Chapter 84

In the past, just imagining a sum of that amount was enough to send her over the moon. It’s an odd thing.

Strangely, now she felt nothing.

“Your Highness, you look absolutely stunning. Truly, it’s like an angel descended from the heavens.”

Mary bounced on her heels as she fussed over Daisy.

Well, she might be right. She certainly put more effort into dressing up today than she had for her wedding. The wedding had been rushed, and she had to make do with a small dress, and no proper bouquet.

“Here. Take this.”

Actually, she had received a bouquet, but it was the one Maxim had handed her. A bouquet of daisies, and it had been genuinely cute.

It was just a small, simple bunch, but that’s exactly why it felt right. Even in that awkward, embarrassing moment, she could find comfort in the soft white flowers.

‘Did he prepare a daisy bouquet just because of my name?’

She hadn’t thought of it at the time, but now it seemed like a possibility.

‘Well, whatever. He’s a cheating bastard now. What does it matter what he gave me?’

Daisy’s oh-so-marvelous Grand Duke husband hadn’t come home today, as usual. He must have set up a whole second household out there, considering he hadn’t so much as shown his face.

“If I keep staring at you, I think I’m going to have a nosebleed. Really, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

“Flattery.”

Rose, who had been silent up until then, muttered irritably as though the praise personally offended her. But Mary Gold, completely ignoring her, gave Daisy an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

“I’ll go ahead and get the car ready.”

Once Mary left, it was just Rose and Daisy left in the room.

“Ugh, that brainless musclehead bitch. She’s so damn loud.”

“Be quiet, you.”

Rose insulted Mary, and Daisy promptly snapped back with a prim little glare.

“What’s got you so sour today? Hm? Don’t tell me… you’re nervous ‘cause tonight’s the night you finally pop your cherry.”

“Could you tone down that filthy mouth of yours? I’m scared someone will hear you.”

“It’s just the two of us here. Who cares? Loosen up, bitch. What’s with that miserable face? Even a stiff dick would deflate at the sight of you.”

Daisy was sick of hearing about that damn cock! It was probably out having a grand old time somewhere else. Let it stay hard or shrivel up, I don’t give a rat’s ass.

Rose, meanwhile—blissfully clueless or just plain nosy—looked far too thrilled for someone who had no stake in any of it.

Spritz, spritz—. Rose sprayed some kind of perfume. Without even looking, she misted it everywhere until Daisy was coughing in misery.

“Cough, cough— W-what is that?”

“Bitch, I’m doing you a favor. This shit’s expensive. It’s the perfume of seduction, and any bastard with a cock can’t resist its scent.”

“Why— why would you spray it without saying anything first!”

Daisy snapped in irritation.

“And right before he puts it in… if you look up at him like this and act all teary-eyed, men just—”

“I don’t want to hear it.”

As Rose tried to share her “seduction tricks,” Daisy quickly cut her off mid-sentence.

“What’s wrong with you? Just shut up and do as you’re told. Or are you going to run back to the convent and live a celibate life forever?”

“Yup.”

That was already her exact plan. Daisy wasn’t trying to stir up trouble. She just wanted this tedious event to be over as soon as possible.

༺♰༻

Daisy von Waldeck slipped on the shoes her husband had given her.

If good shoes were supposed to take you to better places, then she had no reason not to wear them.

‘They’re pretty, I’ll give him that.’

Daisy walked across the garden, her gaze fixed on the pointed toes of the shoes.

This was the first time in her life she’d worn such expensive, beautiful shoes.

If this was truly a parting gift, then she wanted to show them off with pride. She wanted the divorce just as much, so he’d thank him for the blessings and hold her head high like a true elegant lady till the very end.

“Master, Her Highness has arrived.”

Mary announced in a strong voice, and Daisy lifted her gaze from her shoes.

Maxim was leaning back against the car, waiting.

‘…So you finally showed up.’

After staying out all night again, she figured he’d just show up at the party. So why was he here now?

He looked like he was glowing, even from a distance, his hair slicked back neatly and his formal attire perfectly in place.

‘They say the grass is always greener on the other side. Is that what cheating does to a man? The unfaithful bastard looks far too handsome.’

She knew it was a foolish reaction, but it still got under her skin.

She’d always wanted a divorce from him, but now that her marriage was actually collapsing, Daisy had to admit that the reality of it didn’t feel as liberating as she expected.

‘His vibe is different today.’

Even the way he looked at her was strange. He was usually smug, teasing, or condescending. But today, he seemed distracted, his gaze locked onto her.

‘Guess you’re exhausted from all that cheating, huh.’

Serves you right. Daisy let out a deep sigh and stopped right in front of Maxim.

“Let’s go, Max.”

“…”

“Max?”

When she called his name a second time, he finally snapped out of his daze, fumbling slightly before reaching out his hand to her.

Her shameless, cheating husband seemed almost broken. What on earth had he been doing all week to end up like this?

“Let us depart, my wife.”

What’s going on with him?

Reluctantly, Daisy took his hand and climbed into the car.