Melody of Strength novel

Chapter 22

Barrett hurriedly cut in, “Mom, please listen to me. I can’t keep her dowry.”

“You’re truly foolish, my son! She’s bullied us to this extent! You’re being soft towards her, but she wants my life!” Rebecca yelled.

Barrett remained resolute, saying, “Keeping her dowry would not be the act of a true man. I absolutely refuse. Dad, Benjamin, I’ll have to trouble you to invite the family heads from both sides tomorrow.

“I also need the matchmaker who arranged our marriage to be present. As for inviting neighbors, we can just pick a few families to make it official.”

“The matchmaker who arranged your marriage was Lady Avis.” Jonathan furrowed his brow. She’s Madam Sinclair’s cousin and Carissa’s maternal aunt.”

“Then, don’t invite her. Invite the matchmaker who originally delivered your proposal to the Sinclair family, the one from the western district,” Rebecca said.

Avis, who was in poor health, was a consort to a prince in the royal family named Yuvan. Even the management of Yuvan’s estate, which was supposed to be her responsibility, had been handed over to a secondary concubine. Although the Warren family did not fear an unfavored consort of a prince without children, they still tried to avoid conflicts with the royal family.

“I’ll leave it to you to decide everything, Mom. I’m going out for a bit,” Barrett declared.

“It’s late. Where are you going?” Benjamin asked.

“Just out for a walk,” Barrett replied as he strode out.

In actuality, he was going to see Aurora to explain the situation to her. He knew she despised men who mistreated women, so he wanted to tell her he wasn’t purposely making life difficult for Carissa. He was simply frustrated with her ruthless actions.

This wasn’t the first time Barrett had visited the Yates family residence in the middle of the

night.

Aurora’s father, Tristan Yates, had once been Hector’s comrade in arms. However, he had been injured in battle–losing a leg left him unable to return to the battlefield.

When Aurora returned with her military achievements, Tristan was overjoyed. He was proud that there were still people from his family who were serving the country as capable warriors. He wasn’t entirely pleased about the marriage, but Aurora convinced him that Carissa understood the situation and agreed with the match. So, he didn’t object further.

On the other hand, Aurora’s mother was delighted with her daughter marrying into the Warren family. She made a big fuss about it and demanded a hefty sum of betrothal gifts.

A small pebble hit the window of Aurora’s room. Shortly after, Aurora quietly opened the door, allowing Barrett to slip inside.

Weapons filled Aurora’s chamber, though none were particularly valuable. She simply liked the atmosphere of lit lamps casting shadows of blades and swords around the room.

The couple embraced under the dim light of a small lamp.

“Why are you here so late?” Aurora asked in a low voice.

The Yates residence wasn’t large. It had a small hall flanked by two rooms and a small courtyard in the back where Aurora’s elder brother and his wife lived. Hence, Aurora didn’t dare speak loudly, fearing they might overhear.

“Aurora.” Barrett held her shoulders, his expression serious. “I intend to divorce Carissa. I hope you understand.”

“Divorce?” Aurora was taken aback. “Why?”

“Tonight, Mom fell ill. I tried to summon Sebastian, but he refused to come.”

“Is your mother alright now?” Aurora asked anxiously.

“She’s fine now. We managed to get a royal physician to treat her. But the physician said Mom’s heart condition can only be treated with Sebastian’s Snowdrop Pills. Sebastian is a close friend of the Marquis of Northwatch, so he listens to Carissa. If she tells him not to come, he won’t.”Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Aurora immediately understood. “So, she’s using your mother’s illness to force you not to marry me, right?”

“Exactly. Tonight, I made it clear that I intend to divorce her. But rest assured, I won’t take her dowry. I’m not mistreating her. It’s just that her actions have been too ruthless for me to overlook.”

Barrett explained his reasons for wanting to divorce his wife, concerned that Aurora might misunderstand and think he was heartless or someone who made a habit of mistreating

women.

Also angry, Aurora exclaimed, “Her behavior is unacceptable. This isn’t just about being respectful anymore. She’s wicked! She’s clearly plotting against your mother.”

“So, you agree with me divorcing her, right?” Barre