How To End This Marriage-Chapter 50: A Delicate Conversation

Alex’s touch lingered on my lips, causing a deep blush to stain my cheeks.

"Are you even listening to me?" he inquired, his hand still resting there.

"Yes, I am," I replied, gently removing his hand. I felt a nervous flutter in my chest, and I avoided eye contact.

"Why?" His question deepened my unease.

"Duke, you have your lover. Don’t you think she might misunderstand if you behave this way? It could lead to misunderstandings in your relationship, and I wouldn’t want that to happen," I stated seriously.

He began to speak, but I cut him off, redirecting the conversation.

"Yes, we are about to meet the Emperor, right?" I asked.

"Yes," he replied.

"I apologize. We’re running late because of me. Give me a few moments, and I’ll be ready," I said, attempting to rise from the bed, but he gently pushed me back down.

"Madam, you’re not healed yet. You need rest. We can meet the Emperor anytime after you’ve fully recovered," he advised.

I insisted, "Yes, I understand, but I don’t want to make a poor impression on one of the kingdom’s highest authorities. I want to meet him as soon as possible."

"Madam, please listen to me!" he implored.

"Duke, I’m perfectly fine. I’m not ill. It might have been due to overexertion that I lost consciousness briefly, but now I’m completely well. There’s no need to worry about me like this. I’m more than capable of traveling to the palace, and I can even walk without any difficulty. Your concern is unnecessary," I assured him.

I suggested, "You can go prepare for our departure and please inform one of the maids to assist me in getting ready. I would greatly appreciate it." With an awkward smile, I gently pushed him out of the room.

As soon as he exited, Vix entered. "I didn’t call for you, though," I mentioned.

"The Duke told me to help you get ready," she replied.

Frustration crept in as I rubbed my forehead. "God!" I exclaimed.

"Duchess, are you alright?" she asked, attempting to approach me, but I stopped her.

"Stay there!" I said as I continued to massage my temples in annoyance.

I confessed, "You know what? I don’t understand what’s happening here anymore."

"Duchess, what are you saying? I’m here to assist you," she replied.

"Vix, do you recall what I said last time? I mentioned that the Duke doesn’t want you to perform these trivial tasks. But I can’t comprehend why he’s assigned you to this again," I said.

"Duchess, I have no issues with it," she said in a concerned voice.

"It’s not about you. You’re the Duke’s lover. You could marry him at any time. You’re the future Duchess of this state. How could I possibly have you do these trivial chores? I’m ashamed of myself," I confessed, my annoyance genuine.

"Duchess, let me reiterate that you’re misunderstanding me," she said. I could see her eyes welling up with tears, making me feel guilty.

"Alright, let’s drop this topic right here. You’re here to assist me in getting ready, correct? Then let’s proceed," I said, and she smiled, selecting an outfit for me and beginning to work on my makeup and hair.

"Duchess, you’re all set. Let me go inform the Duke that you’re prepared for our departure," she said, attempting to hurry out of the room. However, I held onto her hand.

"Why don’t you come with me?" I suggested.

"Duchess, you don’t know?" she asked, leaving me puzzled.

"Know what?" I tilted my head.

"Duchess, I’m not allowed to leave the mansion," she revealed.

She wasn’t allowed to leave the mansion? Why? Were these the rules for all maids? I didn’t think so. Other maids had the freedom to move about as they pleased. Nevertheless, I had never witnessed her leaving the mansion. Was there a specific reason?

"Why? Why can’t you leave the mansion?" I inquired.

"I don’t know. I was informed by Aunt that I can only stay within the confines of this mansion. I am forbidden from revealing my existence to anyone outside, and I should never even think of stepping foot in the palace or encountering the Emperor, Empress, or anyone from the royal family," she explained. Her situation troubled me even further.

"So, you’ve never been outside?" I asked.

"No," she replied.

"Not even once?" I inquired again.

"No, I never have," she confirmed.

I flopped down on the bed in concern. Thoughts about her situation continued to swirl in my mind. How could a person be confined to a mansion like this? It was akin to imprisoning her, preventing her from experiencing the outside world. If it was akin to imprisonment, then why was she subjected to such conditions? What had she done to be treated this way?

"Duchess, should I take you to the carriage now?" she asked, interrupting my thoughts.

"Yes, but you’re coming with me," I declared.

"But the Duke won’t allow it," she protested.

"What if he doesn’t know that you’re Vix?" I suggested, a mischievous smile forming on my lips.

"What do you mean?" She looked at me, thoroughly confused.

I pulled her into the room and locked the door from the inside. I didn’t know precisely what I intended to do, but I was resolute about getting her outside, and I would find a way to do it.

"Erios!" I called upon him.

"Yes, master!" he responded and materialized before me.

"You can read my thoughts, correct?" I asked, my smile growing wider.

"Yes, master," he replied obediently.

"Then go ahead. I don’t want any mistakes. She should look nothing like she does now. You have complete authority to alter her appearance as you see fit," I instructed with enthusiasm.

"Yes, master."

As I ordered, Erios began to wield his powers to alter Vix’s appearance. I had no idea what she would look like, but one thing was certain—she would no longer resemble her current self. With this transformation, she could easily evade detection by the public eye.