Chapter 18.

Tarquin stood beside Ivy as they entertained more guests. He had been trying to dodge this but he knew he could not, in order not to raise suspicions, he had to walk side by side with Ivy to welcome the guests and exchange pleasantries with some personalities, most importantly, he had to introduce Ivy as his wife to them.

It was at least good that she appeared like a noblewoman of their class after being dressed as one which wouldn't raise questions among the guests in terms of where she is from and her family.

Ivy who followed him, like a puppy following its owner, could hardly breathe properly. Tagging alongside him as he introduced her to people who cared to know was the longest she had been in his presence since they got married, she knew he had to do what he was doing, showing her a little affection as he tried smiling at her whenever he introduced her to people but deep down, Ivy knew he was being forced to act that way with her.

She didn't even know he had forgiven her for what