A New Life After Divorce - Chapter 118

It was clear that Lilien had fallen for Jake at first sight, but unless she directly asked for help, I shouldn’t interfere.

After all, isn’t first love the most tender and sensitive emotion, just beginning to bloom? Watching from the sidelines was the best course of action.

But seeing Lilien looking so disappointed, wouldn’t it be fine to at least create an opportunity for her to apologize?

“Sorry, Edmund.”

Of course, what happened afterward would be up to the two of them.

I took a sip of tea and set down my cup.

“Lilien, do you really want to apologize for what happened at the banquet?”

“Yes. Honestly, I was in such a rush to meet Lady Etricia that I never got the chance to apologize.”

Lilien smiled weakly.

“But I guess I won’t have the chance to meet him now.”

“If you want, I can help.”

Lilien, who had been drowning in gloom, suddenly lit up.

“R-Really?”

“I told you, I know him.”

I put a finger to my lips and winked.

“But it has to be a secret from the Duke, okay?”

“Of course!”

Lilien nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling. She looked adorable, laughing so innocently like a child.

I beckoned her closer.

“Alright, listen closely…”

Then, I carefully leaned in and whispered the plan into her ear.

From inside the carriage, I pulled back the curtain and gazed at the park, famed for its social gatherings.

As expected of a party hosted by the Marchioness of Wickley, it was a grand affair filled with prominent figures from high society.

The empire’s social season, peaking after the imperial ball, was bustling with men and women engaged in lively conversations. Among them, a few commoners were sprinkled in—court musicians, successful businessmen, or knights who had earned status and wealth.

I glanced toward the back of the carriage.

Through the window, I saw a line of carriages entering the park like a procession. Behind the carriage Edmund and I shared, I spotted another bearing the crest of a different noble house. Lilien’s carriage had successfully veered off midway, heading in another direction.

She was now on her way to a secluded artificial lake, a peaceful spot perfect for listening to each other’s voices—a quiet and romantic date course.

I smiled in satisfaction, hoping they would have a wonderful time.

Just then, a hand appeared behind me, gently tilting my chin.

Edmund, seated beside me, gazed down at me with obvious disapproval.

“You seem quite distracted today. Is something more important than me?”

“Sorry.”

I stuck my tongue out slightly and smiled sheepishly. At that, the stern expression on his lips softened.

“I thought I knew everything about you, yet sometimes I have no idea what’s going on in that head of yours.”

Haha. I averted my eyes, laughing awkwardly. Sorry, I was just preoccupied with your sister’s date.

Ah, now that I think about it, today was an important day for us as well. It was not only the first step toward the commercialization of the Lebron ring but also the day we publicly announced our relationship.

I blinked and looked up at Edmund. His silver hair was neatly brushed back, revealing a strikingly handsome face as he smiled at me.

“Why that look?”

Before I realized it, I had been staring blankly. Edmund pressed a finger against my lower lip, brushing against the soft tip of my tongue.

“Why is your mouth open?”

His gaze darkened mischievously.

One would think I’d be used to that look by now, but it still caught me off guard.

“…We’re almost there.”

I quickly removed his hand, hoping he wouldn’t hear my pounding heartbeat.

A faint smudge of lipstick from my carefully applied makeup marked his fingertips. Without a care, he wiped it off with his lips, and I silently mourned for the many noble ladies whose hearts would break at the sight.

‘Oh dear, so many handkerchiefs will be damp with tears today.’

Soon, the carriage came to a stop, and I heard the coachman approach.

“Are you ready?”

“Of course.”

“Are you sure?”

“Why? Do I not seem ready?”

Edmund’s lips curved into a knowing smile.

He was right. From the moment we entered, I had been visibly nervous, and he had noticed.

A union between the empire’s only duke, a celebrated war hero, and a divorced woman from a nouveau riche family was an unusual match in the conservative social circles.

Unlike when I had been granted a title as a countess and managed a jewelry business, this was different.

Back then, there had been sympathy and encouragement.

Or at worst, resentment for disrupting the social scene with personal affairs, or criticism from those with patriarchal views.

But after my divorce, I often overheard whispers:

‘She should have just endured it.’

‘A failed life.’

‘At least she wasn’t the one being divorced.’

I wanted to ask them—was a marriage that fit neatly into societal norms truly happy?

To me, divorce wasn’t a failure; it was the first step toward my own happiness.

But what about Edmund?

