Chapter 11
Chapter 11
Though Aurora felt a pang in her heart, she replied calmly, “I’m not a petty or jealous person. Besides, I can understand the need for it. When you have your own child, your future will be secured.
“As for whether he still shares your bed after you get pregnant, that’s none of my concern.”
Her last sentence clearly showed signs of annoyance.
Barrett quickly promised, “Don’t worry, if she gets pregnant, I will never touch her again.”
“No need to reassure me, I’m not that petty.” Aurora turned away, clearly displeased.
Watching the two people in front of her, Carissa felt a sense of absurdity.
Standing up, she looked at Aurora and said sternly, “Being a woman in this world is already hard enough. Why must you degrade us further? You’re also a woman.
“Just because you’ve been on the battlefield and killed enemies, does that give you the right to treat other women like this? Do you only see me as someone who relies on having a family’s heir to survive? Am I destined to do nothing but play a background role in this place?”
Taken aback, Aurora frowned. “You’re making a big deal out of this.”
Carissa’s voice turned cold as she added, “Let’s get a divorce, Barrett. There’s no need to say anything else. It’s not dignified to argue further.”
“Divorce? Aren’t you just making threats now?” Aurora sneered coldly. “But I’m not someone you can easily threaten. Go ahead and make a scene. Damaging your own reputation will be your loss.”
She knew well that noblewomen valued their reputation dearly, especially someone like Carissa, who was the daughter of a marquis.
Barrett also spoke up, “Carissa, I won’t divorce you. We’re saying all this for your own good,”
“No need expression was calm, and she exuded a sense of dignity. “You’re
for that!” or just afraid of being criticized for being heartless and fickle. Everything you do is for yourselves, yet you hypocritically claim it’s for my sake. It’s sickening to hear.”
Barrett looked anxious. “That’s not what I meant. Please don’t misunderstand.”
But Aurora just shook her head with a cold smile. “I knew it. Someone like you will never be able to understand our point of view. Until now, you still insist on clinging to the pretense of being a noble lady.
“I initially wanted to have a straightforward talk with you, but it seems your thoughts are too heavy. You insist on jumping to wild conclusions as if we’re plotting against you. I was only being considerate of you.
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“If you get divorced, you’ll be like a discarded woman. Life outside won’t be as good as what
have here. Why bother holding onto this pride and making life difficult for yourself? Since don’t appreciate my kindness, I won’t say more.
you
“Do as you wish. I’m wholly devoted to Barrett. There’s nothing to hide. Whether praised or criticized, I’ll accept it all.”
Carissa replied, “If you’re not afraid of others‘ criticisms, there’s no need to come here.”
Aurora stepped forward, facing her squarely. “I’m only afraid that someone might use the divorce to gain sympathy and obstruct my marriage to Barrett. We obtained this marriage edict through our military achievements. We won’t tolerate your interference.”
Carissa shook her head, finding it all rather absurd. “Leave. This conversation is pointless. You are generals who have served the country; I have no wish to speak ill of you.”
Her father and brothers were all military men who had sacrificed themselves on the battlefield. In her heart, military officials who defended the homeland held the highest honor. She didn’t want any further entanglement with them or to say anything disrespectful.
“Lulu, show them out!” Carissa called out, lowering her gaze to hide the icy coldness in her
eyes.
Lulu, who had been listening outside, immediately entered.
Her voice was cold as she said, “Generals, your mutual affection is your business. Please don’t mistreat my lady, nor use military achievements to pressure her.”
“How dare you?!” Aurora shouted angrily. “You’re just a lowly servant girl! How dare you speak so boldly to me?”
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Lulu felt heartbroken seeing her mistress treated this way. Carissa had held back due to decorum, but as a lowly servant, Lulu wasn’t afraid.
Her eyes reddened with tears as she spoke, “I may be just a humble maid, but I know right from wrong. You’re a female general, yet you got involved with someone else’s husband on the battlefield. And now, you’re bullying my mistress under the guise of military
achievements…”
Before Lulu could finish, Barrett angrily slapped her across the face.
Then, he turned to Carissa and coldly said, “Is this what you teach your servants? There’s no sense of respect!”
Carissa hurried over to support Lulu. The fact that her cheek swelled instantly showed how hard Barrett had hit her.
With a sharp gaze, Carissa turned back and swiftly delivered a slap across Barrett’s face.
“Do you think you can hit my people as you please?”
Barrett hadn’t expected Carissa to strike him back over a servant girl, especially in front of Aurora. After all, a man’s face wasn’t something a woman could just hit.
But since he couldn’t retaliate, he just gave Carissa a cold glare before leaving with Aurora.
Carissa touched Lulu’s cheek gently. “Does it hurt?”
“Not at all.” Lulu smiled through the pain. “Fortunately, we’ll be leaving the general’s residence soon.”
“The royal edict should arrive in a few days.” Carissa sighed. “I just hope it’s sooner rather than later.“1
When Barrett initially mentioned the king’s edict for his and Aurora’s marriage, Carissa had wanted to meet Aurora. Since she was the first female general of the generation, Carissa had not only admired her, but also believed that she wouldn’t be willing to share a husband.
