I Abandoned the Male Lead Who Cheated with the Villainess - Chapter 224

Ivonne couldn’t help but feel slightly incredulous.

“Is it really… that much of a disappointment?”

After everything that happened yesterday? After holding her just moments ago? Following her into the bathroom and causing the maids to scream again?

“Yes.”

When Ivonne opened her mouth in disbelief, Herix nodded with a slightly awkward yet bashful expression.

Every time he acted this way, Ivonne realized just how deeply love had clouded her judgment as well. Because he was just too adorable. How could someone so massive, like a man who could tear through the canopy of the bed, seem as endearing as a little puppy on her palm?

And Herix surely knew exactly how much she found him cute.

“I just want you to rest today. You’re not feeling well…”

Herix mumbled in a tone that seemed even more exaggeratedly cute than usual. The way he dragged out his words and gently moved closer almost made him appear like a little child or a pet pleading for attention.

‘So adorable…’

Ivonne felt her heart soften, but then quickly corrected her thoughts. This had happened more than once, and it wasn’t good in the long run. She quickly stiffened her gaze, fixing her eyes on Herix.

Seeing her posture relax, then immediately stiffen again, Herix decided to let it go.

Ivonne was serious, and once she made up her mind, she wasn’t someone who would easily change it, something he knew well. So, with a resigned sigh, he approached her and extended his arm.

“Then let me escort you. This isn’t quite the ‘contact’ you’re talking about.”

“Of course. It’s not a handhold, but if you’re just offering your arm…”

Not long ago, when they were going to a dinner to acknowledge and encourage the ministers’ contributions, Herix had awkwardly held her hand, and Ivonne had quickly put a stop to it.

Herix, after thinking it over, smiled softly and nodded.

“I understand. I’ll listen to you, Ivonne.”

His voice no longer held the passion it once had. His gaze was warm and gentle, showing no trace of intimidation. When Ivonne occasionally lay in bed with him, she often had the feeling that Herix wanted to devour her whole, down to her bones.

“Good.”

Ivonne didn’t want to mess up his neatly styled hair, but she still wanted to praise her husband. As she reached out her hand, Herix lowered his head, seemingly waiting for it.

His neatly combed black hair no longer gave him a gloomy look. Instead, it accentuated his handsome forehead, and without intending to, the curve from his high nose bridge to the mountain of his upper lip gave him a sharp, captivating smile.

Even in this ordinary situation, Ivonne’s heart raced uncontrollably.

But with that thought aside, Ivonne was curious.

‘Why is he stopping me from meeting the delegation from the Ortensia Republic?’

Ivonne had maintained a good relationship with the governor of Ortensia through written correspondence, and the Sortenic Empire had sent a delegation in the past.

The ministers who had gone on that mission said they were treated very well. They had expressed respect and care for the Sortenic Empire. Now, as Empress, it didn’t make sense that the governor of the Republic would discriminate against Ivonne just because she was once a commoner.

‘Or could something have happened in the past?’

But even if she tried hard to recall her memories, she couldn’t figure it out. Even considering both her and Herix’s lives, she couldn’t come up with a valid reason.

If anything, the only connection she could find was that she had been in that country with Isaac. But even then, it didn’t seem enough of a reason to block a meeting, especially after having had several friendly exchanges, albeit in writing.

Ivonne tilted her head as she walked toward the reception hall with Herix’s gentle escort. She felt the effects of the medicine kicking in as her previously stiff body started to loosen.

“His Majesty Emperor Herix Glacian Questiago, and Her Majesty Empress Ivonne Questiago enter.”

Johann, who had been following behind them, called out as the guards at the entrance of the reception hall opened the door.

At the same time, a grand fanfare played, and the guests who had been enjoying the banquet turned around with bright faces, looking at Herix and Ivonne.

As everyone bowed and greeted them with elegance, Ivonne realized why Herix had been so determined to prevent her from coming here.