Chapter 8 (1/2)

Chapter 8

‘Will I be able to bring up the divorce today?’

But would she be able to do that now?

She looked outside the window, carefully scanning the dilapidated mansion.

Eric was an inventor and entrepreneur who’s famous all throughout the country—and yet, he lived in a place like this, like he’s barely making a living.

Chloe was someone who was raised as a noble since she was born. She knew enough about courtesy and propriety.

She placed such a huge debt on her husband. She couldn’t possibly run away.

‘I have to pay back the money before getting divorced.’

But how…

She thought about contacting her mother, but this thought soon disappeared. It’s clear that her mother would oppose the divorce.

Her mother wouldn’t possibly support Chloe’s decision to divorce the Marquis of Aslan, who continuously gave funds to Chloe’s older brother.

“Then…”

Chloe grimaced.

No matter how much she thought about it, she couldn’t come up with a good answer.

She couldn’t think of a way to make four million pounds.

Helpless.

Incompetent.

That’s all she was…

She looked down at the chemise dress she was wearing.

These were expensive clothes made of soft silk and fox fur.

Whose money was used to buy this?

It’s her husband’s.

Did she own anything that was bought with her own money?

No. Nothing.

Chloe bent down to cover her face with both hands. A thorough sense of helplessness wrapped around her whole body.

Her heart ached because she felt as though she had become useless trash herself.

‘I’m going to pay back Eric somehow.’

That’s right. Somehow…

At that moment—

Knock, knock, knock.

Someone was outside her door.

Was it Daniel? Chloe hurriedly wrapped a shawl over her shoulders and told the person to come in.

But it wasn’t Daniel—it was a middle-aged woman who had a warm expression on her face.

“Hello, Madam. I am Andrea Cognac, and I’ll be serving you today.”

Chloe hesitated for a moment. She didn’t expect a lady-in-waiting to come here.

But her hesitation soon disappeared, perhaps because of Andrea’s soft smile or because of the aristocratic habits ingrained in Chloe.

Nonetheless, Chloe regained her composure and greeted Andrea calmly.

“Come in.”

“Thank you for your hospitality. Then, please excuse me.”

Andrea entered the room, and soon, silence befell their surroundings once more.

She placed a basin of hot water on the table, steam rising from its warmth.

‘Here in the north, I was always given cold water for washing.’

From some point on, warmth had become something unfamiliar to her—something unnatural.

Chloe chuckled bleakly at this realization.

“What should I prepare for your breakfast, Madam? If you tell me what you usually eat, I’ll prepare it at once.”

“Breakfast… No, never mind. Tea is enough for me. Don’t add any sugar.”

Sugar was expensive, but it was still hard to say that last sentence.

“I understand. Then, please let me help you wash your face.”

Chloe sat quietly on a chair, and soon after, a wet towel touched her cheek.

Soft. Warm.

Chloe closed her eyes.

Wondering how long it had been since she felt this cozy feeling, she felt happy and bitter at the same time.

Eric wasted money because of her again.

‘Of course, it’s not like he brought this lady-in-waiting for himself.’

Chloe slowly opened her eyes again.

“Is my husband awake?”

“Yes. Milord is preparing for a very prominent guest’s visit today.”

“Prominent?”

Because only a few could be called that way in this country, Chloe guessed who it was.

“Do you mean His Highness is coming to visit?”

“That is what I heard, Madam.”

“His Highness the Second Prince or the Third Prince? Who’s coming?”

“I was not made aware.”

“Right, of course. Hurry and dress me, then. I need to see my husband.”

Andrea showed no reaction to Chloe’s sudden bright attitude and simply attended to her.

Chloe wore the dress she had been wearing the previous night again.

It was an Empire chemise dress.

However, since it was chilly, she placed a thick velvet shawl over her shoulder. Again, it was Eric’s.

Her coveted silver hair was combed and braided.

Andrea tried to adorn her with accessories, but Chloe refused.

She wanted to meet the prince as soon as possible.

The reason for welcoming the prince wasn’t because she was particularly close with either of the princes, nor was it because she thought they regarded her fondly.

‘Maybe I can borrow money.’

This was what compelled her.