But after today’s meeting and hearing Aurora’s words, Carissa’s illusions were thoroughly shattered. She was deeply disappointed in the female general.
Barrett and Aurora’s wedding was set for October, and it was already mid–August. They had to make preparations quickly. Besides Carissa, the only other person in the household who could manage wedding arrangements was Charlotte.
Therefore, Carissa was determined to quash any thoughts from the Warren family about involving her in organizing the wedding.
In the end, the wedding arrangements were entrusted to Charlotte. She harbored deep disdain
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for Barrett’s cold–heartedness, but family ties and Amelia’s illness forced her to take charge.
On the eve of the engagement ceremony, Charlotte called a family meeting. Everyone was present, including Barrett’s father, uncle, and younger siblings. When Rebecca insisted that Carissa join them, the latter could already guess their intentions. However, Carissa still went, wanting to hear just how shameless they could be.
When the marriage between Barrett and Aurora had been proposed, the Yates family had presented a list of betrothal gifts they expected from the Warren family. Having already prepared all the basic items on the list, Charlotte had now called everyone together to brainstorm ideas for the betrothal gifts she couldn’t decide on.
Looking at the list of betrothal gifts, Jonathan immediately said it was impossible to come up with them.
When Barrett married Carissa a year ago, Melanie had noted that Rebecca had to take medicine all year round and that the Warren family wasn’t very well off. So, she hadn’t asked for much. She only requested five hundred silver coins and some ordinary jewelry as betrothal gifts.
On the other hand, the dowry Carissa had brought with her to the Warren family included houses, estates, and shops. The total wealth amounted to a hundred thousand silver coins. Just the furniture, silk, and bedding she had brought was enough to fill an entire room.
Over the past year, Carissa had relied on her dowry to pay for the visits from Sebastian, who prescribed pills to maintain Rebecca’s health. If she hadn’t done that, Rebecca might not have lived past a month of Barrett’s deployment
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Seeing everyone’s distress, Barrett took the list of gifts.
After reviewing it, he asked Charlotte, “What’s the issue here? They’re asking for two thousand silver coins, two pairs of gold bracelets, two pairs of malachite bracelets, two sets of rose gold hair ornaments, and fifty rolls of brocade. That’s all. The miscellaneous items aren’t a lot either.”
“That’s all?” Charlotte sneered coldly. “Unfortunately, our household can’t even scrape together a thousand coins right now.”
“How’s that possible? Who manages the finances? Do we not have money?” Barrett asked in
surprise.
“I manage the finances,” Carissa said calmly.
“You manage the finances? Then, where’s the money?” Barrett questioned.
“Yeah, where’s the money?” Charlotte chuckled coldly. “Do you think our family is some wealthy noble family? Valor Estate was granted to your grandfather by the late king because he was a senior military commander.
“Your father and uncle’s annual salaries plus stipends don’t exceed two thousand silver coins. And you… you’re just a fourth–rank general. Do you earn more than your father does?”
‘Well, shouldn’t the estate left by my grandfather generate some income, no matter how little? *Barrett argued.
Charlotte replied, “Even if it does, can it sustain the expenses of such a large household? Just your mother’s daily medicine costs three silver coins per dose. Then, there’s the pill she needs to take once every three days, which costs five silver coins. All these things are paid for with Carissa’s dowry money.”
Barrett couldn’t believe it. He felt that Charlotte was deliberately making things difficult for
him.
Disappointed, he set the gift list down. “In plain terms, you just don’t want to use the money for this. Fine then, I’ll figure out the betrothal gifts and money myself. I’ve earned militar merits. I’m sure the king will reward me.”
“Didn’t you use military merits to ask for the edict to marry Aurora? Since you’re in love, why bother with betrothal gifts? Go and discuss it with her. Tell her to ask for less,” Charlotte said.
Clearing her throat, Rebecca chimed in, “After all, it’s a marriage granted by the king. We can’t be disrespectful. It’s not like we can’t produce the gifts and money.”
She looked at Carissa and smiled, motioning for her to come over. “Carissa, how about you front this money first? Once we’re more financially stable, we’ll pay you back. How does that
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sound?”
Serena scoffed. “Mom, we’re all family here. Why talk about paying her back? I’m sure my sister–in–law is generous and wouldn’t mind giving us ten thousand coins.”
“Serena, you shouldn’t speak about your sister–in–law like that. She’s done a lot for our household this past year. You should appreciate her,” said Rebecca, pretending to scold her daughter and emphasizing that everyone should remember Carissa’s kindness.
After a pause, Rebecca looked at her daughter–in–law and added, “Alright, that’s settled, then. Carissa, I know this is hard on you. Once Aurora arrives, you should set some rules for her to know you’re the primary wife here.”
Everyone’s eyes, including Barrett’s, turned to Carissa.
Since she had slapped him yesterday, he felt awkward and couldn’t bring himself to ask her for help on this matter.
When Carissa remained silent, Charlotte asked, “Besides the money, should Carissa also provide the ornaments and jewelry?”
“Of course. She doesn’t mind, right, Carissa?” Rebecca prompted gently.
