Barrett eventually decided to seek out Aurora. He didn''t want to argue anymore-they needed to have a proper conversation.


    When he entered the room, he found her curled up in a nket on the chaise lounge, a ck veil on her face as usual. Ever since she obtained the scars on her face, she had made a variety of veils in different colors. She refused to leave the house without wearing a veil or a hood.


    In the past, whenever they met, Aurora always had the look of someone ready for a fight, as if she could start a battle with Barrett at any moment. But today, she looked weak and sickly. When she saw her husband, she merely nced up before lowering her gaze, ignoring him altogether.


    The maid standing by her side noticed and said, "General Warren, you''re finally here. Madam Aurora has been ill for two days."


    Barrett knew his wife had called for a physician, so he asked, "Are you feeling any better?"


    Aurora turned away from him, refusing to respond.


    It seemed that neither of them wanted to argue today.


    Barrett sat down in a chair and remained silent for a long time before finally speaking, "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 use me of causing trouble at Northwatch Estate?"


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


    Beheath the ck 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.


    Auroraughed 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 nket closer around her. "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."


    It felt like something had struck Barrett''s heart with a heavy blow, sending a dull ache through him. He turned his head to look at the doves painted on the partition screen. The pair of birds ying in the water looked so intimate, their affection for each other causing his eyes to sting.


    the


    he worth?


    What was he worth?


    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 deputymander 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 right in the heart, shattering all of his defenses into dust.


    His face instantly went pale.


    It wasn''t that he hadn''t thought about it-he just didn''t dare to dwell on it.


    Barrett had 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 now, and his career would have been smooth and promisingProperty of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Carissa and Barrett would have made their mark together on the Southern Frontier battlefield. After that, he might have even be the deputymander 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 toote.


    Barrett never dared to look back or think about it, for fear that the regret would eat him


    That was why B alive.


    A cold gleam flickered in Aurora''s eyes. "So what if Vi is the thirddy of the Prince family? Who cares about the other nobledies of the capital, or heiresses of prestigious families? Who could possiblypare 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 sharpugh. "And that same woman was once your wife."


    As Barrett''s eyes dimmedpletely, 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 nody from the Prince family could ever rece. Even if thatdy did enter his family, she would never find a ce in his heart. If Aurora couldn''t have it, 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 sheughed, tears began to fall and her smile turned bitter. So, this was how adept she had be at


    using such tactics to vie for affection.