When she turned around, a young man with black hair and hazel eyes was smiling.
His smiling eyes were natural, and the beauty mark below his left eye gave off an air of gentle attractiveness.
He's a rather handsome man, but since I don't remember him...could he be a foreigner?
In fact, the man had a strange appearance.
However, his Alvinian language was remarkably fluent.
Nadia looked at him from the corner of her eyes before speaking.
“If my memory serves me correctly, I think this was our first meeting. If I'm wrong, I apologize.”
“Oh my god, I'm sorry. I should have introduced myself first. My name is Fabian Winter, from Veltheim.”
Feltheim is a city in Porsia, a country neighboring Alvini.
“I am Nadia”
“I know. The beauty of the Marchioness Leroy is known even beyond borders.”
Nadia let out a small laugh.
No one knew better than she that she wasn't.
However, it was not unpleasant to hear such a compliment from a man, especially since her self-confidence had decreased because of Ethan.
“So, Mr. Winter, what were you doing while you waited here?”
“Honestly, I was waiting for an opportunity to contact you.”
"You're so bold. Is this common among the Borsians? Well, I heard that Alvini has a more open air in these matters. Isn't it?"
“I'm not sure about that, but I don't particularly like these trends. You can call me old-fashioned if you want.”
“No, on the contrary, I was happy to hear you say that. I am also not a fan of casual encounters.”
“Really? That's not the impression you're giving off.”
Fabian smiled bitterly at her comment.
“I think I made a bad first impression. It seems like all the time I spent thinking about this was wasted.”
Nadia smiled as she reached for her wine glass, but it was empty.
She did this consciously, hoping to elicit a reaction from him.
"There's no more wine. If you don't mind, would you like to join me for another glass inside?"
In the past, she would have definitely refused.
Nadia is fully aware of how quickly rumors can spread in social circles, even in a normal setting like this.
Of course, Ethan was not the type to care about high-class news. However, she did not want any rumors about her to reach him.
Maybe it was a challenge to what happened last time, or maybe it was the alcohol talking – she wasn't sure. Honestly, she didn't care.
At that moment, this man completely satisfied her mood.
This was a concert hall. If she changed her mind, she could easily get up and leave.
Nadia took Fabian's outstretched hand and got up from her seat.
***
The time I spent with Fabian was surprisingly enjoyable.
Usually, men on such occasions fell into two categories: those who bragged about themselves and those whose empty compliments made their intention to lure women into bed quite clear.
But Fabian was different from most men. He complimented her, yes, but he was in no rush to reveal any ulterior motives.
And most important of all, he listened to her.
He listened attentively and responded appropriately, which is a trait that most men, surprisingly, lack.
Maybe that was the reason, or maybe it was the alcohol, but eventually Nadia's talk turned to Ethan.
In truth, this was not something she should talk about in front of a man who showed interest in her.
But once she started pouring out her complaints, she couldn't stop.
She expressed her frustration with Ethan for not understanding her feelings and for being unable to let go of her affection for him.
Nadia sighed deeply, “Isn’t this exaggerated? He does not understand what is in my heart, and yet he insists on protecting his wife who betrayed him...”
“It's hard for me to believe it. How can a man stay so cold when he's in love with such a gorgeous woman?” Fabian refilled her empty cup as he spoke.
“Well, he's a man who lacks nothing. What I don't understand is why someone of Ethan's stature would choose Camille Chevelot as his wife. Really, she doesn't deserve it.”
"Didn't you say earlier that she was having an affair with another man? What's his name...?"
“Liam Bernard. About four months ago, he suddenly disappeared from the capital. I’m not sure if Ethan kicked him out or if Bernard ran away for fear of being found out… I’ve looked into the matter from all sides, but his whereabouts are still unknown.”
“Is it possible that it was handled quietly, without anyone knowing? I mean, if it was Duke Dumont, it wouldn’t be so difficult, right?”
Fabian's voice dropped as he spoke, and Nadia looked at him with half-closed eyes before shaking her head.
“Impossible. Ethan would never come to this point. If he did, it would mean that Baron Bernard and that woman had committed an inappropriate act… In that case, Ethan would not remain married to her.”
"That's right. What really happened?"
“How would I know? I told you before, I have no idea.”
“Hmm”
Nadia took a sip of her wine.
“Anyway, someone must know where Baron Bernard is. The truth will come out one day. And when that happens, Ethan will definitely change his mind.”
“You are quite right, Marchioness.”
“Right? I knew from the beginning that I had a good feeling for you, Viscount Winter.”
After saying that, Nadia lightly placed her hand on Fabian's hand.
“I think I've had too much to drink. I'd like to lie down somewhere comfortable...”
“Oh, I see. Wait a minute, please.”
Fabian smiled slightly before getting up.
Nadia narrowed her eyes slightly, but quickly laughed and took another sip of wine.
Fabian left the room and called to a passing servant.
“The Marchioness of Le Roy appears to be very drunk. Please accompany her home.”
“Yes sir”
Then Fabian left the concert hall.
He walked a little, and when the place was quiet, he raised his hand to his head.
He took off his wig revealing a light blonde color, slightly faded to a dull grey.
His face, which had previously looked so warm, now seemed completely devoid of emotion, almost robotic.
He rubbed his cheek with his hand, erasing the distinctive beauty mark under his eye.
He was no longer Fabian Winter, but a completely different person.
The unknown man cast a cold glance at the moon before disappearing into the darkness.
***
It has been a month since Marcel Patch was arrested.
My plan to leave Dumont Mansion and safely separate from Ethan has met an unexpected obstacle. Ethan had surprisingly easily repelled the ambitious card she had played.
“Let us bring your brother to the duchy. This way, you won't have to leave, and we won't have to divorce.”
I never imagined Ethan would say something like that.
He even offered to persuade Olivier personally if necessary, but I haven't told Olivier that myself yet.
My goal had always been to use him as an excuse to divorce Ethan, not actually bring him into the duchy.
“Do you remember our bet on the History of the War of Erendelle? "You promised to fulfill any wish I had if I won."
I went so far as to bring up an age-old issue, but Ethan didn't even blink.
“Divorce is out of the question, but any other option is acceptable.”
“What about a long, indefinite separation that practically resembles a divorce?”
“……”
Ethan narrowed his eyes as he looked at me.
His gaze was like he was staring at a truly miserable person, and I couldn't help but feel anger rising within me.
“Oh, I wouldn't mind if I ended up widowed too.”
“...Are you threatening to kill me now?”
“Don't you think death is a better option than staying married to me?”
Without a word, Ethan shook his head.
“Don't you have any pride? How unfortunate it is to hold on to a woman who doesn't want to live with you.”
She deliberately tried to provoke him, but he wouldn't budge.
“No matter what you say, my decision is final. Unless there is a reason that radically undermines the foundation of our marriage, I will not agree to a divorce. Understand that.”
Ethan said this without any expression on his face.