After Declaring Divorce, My Husband Became Lewd - Side Story (Part 2)

The inside of the theater was bustling with people. Isabelle tightly held her husband’s hand as they walked.

Leaving Richmond in Sylvia’s care, they had come to watch the opera together. As important as it was to spend time with their child, they also needed moments for themselves, so the couple enjoyed quiet dates a couple of times a month.

Despite being the largest theater in the empire, the Patriot Opera House was always sold out. The upper-class nobility in Vechlin enjoyed the arts, and Isabelle and Richt were no exception.

A few years ago, intrigued by an opera advertisement in the newspaper, Isabelle attended her first performance with Richt, out of curiosity. She was captivated by the charm of opera and particularly enjoyed tragic comedies depicting love between men and women. She never grew tired of watching them.

Richt always secured the best seats, ensuring that Isabelle never missed a popular performance.

Settling into their first-class seats on the second floor, they made small talk as they waited for the show to begin.  Isabelle recounted the events of the day, from inviting the ladies for tea to their joint support for the shelter, and even the incidents involving Richmond and the garden.

Listening attentively to Isabelle’s words, Richt’s gaze deepened with affection.

“You’ve become a social queen in just a few short years, with all those ladies at your beck and call? I never realized my wife was such an incredible person.”

“Are you teasing me?”

“I wouldn’t do that.”

“They were kind to me from the beginning. Probably because I’m your wife.”

“No, it’s because you’re a charmer.”

Richt leaned in and planted a light kiss on Isabelle’s lips.

“It’s true, and you have a big heart. You’ve always been that way. You’re usually quiet, but when you want to help someone, you have the courage to do it.”

As if to add to the compliment, Richt kissed her again, this time deeply. His tongue, initially slow and gentle, invaded, exploring every inch of her mouth.

Slow and gentle, the tongue made its presence felt, probing inside. The movements became more sensual and passionate. As their breaths quickened, the sounds of moist lips mingled. Isabelle pulled her head back when things became heated.

“I thought we agreed not to do this outside.”

Isabelle looked around as she spoke. Fortunately, no one seemed to be paying attention to them. Each couple was engrossed in whispering with their respective spouses or lovers next to them.

His kisses intensified quickly with the slightest touch. On days like today, when they were out and about, Isabelle had to keep a firm grip on her sanity and restrain herself.

“Shall we go home?”

But Richt’s voice was already laced with desire.

“We can watch the opera next time.”

His breath was hot against her ear. Though her lower abdomen was stirring, such behavior was always awkward. Isabelle settled her heated body and distanced herself.

“Enough.”

“Then stop being pretty.”

“I’m not. Exercise some self-control.”

As if disappointed by the firm refusal, Richt lifted the hand he held and brushed his lips against her fingers, leaving marks on the back of her hand and the knuckles.

“Are you saying it’s my fault?”

“Yes. It’s all because you’re too beautiful. That’s why weird guys keep coming after you.”

He was referring to something that had happened not long ago. During an imperial event they attended after an invitation, a young knight, recently assigned to the imperial guard, approached Isabelle while she was momentarily alone. Unaware that she was the Duchess of Calitheon, he tried to flirt with Isabelle.

“He wasn’t that weird.”

Seeing her jealous husband, Isabelle couldn’t help but want to tease him.

“What?”

“Levin Drell. He’s from Cardin and is 25 years old. He openly revealed his status, so it’s unfair to call him weird.”

The new knight had been struck by Isabelle’s appearance at first sight. Surprised and awkward after his innocent confession, Isabelle was momentarily speechless. In the meantime, Richt arrived and understood the situation.

When the new knight realized that the woman he was enamored with was the wife of the Duke of Calitheon, he turned pale and repeatedly apologized. His flustered retreat was somewhat adorable and cute.

Of course, that was only Isabelle’s impression, and Richt, next to her, was deeply offended.

“You remembered that?”

Richt turned slightly towards Isabelle, his eyes narrowing in the dim light of the auditorium.

“Maybe we’ll meet again later when I’m at the Imperial Palace.”

“And if you do meet?”

“We’ll exchange greetings, at least.”

“And then?”

“Since I’m already a married woman in this life, I should convey my regrets, shouldn’t I?”

“I’ll put in a call to the imperial court to get rid of him, so you don’t have to meet again.”

His voice was a little stern. Even though she knew it was meant as a joke, Richt hated it when Isabelle mentioned other men.

“What could he possibly be guilty of, it’s all my fault for being so pretty, isn’t it, my dear?”

Isabelle basked in her own sense of victory as she returned what Richt had said to her earlier.

“Then you should take responsibility.”

Just as the performance began and the seats darkened, Richt, at the right moment, took Isabelle’s hand to his center. Although it was over his pants, the hard bulge could be felt in her hand.

Richt clasped his hand over Isabelle’s, and rubbed it slowly, teasing his thing.

Even as the opera singers ascended the stage and the curtain of the overture opened, Isabelle couldn’t concentrate at all.

***

It was an earlier return than usual. Isabelle had been away from the mansion for a while on a sponsorship matter for the Denver children, and Richmond had been painting with Sylvia.

His son’s earnestness in coloring on a white canvas with tiny hands was quite serious. Richt couldn’t help but smile at his son’s furrowed brow.

