The Wicked Wife's Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 102
The man who had disappeared moments ago was someone best avoided.
No matter how strained their marriage was, a man who offered to introduce him to a courtesan couldn’t possibly be normal.
Being on good terms with someone like that wouldn’t help his reputation in the slightest.
And yet…
“…Aren’t you going to ask about the courtesan?”
He had expected that to be the first thing she questioned, so why had she brought up chocolate instead?
“He said he would introduce you, not that he had introduced you. Isn’t that so?”
Ash hadn’t lived a life of strict morality, but when it came to relationships with women, he had always been particularly scrupulous.
Until Ian was officially recognized as heir to the family, he had no intention of getting involved in any scandal.
Because if he did, Ian might start to doubt him.
A boy who had lost his father because of his own mother had every reason to be wary.
And if, someday, Ash had a family of his own—if he had children of his own…
Would Ian suspect that, just like Ash’s birth mother, Ash might push him aside to secure his own child’s place as heir?
It was an absurd thought, but it was enough to make Ash determined to create an environment where Ian would never have to worry.
Now, he knew Ian no longer doubted his sincerity.
But back then…
“…Still though, if you ever do end up keeping a courtesan or if there’s someone you like in the future, don’t mind me. You can meet them.”
“What?”
“Just be careful not to let anyone else find out. If rumors spread before the divorce, it wouldn’t be good for you or for the other person.”
“…Have you lost your mind?”
Was she trying to frame him as the guilty party in their divorce? Was this some ploy to gather evidence against him?
“I mean later, if you find someone you’re interested in. They say love and marriage are all about timing, and I’d hate for you to miss an opportunity because of me. Then again, you probably wouldn’t miss out on anything, would you…?”
Listening to her nonsensical rambling, spoken with such an innocent expression, made his irritation surge like filth spilling over from a sewer.
Was she really saying this for his sake?
Or did she have a reason of her own—something that required him to have an affair?
“…Let’s meet again… no matter what…”
Could this all be about someone she had desperately called out for in her dreams?
“…You, by any chance—”
Just as his sharp gaze fixed on her and he was about to press further—
“His Majesty, the Emperor, and Her Majesty, the Empress, have arrived. All present, maintain silence and show due reverence.”
The chamberlain’s voice rang out, announcing the imperial couple’s entrance.
Ash swallowed his questions, bowing his head as protocol dictated.
Even as the Emperor’s speech echoed through the grand hall, his mind remained elsewhere.
The day she had demanded a divorce.
The day she had lashed out at him, demanding the fulfillment of their marital obligations.
Even further back than that, he searched his memories for any man who might have been a suitable candidate.
But no one came to mind.
And it made sense. Until now, his wife’s interest had been obsessively focused on him to the point that it could only be described as madness.
If there was anyone remotely suspicious…
“It’s been three days, Madam.”
It was none other than the foreign Crown Prince standing before him now, lightly kissing his wife’s hand.
***
Her eyelids felt heavy, her head spun, and her stomach churned unpleasantly.
Nina folded her arms, leaning against the wall with her eyes closed.
Her entire body was a mess.
She had boldly claimed she had no intention of losing, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t nervous—her palms were damp with cold sweat.
She hadn’t eaten since lunch, knowing she needed to, yet her lack of appetite made even finger foods unappealing.
“Madam, are you alright? You don’t look well.”
“Yes, I’m just a little tired today. I worked hard since it’s the last day…”
“I had planned to offer you some champagne to celebrate the end of the event, but that’s unfortunate. Have you taken any medicine?”
“No, it’s just fatigue. A full day of rest should fix it. But thank you for your concern.”
Nina smiled reassuringly at the Crown Prince.
‘That aside, why is he sulking?’
She subtly glanced at Ash, who had gone completely silent at some point.
He stood rigid, exuding an icy aura that seemed to ward off anyone who might approach.
With his overwhelming height and strikingly beautiful features, he already gave off an aura that ordinary people wouldn’t dare intrude upon.
But now, standing there with a cold expression, he seemed untouchable—like a sacred entity one shouldn’t even dare to look at.
The nobles lingering nearby, clearly wanting to approach, hesitated and merely stole glances from a distance.
It was almost pitiful how they hovered, wanting to speak yet unable to.
‘No matter how I look at it, this is hilarious. Why is he the one getting angry?’