Charlotte looked at Carissa and shook her head slightly, signaling for her not to agree. The latter knew that the former meant well by reminding her, but Carissa had never intended to
agree anyway.
So, she shook her head slowly and said, “It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to pay for this. The household should cover the expenses for the marriage.”
Rebecca’s expression immediately darkened. ‘Carissa, you’re being unreasonable. Why differentiate between us? We’re all family. Besides, isn’t this just a loan? We’ll repay you once things ease up.”
Carissa looked at Barrett. “What do you think?”
How could he possibly suggest that his wife use her dowry to pay for the gifts so that he could marry another wife?
As a man of honor, Barrett felt uneasy.
He was about to speak up when Rebecca quickly intervened, “Carissa, you should make the decisions. After all, you’re his wife. His business is your business. A married couple should operate as one, right?”
“You’re right, Mother.” Carissa turned to Barrett. In that case, just let me know if you want to borrow the money from me. I’m willing to lend it to you if you ask.”
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Rebecca paused momentarily.
Borrow?
Well, Rebecca herself had said that it was a loan, and they would repay Carissa once things eased up. Now that her daughter–in- had phrased it that way, the older woman had no way
to retort.
Still, Rebecca couldn’t help but inwardly criticize Carissa for her lack of understanding. The girl had no family left. What else would she spend her money on if not for the Warren family?
Barrett shook his head. “I’ll figure something out on my own. I won’t need to borrow from you.
With that said, he turned and left the room.
All eyes turned to Carissa, who curtsied politely and said, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my
leave.”
*Carissa, stay here!” Rebecca’s face darkened as her anger surged.
She was no longer coughing or weak, especially since she had taken the medicine that Sebastian had prescribed yesterday.
Carissa looked at her mother–in–law. “Is there something else you need?”
Rebecca spoke with great seriousness and concern, “I know you went to the palace and appealed to the king. That wasn’t a wise thing to do.
“After Aurora joins our household, it will reflect well on our family when she earns merits in the future. You’ll benefit from it too. When the merits accumulate, you may receive a title. Again, that will also be a blessing to you.”
“You’re right,” Carrissa conceded.
Seeing her being compliant again, Rebecca continued smugly, ‘Ten thousand silver coins. Isn’t much for you. And the jewelry will probably amount to two or three thousand silver coins. You won’t mind providing the money for this, right?”
Carissa nodded. “Alright.”
Finally, Rebecca relaxed. She realized Carissa’s annoying attitude earlier was just a trivial
tantrum.
The older woman smiled. “Carissa, you’re sensible. Rest assured, if anyone dares to bully you in the future, I’ll be the first to defend you.”
Charlotte was beside herself.
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Why was Carissa so naive? How could she think it was right to use her dowry to help her husband take another wife?
This family was clearly going too far.
Carissa turned to Charlotte and asked, “So, the engagement gifts amount to about thirteen thousand silver coins. Then, how much will the wedding party cost?”
“The party and other expenses will add up to several thousand coins. Are you also going to cover that?” Charlotte replied impatiently.
If Carissa wanted to remain foolish, Charlotte wouldn’t care anymore.
“Sure. “When the time comes, I’ll have Barrett write me a promissory note. Once that’s done, I’ll deliver the money,” Carissa answered with a smile.
Everyone in the room, except those from Charlotte’s side of the family, scowled.
“That’s absurd! Since when does a husband need to write a promissory note to get money from his wife?!” Rebecca exclaimed, fuming.
Carissa was taken aback. “If we don’t have a promissory note, how can it be considered a loan? Mother, didn’t you just mention that the money would be a loan? Writing a promissory note for a loan is perfectly reasonable. Not writing one would be absurd, wouldn’t it?”
Carissa stood up calmly and confidently. “Speaking of which… There’s no reason for a husband to use his wife’s dowry to fund a concubine’s engagement gifts either.
“If such a thing were to spread, it would tarnish my husband’s reputation. It would also make our household a laughingstock. Don’t you agree, Mother?”
Rebecca’s face turned dark with anger. “I just praised you for being sensible…”
“Thinking of the family’s reputation is also sensible, right?”
Smiling, Carissa leaned down and patted the older woman gently on the back.
“Mother, don’t be angry. You just took your medicine yesterday. It only lasts for five days, and Sebastian won’t be coming to treat you anymore.
“What did you say?” Rebecca grabbed Carissa’s hand, turning to look at her. “How could you be so cruel? Why did you stop him from coming to treat me?!”
Serena angrily pushed her sister-in–law aside. “Carissa, you stopped the physician from coming to treat Mom? Are you trying to kill her?!
As Carissa casually flicked her sleeves, Serena felt an intense surge of force that made her stagger back a few steps. The shocked girl had to grab the back of the chair to steady herself.
How could Carissa be so strong?
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spoke coolly, “Be careful with your words. Sebastian himself said yesterday that he wouldn’t come again. If you don’t believe me, you can ask him yourself whether it was his own choice or if I stopped him from coming.”
With that, Carissa turned and left.
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Rebecca refused to believe that Sebastian wouldn’t come. After all, he had visited yesterday to deliver medicine, and had even given detailed explanations about her condition.
