“It seems like something happened, after all.”
“No, nothing happened”
“Tell me the truth. Something unpleasant happened, didn’t it? Was it the Marchioness Leroy again?” Ethan asked, referring specifically to Nadia.
I couldn't help but wonder, how did he know? Did he see anything?
No, if he had seen him, he would not have asked. Saying “again” means that this has happened before. Camille must have told Ethan that earlier.
It's not important; Ethan probably ignored her then. It's clear.
So, when he heard that I cried when asked about the party, he must have concluded that Nadia had said something unpleasant again. It was a reasonable guess, and it actually happened.
But I wasn't about to admit it.
I didn't cry because of it, and I didn't want to seem like a talkative person who tells her husband about a quarrel with other women.
Moreover, I didn't like that Ethan suddenly showed concern.
Was he starting to feel sorry for Camille?
If he remembered, Camille must have mentioned him repeatedly.
Honestly, I felt like, 'Why should I care now?'
"Just tell me. I won't get angry. I'm right, right?"
I sneered, “What? Even if your guess was correct, why would you get angry?”
“What? No, that’s not what I meant...”
“I don't understand why you're so concerned about this all of a sudden. You never cared before, whether I cried or not.”
I turned my back to him, and my voice was cold, “I’m tired. I’m going to sleep now. Please leave.”
“Camille, wait.”
Ethan grabbed my shoulders, seemingly desperate. His big hand and strong grip made my heart beat hard, and I couldn't help but scream and shake.
"What do you do!"
Ethan looked shocked, his eyes wide.
“You surprised me by catching me like that,” I said in defense, feeling embarrassed.
As I've mentioned repeatedly, being alone in a dimly lit bedroom with a man was extremely stressful for me. And the fact that the man was so handsome made matters worse.
Ethan remained silent, focusing his gaze on my hands as I adjusted my robe.
“Anyway, I'm going to sleep. You should sleep too.”
“……”
“Ethan?”
“…okay”
He said in a short voice, then suddenly turned and left the bedroom.
Have I gone too far?
I wondered if I was being too harsh, since perhaps it came out of genuine concern.
No, it's not like he really cares about me, I reassured myself.
Furthermore, my goal was to divorce Ethan.
If he stayed away from me more, it would help.
I took off my robe and crawled into bed.
***
Ethan returned to his office with a frown.
The door opened, and Jack was waiting for him inside.
“Did you discover something?”
“Yes, sir. You were right. It seems that the Duchess had a quarrel with the Marchioness Leroy at the ball last night.”
Ethan's eyebrow twitched slightly upon hearing this.
“What exactly were they arguing about?”
"According to eyewitnesses, the Duchess made some insulting comments about the late Marquis Le Roy, mocking the Marquise's status. When Countess Marder and Madame Laforet protested, the Duchess responded by saying that they had repeatedly insulted her in the past."
“Repeatedly? Were these women torturing Camille regularly?”
“Actually, it seems so,” Jack began to explain, “over the past five years, these three women have been constantly harassing Camille. Their comments were often bordering on offensive, and clearly intended to belittle and mock her.”
While Ethan kept his face expressionless, his eyes became sharper as he listened.
“What happened after that?”
“In the end, the three women bowed their heads and apologized to the Duchess.”
“That's it?”
"Yes."
Ethan stared silently at a spot on his desk.
Jack shrugged his shoulders and continued, “It seems that this incident has nothing to do with what you were worried about.”
Ethan looked at Jack with a sharp look.
“How can you be so sure?”
"People said that the Duchess remained calm throughout the discussion. The Marchioness Le Roy, however, seemed upset. By all accounts, the Duchess prevailed in that confrontation."
"Just because she seemed calm doesn't mean she wasn't affected. Have you checked that with Camille?"
“Well, no… not directly.”
Jack felt a little confused. He couldn't understand why Ethan was upset.
Ethan is usually indifferent to such matters, only showing interest during a period of suspicion of recent infidelity.
Did something else happen? Jack wondered.
Ethan seemed disturbed ever since he entered the office.
“So, what should we do about it?” Jack asked.
“That's enough for now. I'll take care of the rest,” Ethan replied.
Although curious about what Ethan was up to, Jack simply replied: “Yes, sir.”
As he was turning to leave, Ethan suddenly asked him: “By the way, Jack, you are married, right?”
What prompted this question? Jack thought, surprised.
Ethan's way of saying it made it seem like a passing thought.
“Yes, I got married last year.”
“How is your relationship with your wife?”
“It's... good, I think so.”
“Do you... regularly... you know, engage in... marital activities?”
“……”
Jack's eyes narrowed curiously, "Why are you asking this all of a sudden?"
“That doesn't concern you. Just answer the question,” Ethan replied annoyed.
It seemed strange to be asked about his married life, but Jack answered without comment: “Well, I guess it happens as often as anyone else.”
“What does this mean exactly?”
“Maybe once every two or three days.”
“That much?” Ethan asked in surprise, “Do most people do it that often?” , Ethan muttered to himself, seemingly oblivious to Jack's scrutiny.
"We're still newlyweds, after all. It may be different for those of higher status. But why do you ask?"
“……”
Ethan remained silent again, and waited for Jack.
“So, your wife never reacted with shock when you touched her?” Ethan asked.
Now Jack felt like he understood. It was known that the Duke and Duchess were in a distant relationship, and had not yet had an heir.
It was assumed that the Duke kept his distance, but perhaps the opposite was true? Jack thought.
Or maybe Ethan tried after a long time and was rejected.
This was unbelievable with the Duchess in those days, but lately, it has become increasingly difficult to understand her.
“Does the Duchess refuse to enter into marital relations?”
“If that were the case, I wouldn’t feel so upset.”
“Excuse me?”
Ethan frowned, not saying a word.
He had not gone into Camille's bedroom with any special intention, and his grabbing her shoulder was a spontaneous act. However, she acted as if he had done something completely inappropriate. This left him feeling very frustrated.
The image of Camille holding her dress tightly, as if she wanted to protect herself from him, remained fresh in his mind.
Oh my God, who said I'd get my hands on her?
He had to respond firmly to her and correct her misunderstanding immediately.
Now, he felt an urgent need to vent this pent-up frustration.
Ethan suddenly stood up.
“Get the cart ready”
“At this hour?” Jack asked.
Ethan left the office without answering and Jack followed him, confused.