My Husband Caught Me Having an Affair - Chapter 68

But it was also true that there was no better explanation.

“So, what should I do now?”

“For now, it wouldn’t be wise to bring up the topic of divorce just to confirm the Duchess’s feelings. Act naturally, as if nothing happened, but show her that you’ve genuinely changed.”

“…Changed? How?”

“Well, there are many ways…”

Jacques paused, thinking for a moment before continuing, “Oh, didn’t the Duchess mention that she was attending a banquet tomorrow night? Why don’t you accompany her?”

“Why?”

“The Duke is well-known for rarely attending banquets. If you go and show a close bond in front of others, the Duchess will secretly be pleased.”

“…Do you really think so?”

Last time, when he went to Viscount Rochefort’s banquet, Victor had suggested something similar. But despite Ethan’s efforts, it hadn’t worked.

“Of course. More women than you think aren’t treated affectionately by their husbands. So when they receive just a little bit of affection in front of others, it feels many times more significant,” said Jacques with unwavering confidence.

He added, “Besides, Your Grace, you’re known for being cold and stoic. The Duchess won’t be able to hide her smile from the envious glances of others.”

Ethan felt like Jacques had subtly insulted him, but he couldn’t deny that there was a certain logic to his suggestion.

“Oh, and make sure to keep your attendance at the banquet a secret. Let the Duchess go first, and then arrive a bit later.”

“Why?”

“For dramatic effect. The less she expects it, the more delighted she’ll be.”

“…Hmm.”

Ethan stroked his chin, lost in thought.

***

Count Lenucci’s banquet hall was larger than any other I had attended. It was almost twice the size of Viscount Grandbert’s hall.

The opulent decorations inside the hall and the number of guests were also impressive. It was quite a spectacle.

‘It seems true that banquets are the joy of life here.’

Of course, this was also a matter of wealth, but the fact that so much effort had been put into an ordinary banquet meant they were genuinely invested.

“Duchess Dumont.”

I turned at the sound of someone calling my name. A couple who appeared significantly older than me approached with broad smiles.

It was undoubtedly Count Lenucci and his wife.

“Count Lenucci, Countess,” I greeted them with a smile.

“We’re so honored that you accepted our invitation, especially since we’ve heard you haven’t been going out much lately,” said Countess Sophia. She was petite and charming, not a striking beauty but with a natural air of playfulness about her.

“Indeed. I hope you enjoy yourself tonight,” added Count Lenucci. He looked considerably older than his wife, with hints of gray in his hair.

“Thank you both for the warm welcome. I’m already in high spirits.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Oh, there are a few people I’d love to introduce you to, if you wouldn’t mind… They’ve been waiting for you to arrive.”

Sophia’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

I had just arrived, so I could have taken a moment to get my bearings. It seemed Sophia was quite eager and straightforward in her desires.

“Perhaps later. I’ve been cooped up at home for months, and I feel a bit weak. I’d like to rest a bit while sipping on something.”

“Oh, of course. Would you like me to escort you to the lounge?”

“No need. You must be busy hosting your guests. Please, don’t mind me.”

Count Lenucci gave a small, embarrassed cough and cast a glance at his wife, as if to remind her of her duties.

“Ah… I understand. Then I’ll see you later.” Sophia did not hide her disappointment as she spoke.

“I’ll take my leave for now.” I smiled warmly before moving away.

As soon as I did, people began approaching me one by one, as if they had been waiting for their turn.

“Good evening, Duchess. Lovely to see you.”

“It’s been a while. Do you remember me?”

“You look beautiful tonight. The color of your dress suits your eyes perfectly.”

Perhaps because I had openly interacted with Audrey at a previous event, there were far more people approaching me than before. Previously, they would just observe from afar.

I responded with polite smiles but had to keep fending people off. Even then, people kept coming, one after another.

‘Wow, this really is endless. Are banquets always this exhausting?’

Until now, my experience of banquets had involved sipping on a drink, dancing a couple of times, and leaving. But tonight was completely different; I didn’t even have time to catch my breath.

‘I really need to find somewhere to rest.’

It would be better for the purpose of coming here today.

I began looking around the spacious hall for Sophia.

As I searched, I happened to lock eyes with a familiar face—Marchioness Leroy, Nadia.

Today, there was no sign of her usual companions, Berenice and Marianne.

Already tired, I felt even more drained at the thought of dealing with her, but I forced a smile.

“Oh my, Marchioness Leroy.”

“…Duchess.”

Nadia bowed her head in greeting without saying another word and brushed past me.

‘What’s going on?’

I had expected her to try some creative way of bothering me. Instead, she seemed to be actively avoiding me.

‘Could it be that scolding her last time actually worked?’

I had thought it would only make her angrier, not enough to make her back off. It was surprising, but not unwelcome—especially given the circumstances.

I soon found Sophia.

“Countess Lenucci, would there be a quiet place where I could rest alone for a moment? I’m more tired than I expected.”

Sophia’s eyes widened in surprise, and she made a fuss. “Oh my, are you alright? Of course. Please, follow me.”

I followed Sophia out of the hall. There were still people trying to approach me, but fortunately, Sophia intercepted them.

“I’m sorry, but Duchess Dumont needs to rest for a bit,” she said, her voice slightly triumphant.

She led me to a lounge at the end of the corridor. It was empty.

“You can rest here. Do you need anything? Perhaps a maid to give you a massage…?”

“No, I’m fine. I think I’ll feel better if I rest alone for a bit.”

“I see. If you need anything, just send for me. Here’s a handbell.”

“Thank you.”

After Sophia left, I finally took a deep breath. I felt like I could finally relax.

There was a reason I had specifically sought out Sophia.

I had made it clear in front of everyone that I wanted to rest alone, and then came to this lounge. Everyone would know I was here.

No one would think to disturb me—at least, most people wouldn’t. If anyone did, it would surely be Nicolas.

For Nicolas, this would be the perfect opportunity to gather the information he wanted, away from prying eyes.

‘Now, let’s see…’

I leaned back comfortably on the sofa, staring at the closed door.

***

The moment Ethan stepped into the hall, a murmur spread through the crowd.

He always thought the same thing—he disliked crowded places. But, perhaps fortunately, a path opened for him as he moved, as if the crowd were parting for him.

“Duke Dumont!”

Count Lenucci pushed through the crowd, practically running toward him.

“It’s been so long. If I’d known you were coming, I would have greeted you at the entrance.”

“I apologize for dropping by unannounced,” Ethan said, his expression indifferent.

“No, Your Grace. It is my honor to have you here. Haha.” Count Lenucci laughed heartily.

“Thank you. My wife should be here. Have you seen her?”

“Ah, the Duchess? She mentioned feeling a bit tired and went to rest in the lounge.”

Ethan’s eyes narrowed at that.

‘It’s only been about thirty minutes since she arrived, and she’s already tired?’

The memory of that stormy day flashed through his mind. That day, Camille had clearly shown signs of something being wrong. The doctor had said she was fine, but who was to say it hadn’t been a misdiagnosis?

“Where is this lounge?”

“Please wait a moment, I’ll check immediately.”

Count Lenucci turned and began pushing back through the crowd again. Ethan followed closely behind, his face growing stiffer.