The Wicked Wife's Dark History Keeps Coming Back To Haunt Her - Chapter 39
Imagine a high-ranking politician coming to volunteer while draped in luxury brands.
‘…I was so foolish.’
The noblewomen weren’t treating her with respect—they were subtly mocking her for wearing inappropriate clothes for the occasion.
Unaware, she had sat comfortably in the shade, watching while others volunteered.
The Emperor and Empress were disappointed in her not just because she attacked Duchess Nord, but for these combined reasons.
Though her reputation was already irreparable, one more stain wouldn’t make much difference…
‘But I still have to go.’
Going to the capital means being exposed to the eyes of many people.
There will be countless unavoidable moments, and of course, she didn’t want to go.
Whether due to illness or an accident, how many opportunities in life would there be to receive the recognition of the imperial family?
Nina sighed with a gloomy expression.
This event would be a turning point for the next year: whether her already ruined reputation would sink even further or stay as it was.
‘At least I need to maintain the status quo. It would be disastrous if it got any worse.’
She shook her head as if the very thought was horrifying.
‘Still, if I can turn this to my advantage, how should I go about it?’
At charity events, noblewomen usually taught common women about recipes and how to properly enjoy teatime.
But Nina didn’t want to do that.
While noble culture might interest the materially well-off middle class, it didn’t benefit those who really needed help.
‘Besides, can I really handle it…?’
At Duke Granvil’s mansion, she was too focused on the chandelier to worry about people’s gazes, but what about in the capital?
Could she really endure it?
‘I suppose I can.’
Judging by the few people who inquired about her well-being, there seemed to be a small number of people who viewed her favorably.
But regardless, being exposed to people’s gazes was deeply unpleasant and tiring.
“Marsha, I’m going for a walk alone.”
Nina threw a shawl over her shoulders and walked towards the garden to calm her troubled mind.
As she slowly strolled through the garden, inhaling the fresh scent of grass and feeling the cool breeze, her mind seemed to settle a bit.
‘They say if you can’t avoid it, enjoy it.’
Might as well turn into a perverse enjoyment.
It was the moment she decided to accept and face the inescapable reality.
“Madam, where are you going so early in the morning?”
She stopped at the sly voice coming from behind.
‘That voice…’
Nina turned with a slightly hardened expression.
There stood Baron Summerden, her husband’s closest aide, with his usual smiling face.
Hozi B. Summerden.
During her time living here, he had never been outright rude to her, but he wasn’t particularly kind either, making him an uncomfortable presence.
He was always smiling, but it never felt sincere, and there was a subtly dangerous air about him.
Especially his half-closed eyes.
Whenever his pupils peeked out and gleamed blue, it felt as eerie as seeing someone hiding a knife behind their back.
‘And…’
Thinking back to the day she was finally expelled from the mansion.
Remembering his smiling face waving from the window made her feel…
‘This guy is incredibly sly.’
Instinctively feeling a sense of revulsion, she frowned, but quickly collected herself, remembering he was her husband’s closest aide, and forced a smile.
“I just came out for a walk. What are you doing here at this hour?”
“I was taking a walk as well. One must take care of their health to handle difficult tasks.”
Difficult tasks, huh…
‘Could it be that he’s preparing to oust my grandfather?’
She hoped not, but seeing the meaningful smile on Hozi’s lips made it seem likely.
Sh-t.
