The Wicked Wife’s Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 79

‘That woman…’

A woman with curly orange hair, golden eyes, and dressed in a dark green gown, giving off a cute impression.

Judging by the floral patterns adorning her forearms like armbands, she was unmistakably the Princess of Osk, a country renowned for its trade.

After all, adorning one’s face or body with beautiful, elaborate designs for important occasions was a long-standing tradition in the Kingdom of Osk.

‘Ah, come to think of it, something happened back then, didn’t it?’

Nina’s aquamarine eyes sparkled.

The Crown Prince of Osk, who was known for his interest in the Emperor’s policies, had visited the empire to observe this charity event.

‘The Princess of Osk also came at this time, but something must have happened, as she returned home alone the day after the banquet, didn’t she?’

She didn’t know the exact details.

Since Nina had arrived late to the banquet after an argument with her husband, all she’d seen was the princess’s departing figure.

‘If I use this well, I might be able to regain the favor of Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress…’

Why would a princess who had crossed the sea to set foot on foreign soil return home alone?

‘There must have been some unpleasant incident.’

Nina looked at the princess with a knowing smile.

Earning Their Majesties’ favor would provide strong support against the meddling Duchess Nord.

‘First, it would be best to approach her and strike a conversation.’

It would be far easier to appeal to a stranger than someone who already held a biased view of her.

“Darling, I’ll be right back. I need to go over there for a moment.”

Seeing a man approach the princess, Nina quickly left Ash’s side and hurried toward her, determined to capture the royal family’s favor before any issues could arise.

But then, a shadow suddenly blocked her path…

“I hadn’t seen you at gatherings for some time, so I wondered if something might be wrong. I’m relieved to see you looking well.”

It was Duchess Rebecca Nord.

***

Ash watched his wife’s retreating figure with his somber gray eyes, then glanced down at his arm.

The spot where she had held him earlier was wrinkled from her grip.

Thinking of the way she’d clung to his arm as if it were a lifeline left him with a strange feeling.

“……”

Not long ago, he’d thought the ridicule and scorn from others were a fitting punishment for her.

He hadn’t minded his own honor being tarnished alongside hers.

After all, he’d wanted her to suffer in this miserable marriage until she finally sought a divorce.

That’s why he had let the rumors spread unchecked.

But now…

Her pale, drained face, her trembling hand clutching his arm like a lifeline, the tremors he’d felt through her touch.

“…Honey, what woman wouldn’t be hurt to hear that her own husband feels nothing toward her?”

Just as she had concealed her vulnerable feelings from him with unwavering determination that day, she now hid them just as well.

It was as if she hadn’t shown any sign of distress at all. Just a moment ago, she had even gently pushed herself out of his hold and walked away.

“……”

Why was it so unsettling to watch her disappear without looking back even once?

While he was frowning at the direction Nina had gone,

“Well, well, what an unexpected sight I’ve stumbled upon!”

Ash was pulled from his thoughts by a playful voice.

“Hozi.”

“To think my lord entered arm-in-arm with the madam—what exactly happened while I was away?”

Hozi, who had departed for the capital ahead of them, rubbed his chin, intrigued.

“Is the event preparation going smoothly?”

“Rest assured. The food supplies have been secured, and everything was transported to the square a few days ago. The soldiers are diligently standing guard as we speak.”

“So, there are no issues, then?”

“Indeed, I’ve double-checked, so there’s nothing to worry about. But don’t change the subject. Just what happened between Your Graces while I was away?”