‘I remember crying my eyes out when I read that…’

Nicolas never realized that Marlon only saw him as a tool.

To Nicolas, Marlon was his only blood relative, so despite being betrayed, he couldn’t abandon him.

‘But if Nicolas knew that Marlon was responsible for his mother’s death, he might think differently.’

If I could sway Nicolas, Dumont would not only eliminate a major threat but also gain a valuable ally.

Moreover, Nicolas himself would be saved.

‘The challenge is how to find the proof…’

I already had some ideas in mind for that.

Of course, I wasn’t 100% sure it would work. There was still a lot of preparation to be done.

‘And the first step of that preparation is tomorrow.’

Tomorrow, I would be going to the church for the first time to volunteer with Audrey.

***

“Duchess, are you sure you’re alright?”

On the way there, Audrey looked at me with concern.

She knew that I had been sick with a cold and had suggested canceling today’s plans. Although I assured her I was fully recovered, she still seemed worried.

“I’m fine. You can see for yourself, can’t you? I’m perfectly healthy now.”

“Still…”

“I was getting bored after being stuck at home for days. The family doctor even said it’s good to get some fresh air and exercise when you’re recovering. So there’s nothing to worry about.”

Only then did Audrey reluctantly nod.

“Alright. But if you feel unwell, please tell me right away, Duchess.”

“I will. And there you go again, calling me ‘Duchess.’ We agreed you’d use my name when we’re alone.”

“Oh, right. Sorry, Camille.” Audrey smiled awkwardly.

Soon, the carriage arrived at the church.

While the largest church in the capital was the Étoile Cathedral where the Archbishop resided, the one Audrey frequented was the Yena Church, the closest one to the Grandbert estate. And it was at the orphanage run by Yena Church that Elodie lived.

The thought of seeing Elodie soon made my heart race involuntarily.