The Wicked Wife's Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 137
Marquis William M. Dunklin.
âWhen I feel lonely now and then, Iâd like someone to talk to⌠You understand, donât you? Hahaha.â
A man who used to rake her up and down with vulgar eyes, mocking her fallen circumstances.
âMarquis Dunklin, I should be the one to thank you for inviting us to such a wonderful event. I heard this was an exhibition of promising new artists, but it turns out itâs an exhibition of the children you look after?â
âI have high hopes that these children will grow into great artists one day. Have you had a look around?â
Had she ever.
As someone who had sponsored artists for a long time, she had a good eye. Though their age made for some immaturity and shortcomings, there was an artistic sense that ordinary people simply didnât possess.
âThe strange thing isâŚâ
Among the works on display, a few were gloomy, oppressive, and dark. They were paintings that seemed to express pain, rage, or violence.
But who could guess what goes on in the mind of an artist?
If nothing else, as the Marquis said, they might very well become outstanding painters someday.
âThe problem is that those children are being exploited.â
In the past, she had tormented and exploited others just like Marquis Dunklin, but at least sheâd never put on a façade of goodness.
The Marquis, who wore the mask of a good man while secretly doing all sorts of sordid things behind the scenes, was so repulsive she felt sick.
Ninaâs blue eyes briefly flashed with contempt.
âIn any case, if you see a painting you like or if thereâs anything youâre not comfortable with as you look around, just let one of our staff know.â
âThank you for your consideration.â
âBy the way, may I expect to hear some good news soon?â
Marquis Dunklin glanced slyly at Ninaâs stomach and laughed.
Good news�
She froze up, feeling the same unease sheâd felt when she met Count AzelotâŚ
ââŚUnless you want to spend the rest of your life with your eyes downcast, I suggest you fix your gaze properly, Marquis.â
Ash shielded her protectively, glaring down at Marquis Dunklin.
His steely gray eyes, now closer and sharp as ice, stabbed like a killing intent. Marquis Dunklin flinched.
The overwhelming difference in stature and rank was an oppressive force that even a seasoned Marquis couldnât withstand.
Forcing a smile, Marquis Dunklin tried to smooth over the frosty atmosphere.
ââŚMy apologies. I couldnât help myself, what with the rumor that House Bayern might be celebrating good news.â
âŚGood news?
Realizing what the Marquis meant by âgood newsâ, Nina was speechless with disbelief.
Even if the rumor about her heaving at the dining table had spread a bit at home, where had the Marquis heard it, and why was he dropping hints with that nuance?
âHoney, it seems thereâs a rumor going around that Iâm pregnant. But whyâŚ?â
Where thereâs smoke, thereâs fire, but this was absurdly out of nowhere.
Could it be that Rebecca had more than one informant?
ââŚSo thatâs why everyone was giving me strange looks as soon as I arrived.â
Because they thought she was pregnant.
But why did they look at her with such contempt? Shouldnât pregnancy be celebrated, at least?
Did they think sheâd done something improper?
Sheâd been living quietly and working on her reputation, only to be blindsided by a rumor sheâd never even imagined.
ââŚI just want to go home.â
The biggest reason she wanted to leave high society was the rumors.
Forgetting her former selfâone that even she couldnât forgiveâwas impossible in the very world that had been her stage.
And now, on top of it all, there was a pregnancy rumorâŚ
Suddenly overwhelmed with fatigue, her complexion darkened, and Ash spoke.
âIt would be best if we rest somewhere quiet for a while.â
ââŚNo, Iâm fine.â
If avoiding things could solve them, sheâd have done it long ago.
âLetâs just reset my brain for a moment.â
She felt like her mind was about to short-circuit from the stress.
Taking a slow breath with her eyes closed, she felt Ash gently wrap his arm around her shoulders.
Startled by the unexpectedly gentle pull, Nina opened her eyes.
ââŚA loving couple.â
He murmured softly, looking off to one side.
âAhâŚâ
Rebecca.
She was glaring at Nina with emerald eyes burning vivid and red, as if lit by candlelight.
Erica
Seriously, I want them to at the very least take down duchess Nord. I know theyâll have to take down her whole family, count azelot, and this Marquis, but at the very least I wish they could take her out first. It bothers me thinking that such a monster who would easily suggest cutting off a young manâs arm, (especially an artist! Even if he was left handed), and having a âwhipping boyâ, and god knows what else sheâs doing to commoners, is free to do whatever she wants. Though Iâm guessing since sheâs the FLs enemy, sheâll be either the second or final villain to go. I donât get why Nina hasnât done anythiny. She already has plenty of proof that Rebecca is doing things that are not only frowned upon, but illegal, so I donât get why sheâs just sitting back and doing nothingâŚ. Does she really need to get hurt again before she finally does something?! I mean, they didnât even do anythint after catching her spreading rumours.., I just donât get it