She immediately sent someone to the physician’s office to fetch Sebastian, but he didn’t even show up.
Instead, he had a message relayed to Rebecca’s steward through the resident physician. The steward, in turn, relayed the exact words of the resident physician to Rebecca, who almost lost her temper once she heard it.
Sebastian’s message was, “There’s no need to call for me again. The actions of the people in Valor Estate are disheartening. Treating a person who lacks integrity would shorten my life. I don’t wish to die prematurely.”
Fuming, Rebecca exclaimed, “Carissa must have stopped Sebastian from treating me! I never imagined she could be so cruel.
“When Barrett married her, I thought she was gentle and virtuous. I didn’t see any signs that she was such a treacherous person during the year she lived here either.
‘But now, she’s trying to kill me! Without Sebastian’s medicine, my life will be at stake!”
Jonathan had been silent the entire time. He was obviously displeased and thought his daughter–in–law had become disobedient. He had assumed her previous stubbornness would blow over, but stopping Rebecca from receiving her medicine was going too far.
He ordered his youngest son, Bryan, “Find your elder brother and tell him to calm his wife down. If she keeps this up, she’ll kill your mother,
“Got it!” Bryan dashed out.
He had once thought his sister–in–law was nice, but now saw her as ruthless.
Meanwhile, Serena stormed toward Grace Mansion, only to find the doors locked tight..
She stood at the entrance, her face flushed with anger as she shouted, “Carissa! Come out here, right now!
“It’s no wonder my brother fell in love with Aurora. She doesn’t play these dirty tricks like you. You deserve to be despised by my brother!
“Do you think hiding will save you? This is Valor Estate! If you have the guts, stay hidden for the rest of your life. Since you harmed your mother–in–law, you’ll definitely die a miserable death!‘
From inside Grace Mansion, Lulu’s voice rang out, “Lady Serena, didn’t you say you wanted to
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return the things my lady bought for you? Return them first before you speak.”
“Why should I? Those are gifts she gave me. You don’t take back gifts once given,” Serena retorted coldly.
She had intended to return them, but upon seeing that most of her jewelry and clothes were gifts from Carissa, she decided against it. If she returned them, she would have barely any nice jewelry left, and would only have clothes that were plain and shabby.
Serena wasn’t willing to live like that.
Lulu’s voice remained steady as she added, “Even so, there’s no reason to insult others after accepting their gifts.”
Serena was momentarily at a loss for words but quickly exclaimed, ‘Just wait–until my brother returns. He’ll deal with her!”
After her outburst, Serena stormed off in a huff.
Lulu was equally angry.
Returning to her room, she muttered, “They’re a bunch of insatiable people.
“You were right, my lady. Anywhere else would be better than here. Why hasn’t His Majesty’s edict for the divorce arrived yet?”
Carissa chuckled, leaping up to retrieve a box from the top of the cabinet and landing gracefully.
Opening the box revealed a long–unused red whip–a gift from her master when she left. Meadow Ridge. Since marrying into the Warren family, she hadn’t used it. She also barely practiced her combat skills, apart from her daily warm–ups.
“My lady, are you planning to fight someone?” Lulu asked.
Having accompanied her mistress to Meadow Ridge and served her there for several years, she was aware of Carissa’s proficient combat skills.
“No. I’m just taking it out to look at it.” Carissa ran her fingers over the red whip.
She was still in her mourning period for her family, so she wouldn’t use the whip even if she decided to fight.
“After we leave this household, we’ll head to Meadow Ridge to visit my master.”
“Sounds good.” Lulu smiled warmly. “Returning to Meadow Ridge will be great. Everyone there treats you like a treasure, my lady.”
Carissa placed the red whip back in the box but didn’t return it to the top of the cabinet. Since she intended to take it with her, there was no need to put it back up there.
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“I hope
my mother won’t blame me for not following her wishes. I did marry, but he’s the one who disappointed me,” Carissa spoke softly.
Tears welled up in Lulu’s eyes. “If your mother knew about this, she would only be the people of Valor Estate. She wouldn’t be angry at you.”
angry at
Carissa sighed softly. “Marriage and bearing children were never the destined fate of the women of the Sinclair family.”
Lulu sniffled. “They just don’t appreciate how good you are, my lady. When it comes to strategy and combat skills, Aurora doesn’t hold a candle to you. It’s only because the late master and madam didn’t want you on the battlefield that you’re here. If you joined the military, Aurora would be nothing compared to you.”
Carissa smiled. “I’m always perfect in your eyes, aren’t I?”
“Absolutely!” Lulu looked up with a reddened nose.
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Barrett wandered around outside, trying to borrow money from his acquaintances. However, all he managed to secure was a thousand silver coins. It was far from the over ten thousand silver coins needed for the betrothal gifts and wedding party.
The truth was, he could easily borrow twenty or thirty thousand from prestigious families, since he had just returned victorious. After all, he was now a rising star at court, and everyone was eager to curry favor with him.
But he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Borrowing money was an awkward and sensitive thing to do. As much as possible, he wanted to preserve his dignity.
