The next day, Viola dressed with care. She pinned a peony blossom in her hair before heading out with Poppy. She had a specific destination in mind. If she found him there, it would confirm that Thomas still held her in his heart.At the base of Richspire Peak, there was a stream. About halfway up, the stream flowed down a steep slope, forming a small waterfall. Whenever Thomas felt upset, couldn't figure something out, or struggled to make a decision, he would come here to practice his swordsmanship. He had brought her to this spot once before.As they climbed, Poppy supported her. However, Poppy grew increasingly uneasy as they ventured further from civilization. "Madam Viola, where are we going? It's still so hot. Do you think you can handle it?""We're almost there." Viola felt exhausted, but it wasn't like she could ride a carriage up this mountain. It had been years since she had walked such a rugged path. She paused to catch her breath, casting a cold glance at Poppy. "
Viola cried out, "I don't care! What reputation do I have left? You've probably heard about the Warren family. I've walked straight into a den of wolves! Thomas, you owe me this! If you were alive, why didn't you send me a letter? Even after receiving the divorce letter, I've remained a widow for you at my family's home. "If it weren't for Mrs. Murray's matchmaking, I would still be a widow for you. I was trapped at my family's house, and was completely powerless. My sister-in-law looked down on me, and was eager to marry me off. When Mrs. Murray came to talk about a marriage, I didn't have a chance to refuse her!"Hearing her words twisted his heart. Thomas had been struggling with his feelings for days. It wasn't just because his wife had remarried; it was also the sorrow and pain his mom and family felt over his "death". His mom had even fallen ill because of it, though her health had improved recently.He kept telling himself that loyalty and devotion were often at odds; but de
Thomas looked up. "You want a divorce because the Warren family mistreats you, Barrett treats you poorly, and there are assassins threatening your life. It's not because I've returned, right?"Viola stepped forward suddenly, and wrapped her arms around him. Thomas was startled at her actions. He pushed her away, and stumbled back several steps.Seeing his reaction, Viola froze for a moment. Then, tears streamed down her face, her heart breaking. "Do I disgust you? It seems that I do."Thomas looked at her, his emotions simmering just beneath the surface. "I'll look into what's happening at Valor Estate.""I don't need you to investigate!" Viola's voice rose, teetering on the edge of desperation. "What are you going to investigate? Don't you trust me? All I ask is this: if I get a divorce, will you still want me? Do you despise me or not? Just answer that question."Faced with her aggressive questioning, Thomas took a deep breath. He opened his mouth several times, but couldn't fin
Zoey closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. All of this was giving her a headache, leaving her overwhelmed and frustrated.Jane continued to urge her, "Madam Zoey, if you tell Mr. Farrell about this, the Earl of Silverstone's family will lose all dignity if he makes a scene. You absolutely can't do that! And if the earl finds out that you instigated it, he'll be furious!"Thinking of her husband in the Southern Frontier only added to Zoey's headache. Back in the capital, Oliver used to listen to her, taking in her advice to some extent. Some things could be discussed without things going awry.However, the disagreements and arguments between them had always been numerous. She had to patiently analyze each issue with him and convince him bit by bit. It was just like teaching a child.Yet even when Oliver did comply, resentment lingered in his heart. His capacity to accept a wife with a broader vision than his own simply wasn't there, and that was a fundamental dilemma in Zoey's l
The next day, Zoey sent someone to bring Viola to Silverstone Estate. However, Viola replied that she wasn't feeling well and would return on another date. She was plotting how to discuss the divorce with Barrett, and didn't want her family to know just yet.However, Barrett had been on night duty lately. He slept during the day, which left them with little time to talk. It wouldn't do to bring up the divorce out of the blue without any preparation—there had to be some sort of commotion first.Since Viola's visit to Richspire Peak, she had felt utterly exhausted. There were two days when she slept through the afternoon, not waking even when Barrett returned from his shift. It was only when Poppy nudged her awake for dinner that she finally stirred.Fatigue, drowsiness, and a slight sense of nausea plagued Viola. On top of that, her monthly cycle was delayed by several days. With all the facts combined, she couldn't shake the worry that she might be pregnant.Calculating the dates i
Viola returned to her old room, the one she occupied before her marriage. Unbeknownst to her, Zoey had gone to the Farrell family. Viola assumed Evelyn was still discussing ways to support her with Zoey and Luna.No matter how angry Evelyn might be, Viola knew her mother couldn't bear to see her struggling in the Warren family. That place was suffocating. After all, Julia and Yvonne had both met their end there. Moreover, Evelyn had always been particularly fond of Thomas. If Viola could mend things with him, Evelyn would eventually be pleased after her initial anger faded.After a while, she asked someone about Evelyn's condition and learned that it wasn't too serious. Deciding to return to Valor Estate first to avoid a scolding from her sister-in-law, she felt a wave of annoyance wash over her. She couldn't stand Zoey's lecturing face. What kind of authority did Zoey hold? It was only because of Viola's brother Oliver's title that Zoey could act like the mistress of an earl's h
Violet smiled, and asked, "Are you sure it's okay to take so much? Won't Sebastian be upset?"Silas forced a chuckle. "Not at all. Lady Carissa came personally to collect it, so he won't mind. Anything she takes is fine. He instructed this before.""I'm jealous. Sebastian's incredibly generous with Cari," Violet remarked.Silas nodded. "He treats Lady Carissa like his own daughter.""That much is true. When we were at the Southern Frontier, Carissa came loaded with medicine, claiming it was all from Sebastian." Violet hooked her arm through Carissa's, and added, "By the way, I saw Viola outside earlier. Mr. Lewis, you know her, right? She used to be your cousin's wife."At her words, Silas' knife slipped, and he accidentally cut his finger. Blood instantly welled up from the wound."Why were you so careless? Hurry and wrap that up!" Violet urged.Silas hastily pulled a roll of gauze from the drawer and wrapped it around his finger, his tone noticeably strained. "It's nothing. Ju
When Carissa arrived at Gracehold Estate, the servants came out to greet her. After all, they were mindful of her status as a princess consort.That was precisely the kind of attention Carissa found bothersome, which was why she rarely visited. She waited for the formalities to conclude before seeking out Leona.When Leona saw her cousin approaching, her face lit up with joy. She waddled out with her prominent belly to meet Carissa.Carissa naturally took Leona's hand, gently placing the other on the latter's belly. "How are you feeling with such a big bump? Is it uncomfortable?""Not too bad, just a bit restless at night," Leona replied with a smile. "The hardest days are behind me. Back when I had to stay in bed to keep the baby safe, I ended up feeling so nauseous from lying down all the time.""Once the baby arrives, it'll all be worth it," Carissa reassured her.Once inside, she found Alana and Leah in the inner room—one sewing clothes, the other working on a net. They looke