Chapter 1134

This was Zoey's first time seeing Viola since recent events. Viola lay in bed, her face hidden under a thin blanket, her posture clearly signaling her desire for solitude. A servant brought a chair for Zoey, placing it beside the bed. From beneath the blanket, Viola trembled slightly.

"Now that we've reached this point, what do you plan to do?" Zoey asked directly. Her voice was firm. "Avoiding the situation won't help. It must be addressed. Mother wants me to speak with Mrs. Lewis on your behalf, but I don't know if she'll cooperate. Regarding Barrett, I visited Valor Estate today. He knew about your situation for some time but never mentioned it. He's willing to forget everything if you agree to remain married and live together as before, but on one condition—he insists on returning to the army."

The blanket shifted, revealing Viola's swollen, tear-streaked face. Her eyes, red and puffy, were barely open, filled with disbelief. "He couldn't have known! How could he possibly know? What does he want in exchange for not divorcing me?" she asked.

"He said he's returning to the army," Zoey replied.

"He wants me to live as the wife of a lowly soldier?" Viola's eyes welled up again. "I might as well return to my family. Mother said she'll take care of me. I'm still the Earl of Silverstone's third daughter; my dowry will support me. Why endure such hardship and poverty?"

She lay on the bed, faint red marks still visible on her neck, tears silently flowing, her breath heavy. "I know you all look down on me, but I've considered this repeatedly—where did I err? Is it wrong to plan for my future? You call it selfish, but who isn't selfish? Is it a crime to want a better life and refuse to suffer silently? I was born into an earl's household, blessed with more fortune than most. With that fortune and family support, why should I abase myself?"

She took a shaky breath. "And I know what you think, even unsaid. You think I constantly compare myself to Carissa and Kayla, but who doesn't compare themselves to others? Who lacks vanity? I'm a woman who's been divorced and remarried, just like Carissa. Why can't I compare myself to her? Besides, I did want a peaceful life with Barrett. He had Aurora, and he couldn't let go of Carissa. He had no affection for me. Isn't it strange, Zoey? Even after learning about Silas, he's fine with staying married. What does that mean? That I don't matter to him, perhaps less than that cursed Aurora! What have I done to deserve this treatment?"

Viola buried her face in the blanket and sobbed uncontrollably. Zoey listened calmly. People always justify their actions; otherwise, life would be unbearable. She waited until the sobbing subsided, then asked, "Answer me honestly: were you going to buy Snowdrop Pills for Mother, or meet Mr. Lewis? Tell me the truth. I'll find out if you lie."

The sobbing stopped abruptly. Viola threw off the blanket, staring at Zoey in shock. Her lips trembled with anger. "How could you think that of me? Did someone say something?"

"No one said anything," Zoey replied coolly. "But I know how you think. For years, I've covered for you. You lack strategy and foresight; you act impulsively. Are you truly trying to kill yourself? If so, why not do it quietly at night? Why make a spectacle? Those bruises aren't deep enough. If you were serious, you'd have used a proper noose. Take life seriously; if you choose to end it, do it properly. Otherwise, what's the point of the drama? You caused a commotion for what? To complain about everyone's selfishness? Did Mr. Lewis force you? Did Barrett force you to marry him? Didn't you know about his divorce and Aurora before you wed?"

Viola's justifications crumbled. She pulled the blanket over her head and cried again.