After much deliberation, he thought it might be less humiliating to borrow from Carissa than from others.
On his way back home, he saw Bryan riding towards him.
Without waiting for his brother to speak, Bryan said, “Barrett, hurry back home. Your wife is about to drive Mom to her death!”
Hearing Carissa was causing trouble again, Barrett sighed irritably. “What has she done now?”
“She told Sebastian not to treat Mom anymore, Bryan explained.
“There are many physicians in the capital. If Sebastian won’t come, we’ll find another physician. If that fails, I’ll ask for the royal physicians‘ help,” Barrett replied, thinking it wasn’t a big deal.
To Barrett, Carissa’s actions had revealed her true character. She had actually interfered with his mother’s health. It seemed like she was good at coming up with despicable and cunning methods to hurt others.
Carissa was really unlike Aurora, who had always been straightforward and wouldn’t resort to underhanded tactics.
After hearing his older brother’s words, Bryan urgently added, “That won’t work. Mom fell ill shortly after you left for the expedition. At that time, Carissa did invite some royal physicians.
“Several of them came, but they couldn’t alleviate Mom’s condition. Instead, it worsened. Later, she managed to get Sebastian, who prescribed expensive pills that saved Mom’s life and gradually improved her condition.”
Barrett’s eyes flashed with anger. “She’s trying to force my hand by threatening Mom’s life.”
Bryan nodded. “Exactly. She went to the palace to plead with His Majesty. When he didn’t agree to rescind the marriage edict, she resorted to this method to pressure you into abandoning your marriage with General Yates. That woman is evil.”
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Barrett immediately spurred his horse back home, heading straight for Grace Mansion,
As a general, Barrett naturally had formidable combat skills. The gates of Grace Mansion couldn’t stop him.
He kicked open the doors and stormed in to find his wife enjoying a bowl of watercress soup. Lulu had made it fresh with the watercress she picked to calm Carissa’s nerves.
Barrett swept away the porcelain bowl in front of his wife with one hand, causing it to crash loudly onto the floor.
“Carissa!” Barrett gritted his teeth. “Will you ever stop? How far are you going to take this? How long will you keep this up?!”
Carissa calmly looked at the broken bowl and spilled soup on the floor, feeling like she had wasted Lulu’s effort.
“Lulu, clean up the broken pieces and the soup. I need to speak with the general. You don’t have to stay.”
Fetching a broom, Lulu did as Carissa asked before leaving.
Carissa looked up at her furious husband. “Is this about Sebastian?”
“You still have the nerve to ask?!” Barrett spat harshly.
Carissa smiled, highlighting her stunning, captivating beauty.
“Why wouldn’t I? You should be asking yourselves why Sebastian refuses to treat your mother. Maybe you should be looking at your own conduct.”
Barrett coldly retorted, “Stop pretending. It was you who stopped Sebastian from treating Mother. You’re using this as a means to blackmail me into not marrying Aurora. You’re despicable.
“Carissa, let me tell you, even if I don’t marry Aurora, I won’t treat you any better. You disgust.
- me.
“If I had known you were so manipulative and wicked, I would never have married you. I regret it deeply. I must have been blind.”
“Then, why don’t you divorce me?” Carissa asked, looking up at him.
Barrett was caught off guard by her sudden question. “What?”
Carissa stood up, her beautiful face filled with mockery. “Since I disgust you so much, why don’t you divorce me? If you love Aurora so deeply and want to be with her, then I’m just useless to you. Since you dislike me, why don’t you divorce me?”
“I…” Barrett hesitated.
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Divorce her?
He would never do that.
Carissa took another step closer to him, her expression still mocking.
“Is it because you don’t have a reason to divorce me? I can give you plenty. I’m jealous, disobedient, useless, and wicked. I speak out of turn and argue with my elders. Any one of these reasons is enough for you to divorce me.”
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Barrett took a deep breath, staring at his wife in disbelief. Was she really serious about wanting to leave, or was this just another way to manipulate him?
But no, he could never agree to a divorce. Divorcing Carissa would bring a storm of public outrage that would drown both him and Aurora.
Plus, his fellow soldiers would be ashamed of him, as everyone in the army revered Carissa’s father as a legendary hero. He couldn’t afford to lose their respect.
“Carissa, I won’t divorce you,” said Barrett, sounding both frustrated and resigned. “I’ll make sure you’re well cared for, but you need to stop causing all this trouble. What you did this time was the worst.
“How could you use my mother’s illness to blackmail me? Don’t you think that’s too cruel? If you’re upset, take it out on me. Stop tormenting my mother. It’s disrespectful, and it’ll ruin your reputation.”
Carissa’s expression was icy as she taunted, “Is it that you won’t divorce me or that you’re too afraid to? Divorcing me would ruin your reputation, and people would accuse you of being heartless and unfaithful.
“You’re also scared of losing the support of my father’s old allies. You want to keep your romance and your career, but you can’t have it both ways. Just because my family’s in decline doesn’t mean we need to rely on your family to survive. You underestimate me and overestimate yourself.”
Her words hit Barrett where it hurt, making him furious.
