Chapter 291

Barrett finally decided to seek out Aurora. He didn't want to argue anymore; they needed a proper conversation.

He found her curled up in a blanket on the chaise lounge, a black veil concealing her face as usual. Ever since she'd sustained facial scars, she'd made a variety of veils in different colors. She refused to leave the house without wearing a veil or hood.

In the past, whenever they met, Aurora always appeared ready for a fight, as if she could challenge Barrett at any moment. But today, she looked weak and sickly. Seeing her husband, she merely glanced up before lowering her gaze, ignoring him.

The maid standing beside her said, “General Warren, you’re finally here. Madam Aurora has been ill for two days.”

Barrett, knowing his wife had summoned a physician, asked, “Are you feeling any better?”

Aurora turned away, refusing to respond. Neither of them seemed inclined to argue that day.

Barrett sat down and remained silent for a long time before saying, “Someone from Northwatch Estate came by today to demand payment.”

Aurora’s eyes grew cold. She already knew, as her maid had informed her earlier.

“What are you trying to say? Are you going to accuse me of causing trouble at Northwatch Estate?”

Barrett looked at her intently. “Why did you go to Northwatch Estate?”

Beneath the black veil, Aurora’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “What do you think? I went to demand justice. I asked Carissa why she didn’t save me that day in Simonton City, why she caused you to drift away from me, and why you want to marry another woman.”

“Didn’t I already tell you? She had nothing to do with it. At the time, how could anyone have gone up the mountain to save you? The Westhaven troops were stationed all over the mountain. Going up there would have been suicidal,” Barrett replied, growing agitated.

Aurora laughed sarcastically. “You’re really good at defending her, aren’t you? Look at you—your heart must be with her, right?”

Barrett’s expression darkened. “What nonsense are you talking about?”

“Too bad!” Aurora turned her head away, pulling the blanket closer. “You may have feelings for her, but she has none for you. In her own words, she asked what you’re worth. To her, you’re not even worth mentioning.”

A heavy blow struck Barrett’s heart, sending a dull ache through him. He turned his head to look at the doves painted on the partition screen. The pair of birds playing in the water looked so intimate, their affection causing his eyes to sting.

What was he worth?

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Chapter 291

Indeed, what was he worth to Carissa now? Carissa was the beloved daughter of the Duke of Northwatch’s family, a hero of the Southern Frontier, the Hell Monarch’s betrothed, and the deputy commander of the Mystic Army and the Capital Guards. She held power over Barrett’s direct superior, and even the superior of his superior.

“If you hadn’t used your military achievements to marry me, what would you and Carissa be like now?” Aurora asked softly.

Her question struck Barrett to the heart, shattering his defenses. His face instantly went pale.

It wasn’t that he hadn’t thought about it—he just hadn’t dared to dwell on it. He’d tried hard to mask his thoughts, convincing himself that everything was already decided and that there was no point in looking back. But deep down, he knew why he couldn’t afford to think too deeply about it. If he hadn’t asked to marry Aurora, he and Carissa would likely be very happy, and his career would have been smooth and promising.

Carissa and Barrett would have made their mark together on the Southern Frontier battlefield. Afterward, he might even have become the deputy commander of the Mystic Army, since Rafael was always willing to promote young generals. The king also held Barrett in high regard. So, if he hadn’t used his military achievements to marry Aurora, Salvador would have surely entrusted him with a significant position.

Regret—oh, the deep regret that came too late. Barrett never dared to look back or think about it, for fear that the regret would consume him.

A cold gleam flickered in Aurora’s eyes. “So what if Viola is the third lady of the Prince family? Who cares about the other noble ladies of the capital, or heiresses of prestigious families? Who could possibly compare to Carissa? Even though I hate her for not saving me that day, I can’t deny that any man who has seen her valor on the battlefield or her stunning beauty would want to marry her.”

She suddenly let out a sharp laugh. “And that same woman was once your wife.”

As Barrett’s eyes dimmed completely, he left the room, utterly dejected. Aurora’s cold smile of satisfaction lingered.

Yes, she wanted Barrett to realize what he had lost—a dazzling gem that no lady from the Prince family could ever replace. Even if such a lady did enter his family, she would never find a place in his heart. If Aurora couldn’t have him, no one else would.

But the words she spoke were a double-edged sword. They engraved Carissa’s name deep into Barrett’s heart, but they also pierced Aurora’s own heart mercilessly. As she laughed, tears began to fall, and her smile turned bitter. So, this was how adept she had become at using such tactics to vie for affection.