Chapter 22

+25 BONUS

Barrett cut in hurriedly. “Mom, please listen! I can’t keep her dowry.”

“You’re foolish, my son! She’s bullied us to this extent! You’re being soft, but she wants my life!” Rebecca yelled.

Barrett remained resolute. “Keeping her dowry wouldn’t be the act of a true man. I absolutely refuse. Dad, Benjamin, I’ll need you to invite the family heads from both sides tomorrow.”

“I also need the matchmaker who arranged our marriage. As for neighbors, let’s just invite a few families to make it official.”

Jonathan furrowed his brow. “The matchmaker who arranged your marriage was Lady Avis. She’s Madam Sinclair’s cousin and Carissa’s maternal aunt.”

“Then don’t invite her. Invite the matchmaker who originally delivered the proposal to the Sinclair family—the one from the western district,” Rebecca said.

Avis, in poor health, was a consort to Prince Yuvan. Even the management of Yuvan’s estate, her responsibility, had been handed to a secondary concubine. Though the Warren family didn’t fear an unfavored, childless consort, they still avoided conflict with the royal family.

“I’ll leave the details to you, Mom. I’m going out for a bit,” Barrett declared.

“It’s late. Where are you going?” Benjamin asked.

“Just for a walk,” Barrett replied, striding out.

In actuality, he was going to see Aurora to explain the situation. He knew she despised men who mistreated women, so he wanted to tell her he wasn’t deliberately making life difficult for Carissa; he was simply frustrated by her ruthlessness. This wasn’t the first time Barrett had visited the Yates family residence in the middle of the night.

Aurora’s father, Tristan Yates, had been Hector’s comrade-in-arms. However, a battle injury—the loss of a leg—prevented his return to the battlefield. When Aurora returned with her military achievements, Tristan was overjoyed, proud that his family still served the country as capable warriors. He wasn’t entirely pleased about the marriage, but Aurora convinced him Carissa understood and agreed to the match, so he didn’t object further.

Aurora’s mother, on the other hand, was delighted her daughter was marrying into the Warren family. She made a great fuss and demanded a hefty sum in betrothal gifts.

Chapter 22 +25 BONUS

A small pebble hit Aurora’s window. Shortly after, she quietly opened the door, allowing Barrett to slip inside.

Aurora’s chamber was filled with weapons, though none were particularly valuable. She simply liked the atmosphere—lit lamps casting shadows of blades and swords.

The couple embraced in the dim lamplight.

“Why are you here so late?” Aurora asked softly.

The Yates residence wasn’t large—a small hall flanked by two rooms and a small courtyard in the back where Aurora’s elder brother and his wife lived. Therefore, Aurora didn’t dare speak loudly, fearing they might overhear.

“Aurora,” Barrett said, holding her shoulders, his expression serious. “I intend to divorce Carissa. I hope you understand.”

“Divorce?” Aurora was taken aback. “Why?”

“Tonight, Mom fell ill. I tried to summon Sebastian, but he refused to come.”

“Is your mother alright now?” Aurora asked anxiously.

“She’s fine. We got a royal physician. But the physician said Mom’s heart condition can only be treated with Sebastian’s Snowdrop Pills. Sebastian is a close friend of the Marquis of Northwatch, so he listens to Carissa. If she tells him not to come, he won’t.”

Aurora understood immediately. “So, she’s using your mother’s illness to prevent you from marrying me?”

“Exactly. Tonight, I made it clear I intend to divorce her. But rest assured, I won’t take her dowry. I’m not mistreating her; her actions have been too ruthless to overlook.”

Barrett explained his reasons, concerned that Aurora might misunderstand and think him heartless or someone who mistreated women.

Angry, Aurora exclaimed, “Her behavior is unacceptable! This isn’t just about respect anymore. She’s wicked! She’s clearly plotting against your mother.”

“So, you agree with my divorcing her?” Barrett asked.