“Enough with the arguments! The royal edict for the marriage is from the king himself. I will marry Aurora. If you have any other conditions, just name them and I’ll meet them.”
“I have no conditions. I don’t need anything from you.”
Carissa stood tall, her posture defiant and her eyes dry. Her beauty mark stood out on her fair, stunningly beautiful face.
Angry and exasperated, Barrett said, “Honestly, Carissa, I thought you’d accept this marriage more gracefully. Your father and brothers were all soldiers. I thought you wouldn’t make things difficult for Aurora.”
Carissa let out a sarcastic laugh. “You thought I’d just accept my husband marrying another woman? You think too highly of my generosity, Barrett. Let’s end this conversation here.”
Seeing her stubborn refusal, Barrett grew even more enraged.
*Fine, since you’re so heartless, I’ll take this to the king himself. You’re deliberately making things difficult and defying His Majesty’s edict. Prepare for the consequences when the king
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reprimands you.”
Carissa scoffed. “What a joke! I’m just a woman, not some court official. How exactly does the king plan to punish me? Why don’t you go complain to the queen dowager instead? Tell her I won’t let Aurora marry into the family. Hasn’t she always admired Aurora? Go on, run to
her.”
“Don’t think I won’t! You’ve cut off my mother’s medicine–that’s disrespectful. I’ll have the queen dowager punish you for it.”
“Take your time leaving, I won’t see you off!” Carissa showed no sign of caring.
“You’ll regret this!” Barrett threw his parting words over his shoulder, glaring at his wife’s cold face before storming off.
“Perhaps you should worry about the betrothal gifts first. Do you need to borrow some money from me?” Carissa’s mocking voice echoed behind him.
Her words made Barrett pause for a moment before he stomped away. He had indeed thought about borrowing money from her. But after this, he’d rather ask Aurora to lower the price of the betrothal gifts than ever turn to Carissa.
After Barrett left, Lulu poked her head around the door. “My lady, if he really asked you to lend him money, would you?”
Carissa rubbed her cheeks, exhausted from all the talking.
After a moment, she answered Lulu’s question, “Sure, if he has the guts to ask, I’d lend it to him–with interest, of course. He’d have to pay back every penny, with interest, on time.”
“Aren’t you worried he won’t pay you back?”
“If he doesn’t, I’ll send debt collectors to his door every day.” Carissa glanced at the spilled watercress soup in the corner and sighed pitifully. “Lulu, is there any watercress soup left? I’d
like some.
“Yes, there’s a whole pot left. We’ve got chicken soup too. Which one would you
like?”
Carissa’s face lit up. “Both, please! You should have some too, and send the rest to the maids. Oh, and they’ve packed everything, right?”
“Everything’s ready. We’re just waiting for the edict, then we’ll pack up and leave,” said Lulu, who was now cheerful, free from the gloom of the past few days.
“Yes, it’s all over now. We’re just waiting for the edict to arrive. Though, I bet Barrett will go and negotiate with the Yates family to lower the price of the betrothal gifts. Aurora will definitely agree. After all
Chapter 18
Lulu scoffed. “Ten thousand silver coins worth of betrothal gifts? Do they think the Warren family is that rich? When you married into this family, your mother only asked for a few hundred silver coins. It was such a loss.”
Carissa sighed dramatically. “I agree. My mother settled for too little.”
Lulu laughed with her, but as she laughed, tears started to fall. Carissa had endured so much when she married into the Warren family. Back then, Carissa had believed Barrett’s grand promises he swore he’d never take a concubine.
In the end, it was all lies, and Carissa’s life was ruined.
Wiping her tears, Lulu went off to fetch the watercress soup and chicken soup, and she invited the other maids to share some too.
The king’s edict for an amicable divorce was still under wraps, but the people Carissa had brought from her family home were loyal and trustworthy. They knew what was going on, and it was necessary to prepare them anyway.
What worried Lulu was the possibility of the king not approving the divorce.
A divorce that was unilaterally decided by the husband and an amicable divorce based on mutual understanding were two very different things, with the main difference being that a woman divorced by her husband couldn’t reclaim her dowry.
Why was the edict taking so long to arrive? Was the king planning to wait until after the wedding to issue it? That would be pure torture. She didn’t want to stay here even a moment longer.
Later, Carissa called Amelia to go over the accounts. They should have done this sooner, but the recent chaos had delayed everything.
Amelia really didn’t want to take on this mess. She genuinely felt sorry for Carissa, but her husband, Benjamin, had said that Aurora marrying into the Warren family would greatly benefit the family.
Aurora was the key factor behind Westhaven’s surrender, and the Ministry of Defense hadn’t forgotten that particular detail.
Barrett and Aurora’s contributions had earned them this marriage edict, so the king hadn’t made other arrangements. With the king focusing on promoting young military talent, adding Aurora to the family would make the Warren family even more influential.
Plus, Carissa was the legitimate daughter of a marquis. Her family had made great contributions to the court. Carissa’s family’s military merits were unmatched, with the only exception being if Salvador’s brother, the Hell Monarch, recaptured the Southern Frontier.
