???

Why?
I thought she was pregnant from the husband... Now I don't understand what this arc supposed to mean.. it could be like a closure for their relationship maybe?
And is the thing of him coming back too... Like her .. hmmm maybe this arc has something to do with that... But I don't think much more will happen between them... (I hope

I meant to ask why do you think it's taking a weird direction

Well..... I can't actually articulate well why it was more of a gut feeling.

But if I'll take guess..... maybe 'cause the author seem to be forcing an arc to give the douchebag a sob backstory to make MC pity or sympathetic (and us by extension)

Okay. On second thought maybe it's not really weird, just not the direction I wanted I guess?
(Like the progression from dealing w/the emperor and delusional woman to suddenly...... exposition for the villain? Who was painted as this person doing this shit for selfish reasons, but jinx! He's just a troubled soul who doesn't know how to love properly. Now then, who'll you choose? Be the savior to this guy and give him a second chance or be w/this other guy who has all these higher up people hung up on him and thus troubles you constantly? )

*sry I'm just babbling. I don't really know wtf I'm talking about

Also, I found it kinda weird that she didn't think of explaining anything to ML before leaving (what's the reason for this?) as well as her accepting to stay in ex-husband's palace (are there no inns?)
Isn't her father updated about her love life (I can't remember), then why does he go along w/this man who made his daughter miserable?)

.... I find it a bit too late to make him a true second ML (like giving him a..... fighting chance for her love, so to speak) 'cause he's been solidifed as the main antagonist, with ML. as the sole recipient of MC's love and affection (and vice versa)
Giving him a backstory is fine I guess. To flesh him out. But if the spoiler is true......... that'll be a bit disappointing.

*GAWD sry. Babbling again.

Super interesting!!!
I just think the author is adding drama for the views

TRUEEEEE