When fate plays its hand

Chapter 1068

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Viola’s life had been a mess lately.

Barrett was incompetent and careless with his duties, which made the king dislike him. To make matters worse, someone actually went to Skye Embroidery at this time. Amelia, a woman Viola had always looked down on, had a workshop named after her even after her death.

To make things worse, Viola’s sister–in–law was spreading rumors that Amelia’s death was somehow connected to her. It made Skye Embroidery feel like a thorn lodged in her throat, uncomfortable and irksome.

Then there was Serena. She had been sent back to her family by the Marquis of Ironridge’s family, and she should’ve been keeping a low profile. Instead, she was acting as if nothing had changed. She walked around as arrogant as ever, her head always held high as though she were too good for everyone.

It was infuriating.

And now Serena, of all people, was trying to find another husband. It was laughable! She had once mocked women who were divorced, first targeting Carissa and then Viola. But now, Serena herself was divorced. To make matters worse, she was a discarded concubine -not even a legitimate wife.

Yet, Serena still had the nerve to come around and make snide comments. She said that as the elder sister–in–law, Viola should arrange her match.

Serena’s expectations were ridiculously high. She still dreamed of marrying into a prestigious family, even if it meant becoming a concubine. Her looks weren’t anything special, and she had been cast out once. She wanted to secure a high marriage despite all the gossip circulating about her. She should be grateful if someone would take her at all!

It was the definition of delusion.

There were times when Viola truly wanted to leave the Warren family. She had thought about it more than once. When she actually suggested it to Barrett that night and he agreed without hesitation, she was crushed.

She never expected him to agree so quickly.

The Warren family had fallen into ruin–it lacked both the status and the wealth it once had. It was just a shell now. Frankly, no respectable family would consider marrying into it, let alone accepting a woman from there into their family.

On the other hand, Viola was the third daughter of a noble family. The Prince family had deep roots in the capital, something the now–dilapidated Warren family could never compare to.

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Chapter 1068

Having fallen so far, Barrett should’ve clung to her. She could’ve written to her eldest brother, asking him to help Barrett find a better future in the capital.

Instead, Barrett truly wanted a divorce? It was as if he had no attachment to her at all!

Poppy was standing by anxiously and asked, “Madam Viola, are you truly going to divorce Deputy Commander Warren?”

Viola had

hadn’t really passed out, but for a moment, she didn’t know what to say. Her heart was heavy with anger and sadness. Barrett’s words had caught her completely off guard. Unable to respond, she simply pretended to faint.

Now lying in bed, Viola remained wide awake, her heart heavy with a mix of frustration and helplessness she couldn’t put into words.

When she heard Poppy’s question, she couldn’t bring herself to face her. Instead, she replied coldly, “Should I really waste my life on a man like that?”

Poppy was concerned and said, “But… What about Madam Zoey? She might not want to see you divorced and return to the estate.”

Viola’s voice turned bitter. “Is that decision up to her? If I want to return to my family, my mom and my brother will support me.”

Poppy hesitated, wanting to offer a little more advice. “But Deputy Commander Warren doesn’t truly want a divorce. He’s just said it in the heat of the moment. Maybe you should ask him again? Or have Madam Zoey come to speak with him on your behalf?”

Recalling how her sister–in–law had laughed at her multiple times, Viola could barely stand the thought of calling Zoey for help. Deep down, she was truly losing hope.

What had she done wrong? Why was Barrett treating her this way?

Valor Estate had nothing–nothing at all. Even their expenses were being cut back. The fine silks and jewels she used to have at her fingertips had become luxuries she had to scrimp on. Her wardrobe had shrunk to the bare minimum. During the harsh winter, they could only afford to burn two small trays of silver charcoal.

It was downright pathetic.

Was this truly the best she could hope for anymore?

The more Viola thought about it, the more unjust it felt.

Barrett had been lucky to have her as his wife. What could he possibly have to complain about?

However, Viola wasn’t someone who ignored reality. Her marriage to Barrett was her second one, and she had an unspeakable history with Silas. Although it hadn’t become

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Chapter 1068

public knowledge, her slip of the tongue tonight might lead to rumors spreading.

If she were to look for a third marriage, what kind of man would want her now? Thomas had made it clear that their connection was over, and there was no going back. What was she supposed to do, marry Silas?

Forget it. She didn’t think much of Silas, anyway. Besides, even if he didn’t already have a wife, he was still far from someone she could entrust her life to.