Chapter 18
+25 BONUS
“Amelia,” Carissa said, handing her the account books. “Here’s the current balance for Valor Estate. The annual rents and land incomes are detailed here.
“This year’s income has been completely spent, and the remaining nine hundred silver coins. in the accounts is what I lent to the family. I’m taking it back now. Any objections?”
“You’re taking it back? But that would leave the accounts completely empty!” Amelia exclaimed, utterly shocked.
“If the other family members pitch in to help, we’ll get through the tough times. Plus, with Father, Benjamin, and Barrett’s monthly salaries, we’ll get by if everyone tightens their belts a bit, Carissa replied calmly.
“How can we be this broke?” Amelia couldn’t understand.
It wasn’t that she doubted Carissa. The household had already been struggling before she married into the family. They had laid off many servants, and it was Carissa’s dowry that had allowed them to hire more staff and guards. Carissa had been paying for all these expenses, including Rebecca’s medicine.
“I’m not sure,” Carissa replied, though she knew the reasons all too well.
Firstly, with her constant need for expensive treatments and rare medicines, Rebecca’s chronic illness had drained the family’s resources.
Secondly, the family had mismanaged their businesses. Instead of finding ways to turn things around, they had sold off several shops, and the money from those sales was quickly squandered.
Now, the estate’s income mostly came from renting out a few shops, some land, and the salaries of Jonathan, Gregory, Benjamin, and Barrett. If they didn’t have the estate granted by the late king, they probably wouldn’t even be able to afford a house.
Many officials in the capital couldn’t afford homes either. Even the Civil Department’s vice minister only managed to buy a decent three–yard house last year after borrowing money.
“Carissa, I can’t handle these finances. You should keep managing them,“Amelia said, feeling overwhelmed.
Asking other family members to contribute money to the family fund was no easy task.
Carissa smiled reassuringly. “No worries. Just handle it for now, Amelia. Once General Yates moves in, you can use your health as an excuse and hand over the household finances to her.” Amelia thought it over and realized this was probably the best plan.
Carissa had once been easy–going, but now, her seemingly gentle words left no room for negotiation.
Chapter 19
Chapter 19
+25 BONUS
After handing over the household management rights, Carissa shut herself in her mansion and refused to see anyone. She only met with the people from her own family, avoiding everyone else.
She even had her meals cooked in the small kitchen of Grace Mansion. Her servants, Lily and Holly, would personally buy ingredients and cook for her.
Once Carissa called back her staff, the entire Valor Estate plunged into chaos. Amelia had to step in, hastily promoting capable servants to fill the gaps left by the departing ones, trying to follow the old routines.
But with the upcoming wedding, there simply weren’t enough hands. The servants Carissa had recalled left a noticeable void. Now, every part of the estate was left shorthanded.
Reporting the situation to Rebecca, Amelia saw the older woman grip her forehead in frustration.
“I never thought she’d be this inconsiderate. I must have been blind to treat her so well. I never even made her follow any rules,” said Rebecca.
When Amelia heard this, she didn’t feel the situation was unfair. When she herself married into the family, she had to follow the strict rules. But Carissa’s situation was different. She had come in with a substantial dowry, managed the household, and personally taken care of Rebecca.
Of course, Amelia couldn’t say this in front of her mother–in–law.
Instead, she worriedly asked, “Mother, we’re already short on funds. Where will we get the money to hire new servants?”
Despite her anger, Rebecca still hoped to squeeze some coins out of Carissa.
After pondering for a while, she suggested, “Ask someone from the second branch of the family to talk to her. They have a good relationship with her.”
“I’ve asked Aunt Charlotte, but she said she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Besides, she’s still trying to figure out the betrothal gifts,” Amelia replied.
“Has she found a solution yet?” Rebecca asked.
“She said the only–option is to sell the remaining shops.”
“Sell the shops?” Rebecca frowned.
They had been selling off assets over the past few years to cope with financial difficulties. And now, there were only a few left.
After thinking it over, Rebecca made up her mind.
1/2
Chapter 19
“Then, sell them. We can buy them back later. Barrett and Aurora will continue earning military merits.”
+25 BONUS
The rewards for military achievements were plentiful. Carissa’s family had amassed immense wealth through military exploits. At their young age, Barrett and Aurora had already achieved significant victories. Surely, the king would continue to favor them in the future.
Despite being a woman, Rebecca understood that after Carissa’s father and brothers died in battle, there were not many young generals left.
The Hell Monarch had been fighting in the Southern Frontier for over two years, and it was uncertain if he would return. Hence, the king was sure to favor Barrett and Aurora–their path to wealth and honor seemed inevitable.
“Then, I’ll arrange to sell the properties,” Amelia said as she took her leave.
The news of the Warren family selling their assets reached Carissa through Holly.
Carissa was at her desk, practicing her calligraphy.
When she heard Holly’s words, she looked up and commented, “Well, that’s really their only option right now.”
“When the household had no money before, they made you use your dowry to cover the expenses. Why didn’t they sell the properties then?” Holly grumbled.
“How could that be the same?” Carissa smiled. “They’re counting on Aurora joining the household and working with Barrett to earn more military merits. They think they’ll be unstoppable and able to get whatever they want once that happens.”
