Helen thought it over, and realized that it made sense.


    Even though Rafael was on the battlefield at the time, if he had truly wanted to stop the marriage, it shouldn''t have been too difficult, right?


    But she failed to consider the vast distances involved. Even if Carissa had married and had children, Rafael might not have known about it. She also didn''t realize the dangers he faced on the battlefield, where he was focused on winning the war. He had assumed Mnie would keep her promise, so he didn''t worry about it and only wanted to secure victory and return to the capital as quickly as possible. Unaware of these details, Helen simply felt that having Carissa as her daughter-inw was a blemish on her otherwise perfect life. Her emotions were conflicted. She was happy that her son was getting married, but unhappy that he was marrying Carissa.


    Meanwhile, preparations were also underway at Valor Estate and Silverstone Estate for tomorrow''s grand event.


    This would be Barrett''s third marriage, but his feelings about marrying Vi were vastly different from those he had experienced in his previous marriages.


    When he married Carissa, he was overjoyed. He felt that to have someone as pure and graceful as her as his wife was a blessing he had earned over three lifetimes. Even on their wedding day, when he received the orders to go to war, his heart was still full of happiness. But that happiness was mixed with an even greater sense of reluctance. When he lifted her white veil and saw how stunning Carissa was in her wedding attire, his heart nearly melted.


    At that moment, his promises were sincere. He vowed never to let her down.


    But, unfortunately, he missed his chance with Carissa.


    When he married Aurora, he believed he had found his true love. Their connection felt spiritual. Although Aurora had once sent a letter asking him to withhold half of Carissa''s dowry, which made him ufortable, it didn''t diminish his hopes for their future together.


    But this time, his marriage to Vi was arranged.


    He had only met Vi once. Though she was slightly older, she was more attractive than Aurora but still could notpare to Carissa. Most importantly, there was no emotional connection between him and Vi. Even when he looked at her, he felt nothing.This content belongs to N?/velDra/ma.Org .


    Moreover, hisst marriage to Aurora had nearly drained his finances. This time, even after spending the hundred gold coins granted by the king, he still couldn''t give Vi a proper wedding.


    Fortunately, even though the Earl of Silverstone''s family was gradually declining, it still retained a considerable amount of wealth. Moreover, his brother-inw Oliver had be themanding general of the Hell Monarch Army, earning widespread praise and ttery.


    As a result, the festivities at Silverstone Estate were far more lively than those at Valor Estate.


    However, their wedding shed with the wedding of Rafael and Carissa.


    This created a dilemma for many officials who, in their efforts to please both sides, had to attend two separate weddings. But honestly, most people came out of respect for Oliver, not for Barrett.


    This left Barrett feeling deeply frustrated, so much so that he even considered calling off the wedding. The frustration was overwhelming, to the point where he started to question the very purpose of it all.


    would


    Aurora''s mood also required careful handling. If she caused a scene on the wedding day, things spiral out of control and he would be aughingstock in the capital.


    So, Barrett went to Aurora''s quarters. She sat quietly in a chair, her demeanor eerily simr to when he had informed Carissa of the king''s edict for their marriage. But in hindsight, he realized that Carissa had always remained calm, with only a hint of mockery in her expression.


    Aurora, however, looked at him with nothing but resentment.


    Barrett sat across from her, trying to calm himself, intending to have a sincere conversation.


    "I know you feel wronged," he began. "I made promises to you that I haven''t kept. But Mrs. Murray made it clear that this marriage is by the king''s order. Since the king once granted a marriage between us with an edict, he can''t do so again with another one. It''s his will, and I cannot defy it."


    Aurora looked up, her gaze sharp and mocking. "Is this what you told Carissa when you sought to marry me?"


    He shook his head. "No. Back then, I was direct. I told her that the one I loved was you."


    A sudden, unsettling smile spread across Aurora''s face. Without her vell, the smilebined with her scars looked dark and sinister. "And now? Who is the one you love?" t


    Barrett remained silent for a long moment, unable to answer her question.