Chapter 4 (1/2)

Chapter 4

“Haa…”

After looking at the documents again, she was able to breathe a little.

She would be able to get out of this suffocating life soon.

“Divorce…”

Her husband had never brought up divorce to her. Perhaps it was because he felt responsible. Chloe was convinced that this was the only reason.

She believed he had a persistent sense of duty, which was why she had been able to endure until this long.

So if she was the one who brought out the divorce papers…

He might sign them right away.

And he might be happy that she raised the topic in the first place.

Or he could become angry. After all, how much money had he spent on Chloe so far?

Whatever his reaction would be, Chloe would accept it all. Because she was finally making her own decision.

She would be tenacious enough to see it through until the end.

He, who signed the marriage contract, fulfilled the barest minimum of his obligations as a husband—and she, who signed the same document, stubbornly wished to fulfill her obligations as a wife.

And so, the husband placed her wife as the Madam of the household and left her there.

And so, the wife loved her husband without her affections ever reciprocated.

Such a misguided relationship could only be proven by a single document.

It wasn’t enough to bind them together.

Chloe laughed at herself.

‘When I was in the academy… I don’t think I would have done this.’

She never spoke to Eric back then, but rumor went that he wasn’t such an unfeeling man. At the very least, he was known for defending the weak and fighting against the strong wrongdoers. That’s why he was so captivating to her eyes.

However, after their marriage, she found that he was far from how the rumors painted him out to be. He didn’t take care of Chloe, despite her being disadvantaged. Rather, only harsh spikes seemed to have jutted out towards her.

‘Is it my fault?’

Her mother’s words kept ringing behind her ears.

It’s the woman’s fault if her husband does not love her…

Chloe shook her head.

She was already set on getting a divorce. But she was still blaming herself.

At that moment, the locomotive slowed down.

The horse’s neighing could be heard several times, and soon the locomotive stopped.

“Madam, we’ve arrived.”

The horseman opened the door, and Chloe glanced at him before she stepped out slowly.

There was a man running frantically from a distance. It was Daniel, Eric’s aide.

“Ma, Madam?”

His mouth was agape as he gawked at Chloe.

“Goodness, it’s really you, Madam. I saw the carriage coming from the north, so I wondered who was arriving. What brings you here, Madam? Ah, no no. It’s not the time for pleasantries. Please, come inside. It’s getting late as well.”

Daniel was a modest man. He was one of the few who talked to Chloe without clear malice.

However, Chloe felt awkward by the kindness he showed. The discomfort she felt was a product of a sense of vigilance that was learned by living in the harsh northern society.

At Daniel’s amiable smile, Chloe tucked in her chin and averted her gaze. Then, holding onto his hand for him to guide her, they slowly walked along the stone path.

The mansion in the capital was a simple one. There were no knights guarding the gate, the brick walls were low, and the bushes were narrow.

Chloe looked up at the three-story building that had worn-out exterior walls.

There’s no way. Then this meant he really had no money anymore. Was that why he was living in such a shabby place?

Chloe sighed, recalling the four million pounds that went to her family.

“I’m here to see my husband. Where is he?”

“Pardon?”

Daniel asked me in bewilderment, but he schooled his features and opened the front door.

“His Excellency is currently working on something. He’s in the lab, and he won’t be coming out for a while.”

Chloe closed her eyes for one prolonged moment, then slowly opened them again.

She arrived here without contacting her husband, and she thought that maybe she’d run into the lover he might have.

Her assumption might be right.

A part of her heart ached. It felt like her heart was being stabbed with endless needles, one at a time.

Her face crumpled, but she quickly composed herself. She took in a big breath and straightened her back.

“Take me there.”

“Pardon?”

Daniel’s gaze was quivering as he asked again, and at that, Chloe’s eyes narrowed.

If it were the usual, she would have said that she’d wait until he was done with his work. No. If it were the usual, she wouldn’t have come here in the first place.

But Chloe had changed from the past.

Now that she had been declared as good as dead, she was determined to pave her own future, however short it was. She didn’t want to live in silence any longer.

“I want you to take me to where my husband is right now.”

If he truly had a lover, Chloe wanted to see her with her own eyes.

And…

‘That way, we can separate sooner.’

She buried her feelings for her husband, even as her heart became heavier and heavier.

“But Madam… It’s not a place fit for you to go.”

“Are you waiting for me to search every corner of this house myself?”

Grit. A distinct sound came from Daniel’s clenched teeth.

“…Please let me guide you there.”

Daniel started on his way and led her to her destination.