Chapter 38⚽ · TED

As the goddess’s bridge, bathed in the hues of the sunset, drew nearer—

A woman walking briskly caught Johann’s eye from behind.

Her glossy, dark brown hair, just long enough to brush her nape, fluttered in the river breeze.

“Olivia.”

The name slipped unconsciously from his lips, breaking the stillness.

A faint wrinkle formed between the princess’s brows—just for a moment—but Johann didn’t notice.

He continued staring out the window until the carriage passed the woman, then let out a dry chuckle.

She couldn’t possibly be here. Clearly, the photo sent by the spy had been seared into his mind.

‘Love me.’

The voice of his former wife echoed again in his ears like a hallucination.

One day, before dinner, Maurice had whispered that tomorrow was the madam’s birthday. Johann, seated at the table, had asked perfunctorily:

‘If there’s something you want, tell me.’

With a smile that held a…