Chapter 28: Husband and Wife

Freya hadn't expected Louis to accompany her. The invitation was from Knox Group, whose executives were reportedly taking advantage of his collapse. Appearing at their charity dinner seemed like walking directly into enemy territory.

"You don't have to go," she said. "I can take Derek." Louis's expression became unreadable. "You're suggesting attending your ex-boyfriend's invitation with my assistant instead of your husband?"

Freya considered that. "When you say it like that, it does sound strange." "It is strange." "Fine. You can come." Louis looked mildly amused by the fact that she spoke as though she were granting permission.

The dinner was scheduled for Saturday. Freya immediately checked her wardrobe. For the first time since transmigrating, the ridiculous collection of expensive clothes became useful. She found a dark green evening dress the original Freya had worn only once and decided there was no reason to buy anything new.

Louis watched from the doorway as she pulled boxes from the mountain in her room. "Need help?" "Unless you know where your wife kept jewelry, no." He pointed toward a cabinet. "Second drawer." Freya froze.

"How do you know?" "You used the same cabinet in our old house." She opened the drawer and discovered several jewelry boxes. "You remember where I kept jewelry even though we barely spoke?" "I notice things."

That answer made her strangely uncomfortable. She selected a simple pair of earrings and closed the drawer. "I'm not wearing anything too expensive. We're supposed to look bankrupt." Louis's gaze lingered on her. "We are supposed to look bankrupt?"

Freya immediately corrected herself. "You are bankrupt. I'm the supportive wife adapting to poverty." "While wearing a designer dress worth several thousand dollars." "Already owned. Doesn't count."

Saturday evening, Derek arrived with the car. Louis wore a dark suit Freya hadn't seen since moving into the apartment. It fit him perfectly, and nothing about him looked financially ruined. Freya stared for a second before asking, "Where did that come from?"

"I owned clothes before bankruptcy." "Why haven't I seen it?" "You haven't inspected my closet." Fair point.

When Freya stepped out wearing the green dress, Louis became unusually quiet. She adjusted one earring. "What? Is something wrong?" "No." Derek, standing behind him, smiled knowingly and opened the car door.

During the drive, Louis explained that she shouldn't answer questions about his finances, meetings, or future plans. Freya nodded. "Easy. I don't know any of those things anyway." That statement made Derek cough.

Freya looked at him suspiciously. "Why do you keep coughing whenever we discuss Louis's money?" "Weak lungs." "You should see a doctor." Louis turned toward the window, hiding the faintest hint of amusement.

The hotel hosting the charity dinner came into view. Cameras and luxury cars crowded the entrance. Freya suddenly remembered how the original novel described society after Louis's defeat. Many people who once surrounded him had disappeared immediately.

As their car stopped, Louis extended his hand toward her. Freya stared at it. "What?" "We're attending as husband and wife." She placed her hand in his. His fingers closed around hers, warm and steady.

The moment they stepped onto the carpet together, conversations near the entrance visibly slowed. Freya realized Clement had probably expected her to arrive alone. Instead, the bankrupt antagonist had appeared beside his wife looking as composed as a king who had merely misplaced his throne.

Freya had expected Louis's hand to drop once they passed the cameras, but he kept it around hers as they entered the hotel. She told herself it was simply part of maintaining appearances. After all, a couple arriving together while standing several feet apart would invite even more gossip. Still, the unfamiliar closeness made her strangely conscious of every step. She quietly reminded herself that this marriage was temporary, regardless of how convincing they looked tonight.