Her Graceful War Song

As Barrett stepped out of the estate, a sudden impulse surged within him-a strong desire to rush straight to Northwatch Estate.

He wanted to ask Carissa in person if there was still any chance between them.

Even though Aurora had said today that Carissa thought nothing of him, even though Carissa's attitude on the battlefield had been clear, even though he had been so resolute in divorcing her back then, he still couldn't believe that his former wife could have erased him from her heart so quickly.

He thought she was merely angry at his ruthlessness, that she hated him for not keeping his promises. As long as she still felt anger and hate, it meant she still cared.

But the biting cold wind brought Barrett back to reality-or perhaps he had been clear-headed all along and had just been momentarily overwhelmed by emotion. Things were already set in stone.

There was no point in seeking out Carissa. Even if she still had some lingering feelings for her former husband, she was going to marry Rafael, and Barrett was going to marry Viola.

Their paths would never cross again.

Barrett quietly returned to his study, sitting there for what felt like an eternity. His mind was haunted by the memory of the day he married Carissa, particularly the moment he lifted her white bridal veil and saw her calm and beautiful face.

The stunning sight from that moment still made his heart race, even now,

Carissa was such an extraordinary woman, and he had let her slip through his fingers.

"Barrett! Barrett!" Serena called from outside the door, accompanied by the sound of her knocking. He pulled himself together and asked, "What is it?"

I

"Barrett, give me some money. I found a hairpin that I like," Serena said coyly from behind the door.

"What money? All the money we have has been spent on the wedding preparations," Barrett replied irritably.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

An angry Serena retorted, "What money does it take to marry a second-hand woman? Just bring her in with a simple litter! I'm at the age to discuss marriage, and have been invited to attend the garden party Lady Jessica is hosting in a few days. I don't even have a decent piece of jewelry to wear!" 1

Barrett opened the door, his displeasure evident as he said, "Watch your mouth. She is soon to be your sister-in-law. And you should stop associating with people like Lady Jessica-it's damaging your reputation as a young lady."

Serena snorted, her delicate face now cold and frosty. "Sister-in-law? She's just a widow who got divorced and was sent packing. So what if she's from the Earl of Silverstone's family? When I marry the Hell Monarch and become his concubine, she'll have to bow to me."

Barrett froze. "What did you say? Become the Hell Monarch's concubine? Are you out of your mind? The Hell Monarch is marrying Carissa-when did he ever say he'd take a concubine?"

Serena's expression was full of pride. "Barrett, all it takes is Lady Helen's approval for him to take a concubine. Lady Jessica told me that Lady Helen is afraid of Grand Princess Eleanor, so she listens to whatever the grand princess says. If I can win Grand Princess Eleanor's favor, she'll recommend me to Lady Helen."

Barrett's voice grew harsh, "Have you lost your mind? What makes you think you can win Grand Princess Eleanor's favor? And what makes you think you can become the Hell Monarch's concubine? Those people are just using us. Don't be fooled."

"I don't care. I will be his concubine. As long as Lady Jessica helps me, I don't mind being used," Serena stubbornly replied, refusing to listen.

"Don't be ridiculous! Do you even know what kind of person Lady Jessica is?" Barrett's voice was filled with anger as he glared at his headstron sister. "And Prince Rafael isn't someone to be trifled with. If he doesn't like you, marrying him will only bring you misery."

"That won't happen! He just doesn't know me yet. Once we spend time together, he'll surely grow to like me. Besides, if I win Lady Helen over, she'll protect me. Who would dare to mistreat me? Carissa? She's not even a chaste woman anymore!"

Serena spat on the ground in contempt, her feelings toward Carissa a mix of anger and jealousy.

Barrett slapped his sister across the face, his expression livid. "Who are you calling unchaste? Say it again!