He would understand more than she might expect if she explained things to him. Moreover, he had heard about the massacre of their family from common people. While he knew of the tragedy, the details remained unclear to him. Though he was only seven years old, there were some truths he needed to face.

“The ones who wiped out our family were spies from Westhaven,” she said. “I didn’t know you had snuck out that day, so I thought you also died in the massacre. Now, you’re the only male heir of the Duke of Northwatch’s family. You carry the hopes and legacy of your grandfather, uncles, father, and all the others. You must be as fearless and steadfast as they were.”

As Carissa spoke, she placed her hand gently on Ryan’s shoulder, observing the tears streaming from his eyes.

She continued solemnly, “As for me, I’ve divorced Barrett. We’re no longer husband and wife, and from now on, we’re strangers.”

Ryan wiped his tears away in shock, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Chapter 245

“I’ll explain the reasons behind all this later,” Carissa said. “What you need to know now is that Prince Rafael is my betrothed, and we will marry by the end of the year. If you’re wondering why I’m marrying him, it all begins with the Southern Frontier conflict…”

Carissa spoke with partial truths, veiling some aspects and fabricating others. She revealed that the culprits behind the massacre were spies from Westhaven—a truth that could not be hidden from Ryan; he would inevitably learn it upon their return to the capital. She concealed the events at Victory Pass—Ryan was not ready for that information yet. The fabricated part was the notion that she and Rafael had developed feelings for each other on the battlefield, prompting their decision to marry.

Carissa’s eyes softened with genuine warmth as she spoke, as if truly discussing someone she cherished.

“Like your grandfather and father, His Highness is a general who fought on the battlefield to defend our kingdom,” she said. “He’s incredibly capable. What your grandfather once achieved, he has also accomplished. He truly reclaimed our territory at the Southern Frontier. He’s a hero, and he found you for me. I am very grateful to him, and… I have feelings for him.”

When Carissa mentioned having feelings for Rafael, her mind briefly flashed to the prince’s cold, noble face. Her heart skipped a beat, and her breathing became uneven. She had intended to deceive Ryan into thinking she was marrying someone she loved, believing this would bring him happiness. However, after uttering those words, she discovered an undefined, inexplicable emotion toward Rafael—a new feeling she had never experienced with anyone before.

Ryan looked at his aunt, then pointed outside and back at her, as if asking whether Rafael liked her.

Carissa’s cheeks flushed. Since she was in the midst of deception, she decided to continue it fully and whispered, “He does like me too.”

Though Ryan’s eyes were still wet with tears, a smile began to emerge on his face.

In the next room, Rafael sat cross-legged on the bed, listening intently to every word from the adjoining room. He listened with seriousness, his attention remaining focused and earnest even as time passed. When Carissa said she had feelings for him, Rafael understood it was a lie meant to comfort Ryan. It was a beautiful lie.

Rafael slowly pulled the blanket over himself, covering every inch from head to toe. As his stern expression faded, a radiant smile blossomed in the darkness under the blanket, repeatedly shining through. Carissa said she had feelings for him. The kind lie was meant for Ryan, not for Rafael, so what the latter heard was not a lie.