Rosalind nodded and said, "Then, I won't keep you any longer. Farewell."

"Safe travels!" Zoey smiled as she bid her goodbye.

Once Rosalind left, Zoey glanced at Viola. She noticed the light had completely drained from her sister-in- law's eyes, leaving behind a shadow of regret. Zoey understood immediately-Viola was lamenting the past again.

"There's no use in dwelling on things that have already passed. Let's go inside."

Viola had summoned all her courage to come and visit Carissa, to whom she owed an apology and a thank you. Though she said she was accompanying Zoey and Luna today, she was actually here to face the past.

She had told herself she was ready, but all her resolve seemed to shatter when she saw Rosalind.

It felt as if something had struck her hard in the chest. Her mind went blank, and that forced smile she had tried to wear now felt like a mask she was afraid would crack. She was terrified she might break down in front of them.

As Viola followed her sisters-in-law into the side hall, her eyes were already brimming with unshed tears. Carissa glanced up at her, then smiled and invited all of them to sit as refreshments were brought in. Noticing Carissa's leg was wrapped tightly in bandages, Zoey's concern grew. "Is it serious? It must hurt terribly since it's a severe injury, right?"

Carissa could tell that Zoey genuinely cared.

She laughed off her concern with a casual wave of her hand. "It's just a small injury, nothing to worry about. Doesn't hurt at all."

"How could it not hurt?" Zoey pressed. "I heard you broke your bones. How long will it take to heal? Will it affect your walking in the future?"

"No, it won't," Carissa reassured her with a slight raise of her leg, as though to prove her point. "It's really nothing. Compared to the injuries I've sustained on the battlefield, this is just a scratch."

Zoey looked at her with genuine sympathy. "You've also taken quite a few hits on the battlefield, haven't you?"

"It's only natural for it to happen sometimes. I've healed from those," Carissa said with a soft smile. Standing nearby, Luna added, "This time, it was all thanks to you, Your Grace. If not for you, we don't know how much more the people would have suffered."

"It was only my duty," Carissa replied modestly. She then shifted the conversation and asked, "His Majesty has granted you a residence. When do you plan to move in?"

"In a few days. We didn't plan on moving at first, but it's a royal gift, so we can't refuse it," Zoey answered. "Yes, it's His Majesty's kindness. You should accept it," Carissa agreed.

The Prince family's situation was still somewhat delicate at present. They couldn't simply do as they pleased, especially since the money they had gotten from selling family assets was still not available for use just yet.

Zoey subtly gestured to Viola several times, and she finally stepped forward to bow.

"While I was in Astral Prison, I was truly grateful to you for sending the physician and medicine. Without that, I fear I wouldn't have survived. Please accept my deepest thanks, Your Grace."

She paused, taking a breath before continuing, "And also, I know I have done some foolish things in the past. I ask for your forgiveness."

Carissa didn't stop her. She accepted the bow with grace and replied, "Please have a seat, Ms. Prince."

Viola thanked Carissa and sat down, breathing a sigh of relief. She found that expressing her gratitude and apology wasn't as hard as she had imagined. Sometimes when she looked back, she realized how unnecessary her past actions had been.

What was the point of all those comparisons?

Viola had thought that Barrett cared for her during their marriage. But after reflecting, she realized it had never really been about her. Though she had gotten caught up in her own assumptions and expectations, the issues in their marriage were mostly due to Barrett's own flaws and mistakes.

In the end, it was his fault.

Now that Viola could face everything calmly, she realized that perhaps she had never had much affection

for Barrett in the first place. But when she thought of Thomas, a sharp pain stabbed at her heart.

Perhaps it was love, or perhaps guilt-she wasn't sure which.

Earlier, she had seen how Rosalind's face was rosy and glowed with happiness. With that, Viola knew the other woman was happy now.

Though Thomas didn't understand

romance or sweet words, he treated

others with such kindness and devotion. Unfortunately, Viola had thought that as the third daughter of the Earl of Silverstone's family, it had been beneath her to marry him. She had always hoped he would flatter and pamper her with words ofnoveldrama

affection.

However, Thomas wasn't skilled in such things, and had never been able to speak such sweet words. Because of that, Viola started entertaining all sorts of thoughts that led to her actions back then.

Now, everything was irreversible.