The Wicked Wife's Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 100
âWhat is it?â
Had she been staring too openly?
When their eyes met in the mirror, Ash raised an eyebrow.
âAre you sulkingâŚ?â
âSulking⌠Donât say something so ridiculous. Why would I sulk?â
But from his current behavior and expression, he definitely seemed sulky.
The problem was, she had no idea what had upset him.
As Nina watched him with suspicion, she began retracing her earlier words carefully.
âIs it because you donât want us to go back to the fief separatelyâŚ?â
ââŚâŚâ
Ash shook his head, looking utterly exasperated, as if he had lost the will to respond.
âAlright, never mind.â
Feeling awkward, Nina scratched her cheek.
But if we go to the banquet with this atmosphereâŚ
She had just barely gained some favor with Her Majesty the Empressâshe didnât want that progress to be completely erased.
That couldnât happen.
The next year, or rather the next ten months, of her social life depended on it.
Ten months might pass in the blink of an eye, but if she let Duchess Nord flaunt her triumph, she would regret it.
Dragging herself off the sofa, Nina grabbed a piece of chocolate from the small snack box on the table and approached him.
âYour Grace.â
âWhat is iââ
Before he could finish, Nina slipped the piece of chocolate into his slightly open mouth.
âIf I upset you, Iâm sorry. But weâre about to meet Her Majesty the Empress, and you canât go looking so displeased.â
She smiled softly, whispering to him as he froze in shock at her sudden action.
âSweet things are supposed to improve your mood, so eat this and cheer up, alright?â
With that, she casually popped another piece of chocolate into her own mouth as if nothing had happened.
She had offered him something goodânow the cold atmosphere needed to thaw.
Nina beamed at him as he stared at her with a dumbfounded expression.
After all, they say you canât spit on a smiling face.
âWell then, shall we head out now?â
Nina naturally looped her arm through his and led him outside.
She had been worried he might pull away in irritation, but thankfully, he didnât.
âOh my, isnât that Marquis Saldersford over there?â
On the way to the banquet hall, Nina spotted a familiar back and gently tugged Ashâs arm, asking,
Reddish-brown hair, a height slightly over 180 cm, and a sturdy, reliable figure.
A warm smile spread across Ninaâs face.
In her previous life, she hadnât seen him here because of an injury to his leg.
Now, seeing him walking healthily, she felt an odd sense of happiness.
Perhaps hearing her voice, Marquis Saldersford turned around.
âMadam, itâs been a while.â
âHow have you been?â
Allen smiled warmly as he approached.
It was hard to believe that they once barely exchanged greetings.
âOf course, Iâve been well. Ash, itâs been a long time. How have you been?â
Ash gave a curt nod, his expression as stoic as ever. Allen tilted his head in slight confusion before turning back to Nina and saying,
âI received your card thanking me for the gift. I figured weâd meet in the capital eventually, so I held off on sending a reply. How is your leg?â
âThanks to the medicine you sent, the wound has completely healed. It looks like there wonât be a scar either.â
âI was worried about that. Iâm glad to hear it. Did you like the tea set I sent?â
âI loved it! I had a few empty spots in my display cabinet, but thanks to you, itâs now perfect. It made me so happy!â
Her satisfied smile lit up Allenâs face with a bright smile of his own.
âI wanted to make sure the gift for my savior was something special, so itâs a relief to hear you liked it.â
âIâve displayed the tea set you sent in a prime spot. Next time you visit our home, Iâll make sure to show it to you.â
If Marquis Saldersford ever visited, he would be more than welcome.
After all, he was one of her husbandâs closest friends, right?