Melody of Strength novel

387Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

Tears suddenly welled up in Violet’s eyes as she leaned against Carissa’s shoulder and sobbed softly.

“What was I thinking? I used to hope the scholar would treat my aunt poorly so she would regret it. I also hoped that the scholar, after suffering through all the hardships, would come to regret it too. I wished they would become resentful partners, hurling insults at each other.”

Carissa gently rubbed her shoulder. “You’re not a cruel person.”

“I really did think that way. I was cruel, but you didn’t know,” Violet said, her gaze vacant. “Now, apart from me, everyone in my family disapproves of them. Even the old servants who have been with the family for years secretly curse them when they see them.”

“Then, why did they come back?” Carissa asked.

Violet explained, “My grandmother’s health has worsened. My aunt wanted to return to see her, and perhaps she missed her family. So, she rented a house nearby and kneels at the door every day, hoping that over time, my grandmother will be willing to see her.

“But how could my grandparents be willing to see her? Even letting her step through the entrance of our family’s residence is impossible. It would only inflame the anger of the other family members.”

Carissa understood this well.

The women of the Spencer family, burdened by the issues caused by Violet’s aunt, would surely harbor resentment towards her. Even if Violet’s grandmother wanted to see Violet’s aunt, she couldn’t be allowed inside.

Carissa felt a deep melancholy and wanted to comfort Violet, but as she was about to speak, Violet sat up straight.

“I’m fine. It’s just that thinking about your aunt and comparing her to my own aunt makes me conflicted. Your aunt married well. She married a prince and became a princess consort, but she is now worse off than my aunt who eloped. And you originally married Barrett, which, well, we all know how that ended.” Carissa fell silent. After a long while, she finally said, “Everyone has their own fate.”

At that moment, Carissa couldn’t fully grasp Violet’s feelings. However, when she arrived at Verdant Monastery and saw her aunt, she understood.

Over the past two or three years, Avis‘ condition had deteriorated significantly. She seemed like a withered tree, pitifully thin and lacking any vitality. Her cheeks sunken, she lay in bed as if she were weightless, wrapped thickly in blankets. Despite the warm stove in the room, she continued to shiver. She seemed to not recognize Carissa at all, her eyes staring blankly and devoid of any emotion. Sebastian’s apprentice, Jasmine, leaned closer and whispered repeatedly, “This is Carissa, your niece, the eldest daughter of the Duke of Northwatch’s family. Don’t you recognize her?”

Avis continued to gaze at Carissa with a blank expression, her mouth forming a word that was muffled and unclear. But Carissa could hear it distinctly–Avis said it was cold.

“How could this be? What illness has she contracted to be so thin?‘ Carissa asked, tears streaming down

her face.

Sebastian’s other apprentice, Ivy, was standing nearby. She softly said, “Ever since she received the divorce agreement from Prince Yuvan a few days ago, she has been like this.”

“Divorce agreement?” Carissa was taken aback, “Why did he divorce her?”

Ivy sighed. “The reason stated is that she has a grave illness, bore no sons, and has been jealous.”

Carissa was enraged, her entire body trembling.

“She’s already so ill–why would Prince Yuvan still divorce her? Is divorce something to be proud of? Has this been reported back to the capital?”

“I don’t know, but it’s likely to be delayed and will be reported after the New Year.” Ivy glanced at Violet, then added, “Ms. Spencer, I recognize you. Prince Yuvan’s divorce is related to your family.”

Ivy knew Violet because when Violet’s grandmother was ill, Violet had asked Carissa for help and requested that Sebastian attend to her. At that time, Sebastian had brought Ivy along

Violet’s expression changed dramatically. “Related to my family? What do you mean?”

Ivy looked at her in surprise. “Don’t you know? Prince Yuvan went to the Spencer family to propose to you.” “Preposterous!” Carissa was furious, her face flushed with anger. “When did this happen? Why wasn’t l informed?”