Chapter 321

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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 had been genuine at the time, but whether they were merely a passing fancy, he couldn’t say for certain. 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 he himself had begun to regret it.

Did 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 orphan with no family to rely on. But who knew she was so skilled in martial arts, even surpassing him and Aurora in many respects? He couldn’t even imagine Carissa single-handedly charging into battle, displaying such bravery and earning countless merits. During the siege of Simonton City, he had witnessed her courage and decisiveness firsthand. Amidst a rain of arrows and countless dangers, she remained calm and composed. Even if her calmness was an act, it was enough to intimidate the enemy. And it had intimidated him as well.

Seeing that he had not answered, Aurora understood clearly and smiled bitterly.

“Retribution. Everything that happened is retribution. But we both wronged Carissa, so why haven’t you faced any consequences? You’re remarrying, and to the daughter of an earl’s family at that. You’ll join the Prince family, and from now on, your official career will face no more obstacles.”

Barrett disliked hearing such words, and his patience wore thin.

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Chapter 321

“What consequences are you talking about in matters of love and relationships? I let Carissa down, but I haven’t harmed her in any way.”

“If you want to speak of retribution, don’t you know what caused yours? Don’t you remember what happened in Fawnrun City? Do you not know the connection between Fawnrun City and the destruction of the Duke of Northwatch’s family? Dare you speak of retribution so lightly and not fear that true retribution might come for you?”

“I have already faced retribution,” Aurora said bitterly. “The soldiers under my command have died, and those who survived are wounded. Now I have been dismissed from the military and can only remain in the corner of this estate, subject to the control of your legitimate wife.”

She suddenly lifted her head, her gaze sharp and cold.

“But Barrett, let me tell you this—I despise the scheming of ladies in the inner household more than anything. I won’t provoke her, but if she dares to provoke me, I will make sure she regrets it!”

Hearing her words, Barrett already anticipated a tumultuous future in the inner household.

“You are you, and she is she. Just stick to your own duties. What’s this talk about provoking each other?”

“I’ve said my piece,” Aurora declared. “After all, you and I are bound by the king’s edict. This life will likely see us tied together. If you cannot manage her, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

Barrett looked at the resentment in her eyes and felt a surge of irritation.

“Do as you please,” he said, his voice cold.

With that, he stood up and left.

Aurora watched his retreating figure, lifting her chin and holding back her tears with all her might, determined not to let a single drop fall. She couldn’t cry, couldn’t be distressed, couldn’t let anyone see her as weak, especially not Carissa. She had gone to Grace Mansion earlier, and all the furniture had been replaced. It was necessary, as Carissa had taken most of her belongings when she left. It was clear that a significant amount of money had been spent.

Hadn’t the Warren family always said they didn’t have money? She wondered how much money had been spent on bridal gifts, and how many more silver coins would be needed for the wedding banquet.

Chapter 321

Eventually, her tears slid down her cheeks. The satisfaction she once felt when provoking Carissa now seemed like a distant memory. Her pride had turned to dust, and she felt utterly defeated. She had lost.