Lulu, who was fanning a small stove, snorted. “Back then, you used your dowry to help out, hoping that the general would win more rewards from the king to make up for it. Who knew he’d use his achievements to arrange a marriage instead?”
Tired of writing, Carissa set her brush down. “Well, I was foolish to think that way. I just hope the edict for our divorce comes soon, so we can leave this place and not hear any more about their affairs.”
But days passed–three, four days–and still no edict. 1
Instead, news came that Rebecca had fallen ill again. Without Sebastian’s help or the pills he prescribed, she was suffering from chest pains.
Carissa sighed, feeling a twinge of sympathy. “If it helps us part on good terms, I might ask Sebastian to continue treating Rebecca. But I won’t pay for it. They can pay him themselves if they can afford it.” ”
Chapter 20
When Rebecca fell ill, it caused a stir in the estate for half the night. Eventually, they had to call for a royal physician to temporarily stabilize her condition.
The royal physician told Barrett, “I’ve treated Madam Warren before, but my skills are limited. The best physician in the capital for treating heart ailments is Sebastian. His medicine, Snowdrop Pills, is the only thing that can save her life.
“I’ve managed to control her condition for now because she’s been taking those pills for a year, but if her episodes become more frequent in the future, there’s little more I can do.”
With that, the physician took his leave.
Furious, Barrett’s eyes were bloodshot. He had personally gone to Sebastian’s clinic to ask. him to treat Rebecca, but the physician had refused to see him. Barrett knew Carissa must be the one behind this. She was employing such a despicable tactic–using his mother’s health to pressure him into giving up on marrying Aurora.
Kicking the door open, he stormed into Grace Mansion.
Carissa hadn’t gone to bed yet and was writing under the lamplight. Seeing her husband bursting in angrily, she frowned, clearly expecting an interrogation.
“Holly, Lily, Lulu, please leave us,” Carissa instructed.
Barrett’s imposing figure advanced slowly toward his wife, his face as cold as frost.
“Get Sebastian to come here tomorrow, or else…
Carissa met his gaze directly. “Or else what?”
He gritted his teeth. “Or else I’ll divorce you!”
Carissa stared back steadily. “You’ll divorce me?
Looking down at her, Barrett spoke coldly, “You were right the other day. There are enough reasons for me to divorce you!”
Under the lamplight, Carissa’s skin was fair as snow, her beauty unmatched.
“Good. Now that you’ve said that, I understand you truly intend to divorce me. I’ll wait for you. to draw up the divorce agreement,” she said, smiling lightly.
He stared at her icily. “You should know that once I divorce you, you won’t get your dowry back.”
Still smiling, Carissa replied, “Oh, the dowry? Sure, I’ll give it to you. Tomorrow, invite both family heads, our neighbors, and our matchmaker to sit down together. You present the divorce agreement, and I’ll sign it right away.”
1/2
Chapter 20
+25 BONUS
Barrett pointed a finger at her, nearly touching her nose. ‘Fine. Tomorrow at noon, I’ll divorce you and send you away!”
With that, he left, flicking his sleeves as he walked away.
Holly rushed in, clearly furious. “My lady, once you’re divorced, all your dowry goes to him. How can you be so impulsive?”
Lulu was on the verge of tears. “Exactly! Aren’t you letting them off too easily? Your mother gave you half of your family’s assets as your dowry.”
Carissa sat in her chair, recalling Barrett’s ruthless expression moments ago. A pang of pain flickered in her heart. It would be a lie to say she hadn’t harbored any expectations for him over this past year. Despite their shallow relationship, he was the husband her mother had chosen for her.
“If he divorces me, he’ll pay a hefty price too. As for the dowry, that’s another matter, We’ll see whether I take it with me or leave it,” said Carissa.
Holly added, “Right! My lady, you cared for his mother for a year, but as soon as he returned with military merits, he requested another marriage and wanted to divorce you. Now, he’s even selling his family’s shops to afford his concubine’s betrothal gifts. Who knows if he’s divorcing you because he’s eyeing your dowry? People won’t let him off easily, and the officials will surely intervene.”
Lulu still fretted, “Regardless, I’m afraid he’ll act recklessly and impulsively. Our lady will end up losing out, even if she manages to reclaim her dowry. Being divorced will tarnish her reputation, which is no small matter.”
Carissa worried that the king might change his mind.
Though she had sought a royal edict based on her father and brothers‘ military achievements, the reality was that they had already sacrificed their lives and were long gone. Yes, the king did place importance on nurturing new military leaders, but she feared he might hesitate to grant her the divorce after deliberating the matter further.
Carissa wasn’t concerned about the dowry itself. The inventory list was in her possession, and she could take all the bonds and silver coins with her. The properties all belonged to her family. The only things Barrett and his family could get their hands on were silk fabrics, malachite items, and some jewelry.
There would be some losses, but not excessively so.
Yet, if Barrett really went through with this divorce, Carissa wouldn’t be blamed for being heartless or cruel in the future.
“You even spoke of asking Sebastian to come here, my lady. Bah! It’s not worth it to do so!” Holly muttered with resentment.
