Chapter 11
Though a pang of sorrow touched Aurora's heart, she replied calmly, “I’m not petty or jealous. Besides, I understand the need for it. When you have your own child, your future will be secure.”
“As for whether he still shares your bed after you get pregnant, that’s none of my concern.” Her last sentence betrayed her 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 said, turning away in displeasure.
Watching them, Carissa felt a sense of absurdity. Standing, she looked at Aurora and said sternly, “Being a woman in this world is 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 here?”
Taken aback, Aurora frowned. “You’re making a big deal out of this.”
Carissa’s voice turned cold. “Let’s get a divorce, Barrett. There’s no need to say anything else. It’s undignified to argue further.”
“Divorce? Aren’t you just making threats?” Aurora sneered. “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 noblewomen valued their reputations dearly, especially someone like Carissa, the daughter of a marquis.
Barrett interjected, “Carissa, I won’t divorce you. We’re saying all this for your own good.”
“No need for that!” Carissa’s expression was calm, and she exuded dignity. “You’re either afraid of being criticized for being heartless and fickle, or you're simply acting in your own self-interest while hypocritically claiming it's for my sake. It’s sickening.”
Barrett looked anxious. “That’s not what I meant. Please don’t misunderstand.”
But Aurora merely shook her head with a cold smile. “I knew it. Someone like you will never understand our point of view. You still cling to the pretense of being a noble lady. I initially wanted a straightforward talk, but your thoughts are too clouded. You insist on jumping to wild conclusions, as if we’re plotting against you. I was only being considerate.”
"If you get divorced, you’ll be like a discarded woman. Life outside won’t be as good as what you have here. Why bother holding onto this pride and making life difficult for yourself? Since you don’t appreciate my kindness, I won’t say more. 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 directly. “I’m only afraid 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 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 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, 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?”