Chapter 10

After seeing off Sebastian, Carissa returned to Grace Mansion. Half an hour later, Barrett brought Aurora to see her.

Carissa was in the study, organizing the household accounts for the month. When she saw the couple enter, her gaze fixed on their intertwined fingers. She took a deep breath, inhaling the soothing scent of a delicate candle burning in a corner.

This was good. It was better to be upfront and straightforward.

"Please, have a seat," Carissa said, after sending Lulu out.

Aurora, now wearing a crimson pleated skirt embroidered with golden butterflies, sat down gracefully. The skirt draped elegantly, the butterflies seemingly frozen in motion. Aurora wasn't conventionally pretty, but she exuded a strong presence.

Locking eyes with Carissa, she spoke first: "Carissa!"

Having been immersed in military life and killed enemies, Aurora expected her imposing demeanor to intimidate Carissa. But, to her surprise, the other woman's clear gaze didn't waver.

"General Yates, please speak your mind," Carissa said.

"I heard you wanted to see me, so here I am. I only have one question: Are you willing to coexist peacefully with me? I hope you speak the truth without theatrics. Innocent acts may work on men, but not on me," Aurora replied assertively.

Carissa looked at her. "The Queen Dowager once said you're a role model for women in the kingdom. So, why don't you answer my question instead? Aside from peaceful coexistence, do I have any other choice?"

"You don't need to divert the topic. Whether you have another choice is your business," Aurora said sternly.

Carissa smiled. Her breathtaking beauty caused Aurora a twinge of discomfort. Carissa looked at the couple and said, "Of course, I'm willing to coexist peacefully with you." After the divorce, there would be no further involvement or animosity. Carissa was willing to coexist peacefully, but the chance for peace was slim.

Aurora frowned. "I told you, don't lie to me. I can tell whether you're telling the truth or not. If not, why would you need to beg the king to retract his edict? Also, why would the king listen to you? Do you think you can deceive him with your innocent facade?"

Chapter 10

Carissa's gaze turned cold. "General Yates, watch your words!"

Her sudden change of demeanor caught Aurora off guard. Carissa's beautiful face was icy; a severe glint shone in her eyes as she said, "Not everyone has the courage and skill to ride into battle like you. Are people who aren't like you all just putting on a show?"

She looked at Barrett and calmly added, "As for you… When you came to seek marriage, you promised my mother that I would be your only wife and you would take no concubines in the future. Now, you've broken that promise to me. Don't make it seem like I'm standing in your way."

Aurora chuckled, looking at Barrett. "So, you said that to her too? If that's the case, then I'm the one interfering in your marriage."

Barrett held Aurora's hand firmly, looking at Carissa somewhat irritably. "I already told you that day. I didn't know what love was until I met Aurora. It was wrong of me to make such promises lightly, but now, my heart belongs only to Aurora. We never intended to hurt you. Also, you'll still be my wife. Aurora and I will spend most of our days together in the military. You can raise our children and solidify your position that way."

Carissa's expression changed slightly. "What are you saying? That I have to help raise your future children?"

"You can have your own child if you want. I can have a son or daughter with you. But after…" Barrett trailed off. He knew his words were hurtful, but his beloved was present. He gritted his teeth and continued, "Once you're pregnant, we won't share a bed anymore."

"And what about you? Do you agree with this?" Carissa asked, looking at Aurora.