Focusing on the paper, the child, who had been absorbed for a long time, spoke to Sylvia.

“It’s mommy, I drew everything.”

“You drew it just like her, Your Excellency. When Lady Isabelle comes, you must show her. She will surely love it. Who should we draw this time?”

“Mom!”

“Again?”

“This time I’m going to draw my mom in a red dress.”

Richmond dipped his brush into the red paint and began to draw something on the paper. Sylvia wiped the paint off the child’s face and spoke.

 “I see you love your mom the most in the world.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Then who do you love next?”

Inwardly, Richt was expecting his name to come up, but the name that came out of the child’s mouth was Sylvia. The smile faded from Richt’s face in disappointment. Sylvia didn’t stop there; she continued asking about who was next, and the next person. Richt’s name was never mentioned.

I can’t believe my presence was so faint.

Somehow, he felt like he was intruding and shouldn’t interrupt. He turned away quietly, and with the child’s words echoing in his head,  he remained immersed in thought until late at night.

Returning somewhat later, Isabelle was pleased to report that more ladies had signed on to support the cause. She had also met with merchants selling food and clothing. She was pleased with how things were going.

Isabelle, who returned somewhat late, was pleased to report that more ladies had signed on to support the cause. She had also met with merchants selling food and clothing. She was pleased with how things were going.

“I’m glad.”

“Oh, and I found a tutor for Richmond.”

Isabelle spoke as she removed a pin from her hair while sitting in a chair.

“Her name is Cecile, and I believe she was recommended to me by the Countess of Elliot. I met her this afternoon, and she made a very good impression on me.”

Isabelle’s words fell on deaf ears.

“Dear?”

“What?”

Richt snapped out of his reverie and turned toward Isabelle.

“I was just stating that I found a tutor.”

“Uh, yeah. I was listening. Don’t you think it’s too fast?”

“What’s too fast? He’s five years old. I know what you’re thinking, but don’t worry, I won’t stress him out.”

It wasn’t that Richt didn’t trust Isabelle. He knew she loved Richmond as much as anyone, but he wanted his son to run around and play, not train to be the next heir.

“Is something wrong?”

“Nothing.”

Isabelle walked over and sat down beside him, not wanting to cause him unnecessary worry, but they knew each other inside and out, so lying was pointless.

“What are you thinking? We agreed not to hide anything from each other, even the trivial things.”

Frustrated, Richt recounted what had happened earlier.

“When I returned, Richmond was playing with Sylvia. I watched them, and Sylvia asked Richmond, ‘Whom do you love most in the world?’”

“Yeah. So?”

Having gotten the gist of the situation, Isabelle waited for the next words.

“Of course the first person he said was you, but then he never mentioned me.”

Richt found it hard to believe that out of Richmond’s mouth came the name of Sylvia after Isabelle, and then Mia and Mrs. Mason. But not his name.

“There seems to be a problem with this. Otherwise…”

Although he said it was not a big deal, the shock of the earlier response came back, and Richt’s concern deepened. He had not properly learned how to build relationships with people since childhood, and people don’t change overnight when you set your mind to it.

With Isabelle, he had a relationship with an adult who understood his pain, but not with a child. Despite spending time with Richmond and trying to show him how much he loved him, he was awkward around him.

When Richmond was alone with Isabelle, he was fine, but when he was alone with Richt, he kept his distance and sulked. He wasn’t afraid of him or disliked him, but he didn’t feel comfortable around his father.

So, Richt went to consult with Mr. Renal, a renowned parenting expert, for counseling. He seemed quite surprised that the Duke himself had come to seek advice.

It was understandable because traditionally, ladies were mainly responsible for their children’s education, and the heads of the family tended to avoid exposing family issues.

None of that mattered to Richt; his priority was his family, and building a relationship with Richmond was the most important thing right now.

Mr. Renal eased the pressure by talking positively about Richt’s proactive attitude toward solving the problem, but Richt was still troubled. It wasn’t something that could be achieved through willpower alone.

“What if I can’t give love to Richmond? I’m afraid.”

Richt stared at his wife as he poured out his worries. Isabelle looked back at him, understanding the worry and anxiety on his face. Richt relaxed and leaned his forehead against her chest.

“Maybe I’m the problem. What if my efforts are not enough?”

“Don’t say that, dear. Richmond is just a child. He probably liked Sylvia because she played with him immediately or Mrs. Mason, because she makes such delicious bread and cookies, and Mia could have just been there and said something to make him feel better.”

“Do you think so?”

“Yes. Children are simpler than you think. Last time, he said he hated me because I didn’t let him eat candy at night. And the next day, he hugged me and said I was the best in the world.”

“…”

“You know, sometimes you sweat the small stuff. You torture yourself to become the perfect husband and father. Like you do to me. Your attention is always on me. You check my feelings, express your love, and always wear that face that says I’m incredibly beautiful. Always.”

“…”

“I’m sure Richmond will see that, too, because there’s no way a father’s true feelings don’t rub off on his son, and you deserve to be a good father.”

“Do I?”

Isabelle smiled and nodded. Her words warmed his heart, and he embraced his wife tightly. The warmth emanating from her petite body helped soothe his anxiety.