If not for me, he wouldn’t have to hear such things.

At that moment, warmth enveloped my hand. I looked up.

Edmund gazed at me knowingly, as if he understood every thought in my mind.

His eyes shone with unwavering affection and trust.

“No one will dare speak ill of you. Not even me.”

A deep emotion swelled within me.

Strangely, the tension that had gripped me vanished in an instant.

Smiling, I squeezed his hand once before letting go.

Right on cue, the coachman opened the door.

Edmund stepped down effortlessly and extended his hand to me.

Ah! Just as I reached for it, he wrapped an arm around my waist and spun me slightly as he helped me down.

A beat later, my cotton dress elegantly fanned out, cascading to my ankles.

“Thank you.”

We exchanged glances before turning simultaneously.

Under the blazing midsummer sun, all eyes were on us.

We sat at a table under a canopy, and I could feel the sting of subtle glances, sharp like pinpricks.

“The fact that the two of them attended as partners probably doesn’t mean anything. Definitely not!”

“Lune, stop crying. Don’t be so heartbroken.”

“I said it doesn’t mean anything!”

“Everyone here is already convinced about their relationship. Just look over there—look at the ring the Duke of Mipedian is wearing on his left ring finger.”

Yes, look. He wore it so you would look.

I raised an eyebrow with a dull expression and glanced toward the gossiping group.

When our eyes met, they flinched in surprise and turned away quickly.

Or rather, they shrank back after noticing Edmund behind me, radiating a fierce aura.

They were clearly curious about our relationship, but none dared approach because of the pressure he exuded.

There was no need for me to step up and explain anything. Wearing a ring on the ring finger meant one of three things: you’re dating, engaged, or already married.

So all those curious eyes had already drawn their conclusions.

I put down my empty teacup and whispered to Edmund.

“This is good publicity, don’t you think?”

“Thanks to your brilliant design.”

We exchanged a brief glance and smiled. All my tension now seemed pointless.

Just then, more murmuring reached our ears.

A nobleman was gossiping maliciously.

He brought up the old, false rumor Devon had spread—that Edmund and I had once been lovers before my divorce.

Just then, Marchioness Wickley, who had been entertaining guests, started walking over, and I gave Edmund a subtle glance.

“That’s an uncomfortable thing to overhear.”

“I’ll go handle it… in a peaceful way.”

Edmund rose from his seat. I knew he was telling me to let him take care of it.

But as he walked away, I noticed a sharp edge in his expression and was startled.

‘Is he serious right now?’

I was worried. His idea of a “peaceful solution” had never really been peaceful before.

“Countess Buell, thank you so much for coming.”

Just in time, Marchioness Wickley approached and greeted me gracefully, pulling my attention back.

I smiled softly and returned the greeting politely.

“Marchioness Wickley, thank you for inviting me.”

“I should be the one thanking you. You and the Duke have created quite a buzz—it’s going to be a highlight of the event.”

She gestured discreetly toward someone. A reporter from the capital’s press was typing furiously, clearly writing an article.

“Oh dear. Gossip-chasing journalists are everywhere these days.”

…Though in truth, she probably knew I was the one who had called them.

Instead of confronting me, Marchioness Wickley simply covered her mouth and let out a ladylike chuckle.

I then gestured to a waiting maid, who hurried over with a tea set gift.

“Please accept this. It’s a token of appreciation for the invitation.”

“Thank you. Though it feels more like a gift for something else entirely.”

She really was sharp.

Seeing the crack in my smile, she shrugged playfully.

“I had hoped to thank you in person for the grapes you sent, but unfortunately I missed the chance.”

“No worries. I’m sure my feelings came through well enough.”

We smiled at each other, but then she glanced toward something and sighed. It looked like someone had broken a decoration. She gave me a quick farewell, telling me to enjoy myself, then hurried off.

As I waited for Edmund to return, I sipped my tea. Suddenly, the side of my face prickled with attention, and I turned to look.

A group of young noble ladies—like a bunch of chicks—were huddled together, their eyes sparkling as they stared at me. Behind them, their mothers stood awkwardly, clearing their throats.

One of the young ladies stepped forward and lowered her gaze respectfully.

“Lady Buell… it’s truly…”

…Truly?

“Amazing!”

I blinked in surprise at her sudden outburst. Their solemn expressions had made me brace myself, so I wasn’t expecting that.

Soon, the rest of the young ladies chimed in in agreement.

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