Chapter 997

Michael’s wife, Lucille, despised Barrett. She sent a servant with a few snacks and drinks before swiftly retreating, taking the other servants with her. The room still reeked, and she refused to remain and wait on him.

Barrett drank in silence, barely touching the food. He sensed Lucille’s contempt, which only worsened his mood. His feelings grew darker with each passing moment.

“You should eat something,” Michael said, breaking the silence. “Stop just drinking. What’s wrong?”

Barrett drained his glass and collapsed onto the table, his body shaking with quiet sobs. The sound was muffled, as if someone were pressing a pillow to his face. His sobs were low and strained, barely audible.

Michael fell silent, attending to his own food and drink. Perhaps Barrett simply needed to release his emotions, though Michael couldn't guess the cause of his distress.

After a long while, with no comfort offered, Barrett wiped his tears and looked up. His red, raw eyes, now clear of tears, revealed their dark depths, giving him a strangely comical appearance.

This sight made Michael chuckle involuntarily.

“You think I’m a joke, don’t you, Deputy Commander Brown?” Barrett’s smile was hollow and sad. “I’m nothing but a joke. A complete and utter joke.”

Michael nodded, acknowledging the truth, but then shook his head. He couldn't afford to lose all empathy. “Why won’t you go home?”

Barrett drained two more glasses. “Go home? Why would I? All I’d get is more scolding, more mockery.”

Michael pursed his lips. “Are you really giving up your position? If you anger His Majesty, you’ll have no future.”

“Does it matter?” Barrett’s voice was flat and defeated. “It was always going to end like this. I never had a future. Demoted, salary docked for three years… Why go back and waste my time? I’d rather be here, out of the king’s sight.”

Michael frowned. “You don’t have to waste your time. You could still do your job well, show His Majesty what you’re capable of.”

“What can I do? What am I good for?” Barrett laughed bitterly, his voice cracking. “My only talent is disappointing women. I even gave up my military merits, thinking Aurora and I had something real. In the end, it was all a joke. I even betrayed her.”

“I can’t even sleep at the Ministry of Justice,” Barrett murmured, his voice thick with despair. “Every time I close my eyes, I have nightmares. I dream about her being torn apart by the Westhaven people, her bones shattered, covered in blood, begging me to save her. Sometimes, I dream she’s shouting at me, cursing me, asking why I betrayed her.”

He paused, then continued, “I used to have hope. Back then, I thought I was favored by fate. Many noble families in the capital came to Northwatch Estate to seek her hand in marriage. Yet, it was me whom Madam Sinclair chose…”

“Stop,” Michael interjected sharply, cutting Barrett off before he mentioned Carissa. “Talk about Aurora. She’s the love of your life. Your current despair stems from her.”

“Love?” Barrett chuckled bitterly, emptying his glass. The alcohol only intensified his sorrow. “What do I know about love? Back then, I just thought she was different. When she spoke, her eyes would light up; they’d shine.”

Michael scoffed disdainfully. “Oh, do you want to see my eyes? Mine glow even when I’m silent. If they don’t, then maybe I’m dead.”

Barrett fell silent.

Michael had no patience for this pity party. Barrett, he knew, couldn't face reality or admit his weaknesses.

“Stop whining. Don’t you have a wife? Aurora was just a concubine, even if you called her your wife. Men shouldn’t even have one. Now that she’s gone, you’re talking about betrayal? What’s the matter? Are you still protecting her?

You’ve got enough to answer for. Also, how do you know who she was working with? If it was a traitor, that’s a crime that wipes out entire families. Stop making excuses. Go back, clean yourself up, and beg His Majesty’s forgiveness. Act like a man.

Having said that, Michael ordered Barrett to leave and reached for the remaining wine. Before he could, Barrett snatched the bottle and drank deeply and loudly.