Thinking about all of this, Helen felt a mix of emotions.When Rafael was on the battlefield before this, he would refuse any mention of marriage. The resoluteness he expressed in his letters had led her to believe that this son of hers was prepared to remain a bachelor for life. Yet, as soon as he returned victorious, he announced he wanted to marry Carissa.Granted, Carissa was a divorcee, but at least it meant he was willing to take a wife. Besides, after investigating, they found out that Barrett had never touched her. She was still a virgin, so it was acceptable, if only barely.Accompanied by Gillian, Helen entered the newlywed suite on the eastern side of the building. White wedding banners adorned every wall, and new furniture was draped in white silk, tied with intricate decorative knots. The intricate knots were a traditional wedding touch, and they were called Eternal Knots, which represent eternal love and harmonious union.Nearly every new item had a white ribbon on
Helen thought it over, and realized that it made sense. Even though Rafael was on the battlefield at the time, if he had truly wanted to stop the marriage, it shouldn't have been too difficult, right?But she failed to consider the vast distances involved. Even if Carissa had married and had children, Rafael might not have known about it. She also didn't realize the dangers he faced on the battlefield, where he was focused on winning the war. He had assumed Melanie would keep her promise, so he didn't worry about it and only wanted to secure victory and return to the capital as quickly as possible.Unaware of these details, Helen simply felt that having Carissa as her daughter-in-law was a blemish on her otherwise perfect life. Her emotions were conflicted. She was happy that her son was getting married, but unhappy that he was marrying Carissa.-Meanwhile, preparations were also underway at Valor Estate and Silverstone Estate for tomorrow's grand event.This would be Barrett's
Aurora seemed to know the answer in her heart, but she remained unsettled and unwilling to accept it. "When you loved me, was it just a momentary infatuation?" she asked. Barrett remained unable to answer. He didn't know.His feelings for Aurora were genuine at the time, but whether they were merely a passing fancy, he couldn't clearly say.Because after marrying Aurora and divorcing Carissa, he felt a pang of regret. He remembered telling Solomon that he hoped Carissa wouldn't regret her decision, but in truth, he knew that he himself had begun to regret it.Didn't he love Aurora then? He certainly did. But couldn't a man's heart hold space for two women?How many men take multiple wives and concubines? Carissa couldn't accept it, and perhaps he was angered by his own broken promises. In any case, with Melanie now dead, he no longer needed to answer to the Duke of Northwatch's family for his promises.Maybe he had thought he had Carissa under control. After all, she was an
Silverstone Estate was bustling with activity. Thanks to Oliver's commanding position in the Hell Monarch Army, the estate was alive with excitement. Although the wedding was scheduled for the following day, the festivities had already begun with a grand banquet today.When Viola received the divorce letter and left the Farrell family, they felt a sense of obligation toward their daughter-in-law. In addition to returning the dowry, they provided her with a substantial amount of silver coins. They even gave her Thomas's military pension, and purchased land for her.Being from a military background, the Farrell family felt that Viola shouldn't spend her life in hardship. At that time, Viola had insisted she would never remarry. The Farrells worried that without money or land, her life could be very difficult. Hence, they gave her a considerable amount. The wedding gown from Enchanted Boutique, which usually required a six-month advance booking, was secured for her with additional sil
On the twenty-fourth day of December, a snowstorm had swept through the morning. The sky was overcast, and the biting wind cut through like a blade.Lily gazed at the gloomy sky, and prayed, "Today, our mistress is getting married. Heaven has already been unkind to the Sinclair family and to our mistress. Could you please grant us a clear day? I will pray diligently to the Lord every day."Early this morning, Carissa was awakened and taken by the staff from Elegance Atelier. They were there to cleanse her face, ensuring it was properly cared for so that her makeup would look its best.The staff applied some sort of paste to her face, instructing her to lie still and not speak. Feeling overwhelmed and having barely slept the night before, Carissa soon fell into a deep sleep while lying down on a chaise lounge.It was only last night that she had fully resigned herself to the fact that her master, Violet, and the others wouldn't be coming. Although she understood it was her own doing
Before long, Ryan returned in his new clothes.Over the past few months, he had grown taller. The outfit, which had been custom-made, fit him perfectly. The white silk satin was embroidered with rabbits, and the outfit featured a small cape made of leather with a black exterior and blue lining. The hood of the cape, when draped over his back, gave him the appearance of a young hero. His hair was tied up with a blue silk ribbon, making him look both adorable and festive."Let me see," Carissa said, holding his hand and inspecting him from top to bottom. His freshly powdered face was still flushed and warm, but he wore a beaming smile. "Gosh! Is this our boy, Ryan? I almost didn't recognize you. You look truly wonderful."Ryan blushed slightly. "Those are just things to say to little kids, Aunt Carissa. I'm not a little kid anymore.""Of course you are," Carissa said with affection. "In my eyes, you will always be a little kid." She hugged him, feeling the warmth of family.Sally
Lily invited the staff from Elegance Atelier outside for a meal. The banquet had already been set up, and people needed to eat in advance as the bride would need to set out in the evening.After the meal, the staff from Elegance Atelier wouldn't leave immediately. One of them would accompany the procession to Hell Monarch Estate.After partaking in the nuptial wine, the bride and groom would need to offer wine to their elders as a show of respect. Given the numerous guests at Hell Monarch Estate and the constant movement for the traditional ceremonies, it was crucial to have someone on hand to ensure the bride's makeup remained intact.When it was three in the afternoon, it was time for the dowry to be sent out.The sound of drums filled the air as the Sinclair family's younger members personally carried out the dowry. With sixty-four loads of valuables and treasures, including one precious painting by Kyle, it was a sight to behold.Silverstone Estate and Northwatch Estate were o
After the Inferno Guild, the next announcement came from the capital's physician's office, Arcane Sanctum. They had sent various precious medicinal herbs, including a century-old rare herb and snow lily.Following Arcane Sanctum was the Tideborn Guild, which also sent rare treasures. Among them, Mystic Pearls were the most prized. They seemed determined to outdo the Inferno Guild, delivering three jars of Mystic Pearls, along with a variety of gemstones. Their offerings filled three entire boxes.Viola grew colder, and trembled with each announcement. The more she heard, the more her body shook.Carissa also felt her body shiver more with every announcement. She could hardly hear the list of gifts, only the names of the guilds. Many of these guilds were unfamiliar to her. Why would they add to her trousseau? It must have been her master who informed them.Finally, after hearing announcements from six or seven more guilds, Carissa recognized the voice of her fifth guild senior.