Chapter 269
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Was it because her heart was pounding so hard?
The world was cold enough to sting the tip of her nose, but she had no room to pay attention to the cold.
Her awareness was entirely focused on the shoulders held firmly within his grasp.
Since learning about her husbandās private life⦠Perhaps because she had newly realized that he was also a āmanā, even the brush of his fingertips startled her, making her overly conscious.
āItās not like Iām a child. Iām old enough to know these things, so why do I keep being so aware of himā¦ā
Nina lightly rubbed her burning ears.
She didnāt even need to look to know they were as red as boiled tomatoes.
āI should have worn earmuffs.ā
She hadnāt worn them because they would ruin her hair, but at this rate, it felt like he might notice that she knew his secret.
Just then, Ash lightly brushed her cheek with his fingertips and said,
āYour face is cold. We should go inside soon.ā
At that moment, Neville, who was standing beside them, suddenly looked shocked.
āSister, what on earth did you do to Brother-in-law?ā
āā¦What?ā
āDid you grab some leverage and threaten him? Or did he hit his head or something?ā
Ninaās eyes sharpened.
This guyā¦
Without even knowing how hard she had been trying to get along with her husband, he was talking about threats? A head injury?
Like someone who had seen a ghost, she pinched Nevilleās side and twisted.
āā¦ā¦!ā
She whispered quietly to the silently screaming Neville.
āWhat secret? Should I let you experience it yourself?ā
āNo, this doesnāt make any sense! Even at Duke Granvilās birthday banquet, you two acted like complete strangers!ā
Rubbing his aching side, Neville said,
āBrother-in-law, if youāre being threatened by my sister, blink once.ā
Ash let out a soft, deflated laugh.
āIt seems you didnāt hear from your parents. Iām the one desperately clinging right now.ā
āSomething is definitely wrong hereā¦!ā
Nina secretly twisted Nevilleās side once more, but inwardly she felt the same.
She also didnāt understand why her husbandās feelings had changed.
At that moment, Marchioness Lambert, who had come out to greet the guests at the foyer, approached them.
āDuke and Duchess Bayern, Iām glad the two of you could come.ā
Nina spoke to her, as she greeted Neville and Sophia with a warm glance.
āHow could I possibly miss such a meaningful event hosted by House Lambert?ā
Moreover, everyone knew that it was good to show oneās face at a charity event of this scale.
āIn any case, Iām glad you came. There is someone I would like to introduce to you, Madam.ā
āSomeone to introduce?ā
When Nina tilted her head, the Marchioness lowered her voice and said,
āDo you remember that I promised to help calm the rumors about you?ā
āAhā¦ā
āThe reason I wish to introduce you to this person today is related to that promise.ā
Who could it be?
The person Marchioness Lambert wanted to introduce.
āI will take you to them first.ā
There were only a few people in the Empire who would be addressed with such honor by Marchioness Lambert.
āNo wayā¦ā
For a moment, a single name flashed through her mind.
āā¦No, that canāt be.ā
The thought itself was so absurd that she let out a quiet laugh.
After all, the person she had just thought of was someone who had been living in seclusion for a long time.
āIn any case, for that reason, Iām sorry, but you two should go in first.ā
Marchioness Lambert gently asked for Neville and Sophiaās understanding.
āThis wasnāt part of the planā¦ā
Nina had originally intended to act as Sophiaās chaperone at this event.
A chaperone.
Someone who protects and guides a young noble lady so that she can safely establish herself in high society after her debut.
āStrictly speaking, Sophia isnāt a lady who has just debuted in society, butā¦ā
She was in a situation where she needed a protector more than anyone else here.
And one of a chaperoneās roles was to pair her with a proper gentleman.
āNeville, it looks like youāll have to take the role of chaperone for a while.ā
āDonāt worry, I donāt plan to take it lightly.ā