Thomas nodded mechanically. He took a moment to gather himself before finally uttering in a slightly trembling voice, "I won''t say anything. You have my word."


    Zoey''s gaze fell to the shattered emerald pendant on the floor, and a wave of anxiety crashed over her. She had deliberated long and hard about whether to share this truth, wrestling with her conscience. This secret felt like a buriedndmine inside her, one that could detonate over her head at any moment.


    Now that it was out in the open, she felt a strange sense of relief.


    She trusted that Thomas would keep her secret. If he ever did share it, however, there would be little she could do. The chaos that the Earl of Silverstone''s family had sown would be theirs to bear.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    Ultimately, Thomas was a man who had endured the brutality of the battlefield. He slowly regained hisposure, and said, "You risked your family''s honor to share the truth with me, which shows your genuine concern for my well-being. I won''t let your family fall into the whirlwind of usations and insults.


    "This ends here with me-no one else will ever know. I won''t confront my cousin or her about it. Whether she chooses to divorce or stay with Barrett is no longer my concern. My mom mentioned recently that she wants to arrange a match for me. I n to first spread the news, and we''ll see then if I find someone suitable."


    As he spoke, Zoey pulled out a handkerchief and covered her face. She had held back her tears for so long, but now she could no longer contain them.


    If all men in the world were like Thomas, it would be a blessing for every woman.


    Thomas'' eyes reddened, and hisposure was merely an act. He could understand why Vi remarried. He even felt like he had failed her in some way. Yet, learning she had been unfaithful with his cousin in less than half a year after he left for the battlefield-it was something that truly broke his heart.


    While in the South Frontier, he had been the most diligent in writing home. Everyone had teased him about being henpecked.


    Yet, Hector had once told him, "You should write often so they don''t worry. When a man is on the battlefield, the women at home worry day and night and lose sleep over it. The only way to ease their anxious hearts is to receive letters from us." Thomas had been grateful for Hector''s understanding, believing that each letter he sent home would bring Vi somefort.


    But in reality...


    He couldn''t tell if it was heartache or bitterness, only that his chest felt unbearably heavy. He had no intention of rushing into marriage. He would only spread the word to make Vi give up on any ideas of reconciliation. "Thomas, the Earl of Silverstone''s family has let you down," Zoey said, wiping her tears and regaining herposure. "If you need anypensation, just tell me."


    "There''s no need for that." Thomas


    shook his head, a smile breaking through his sorrowful expression.


    fact, I''ll tell my mom that you persuaded me to consider marriage. She''s been worried about it, and I think she''ll be grateful to you.''


    "You really don''t have to say that," Zoey replied. "I''d feel more embarrassed. After all, it''s us who owe you."


    "None of us are indebted to the other. We all make our own choices. Regardless, you came here today to tell me this out of genuine concern for my well-being, and I appreciate that," Thomas said earnestly. Zoey sighed heavily.


    What kind of good man had Vi let slip away?


    Thomas walked her to the door. Upon returning to the hall, Alice asked, "Did she inquire about the Earl of Silverstone?"


    Thomas replied, "Yes. She asked


    he


    about how the earl is doing in the Southern Frontier. She also advised me to think about settling down, and reminded me that I''m not getting any younger. She said since my career is established, it''s time to marry and have children so you can hold your grandchildren soon. After thinking it over, I realize she has a point. So, I''ll leave the matter of marriage in your capable hands, Mom."


    Alice''s face lit up with joy. "Oh, you rascal! You don''t listen to me, but you take advice from the Earl of Silverstone''s wife? It seems


    outsiders have more influence on et


    you. But I won''t hold that against you. Once a match is arranged, I must thank her. She''s truly a good person to still be looking out for you, even though our families are no


    longer connected."


    A shadow of sadness flickered in Thomas'' eyes as he said softly, "Yes, she has treated me like a younger brother all this time, and I respect her as I would an older sister." Few women from noble families could do what Zoey did.


    Alice had little time to dwell on that as she hurried out the door to find Opal. Alice needed her help in finding a suitable match for Thomas.