Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Zoey sighed.

"Viola wasn't invited to this banquet. She insisted on coming along. When she married into the Farrell family, after your son died in battle, you returned all the dowry and even gave her Thomas' pension. You even gave her two more shops. Now, everything has been moved to the Warren family. On her wedding day, she even compared her dowry to Lady Carissa's.

"This isn't something I should be telling you, but I couldn't bear to see you worrying about her. You shouldn't concern yourself with her matters. It's more important to take care of your own health. If Thomas' spirit sees you constantly unhappy, he might not rest in peace."

Alice was shocked beyond measure upon hearing this.

Viola wasn't someone Alice would have imagined being like this. She understood propriety and respected her elders, but how had she become this way?

Had Viola always been hypocritical, or had she changed?

Zoey looked at Alice, a phrase stuck in her throat but left unsaid.

"Thank you for informing me, Zoey," Alice said, her voice tinged with bitterness. "I once considered her like a daughter, and wasn't willing to let her live as a widow in my family. Actually, she hasn't visited me even once over the past few years. I should have known then. Well, since she has made her choice, whether it's fortune or misfortune, it's for her to bear."

Zoey bowed. "Please take care, Madam Alice."

to say. If she continued, she might end up revealing things that were

Alice was too distressed!

felt it inappropriate to press further since the matter concerned Viola herself. What good would it

for the flower viewing. I want to stay here alone for a

bougainvillea in the corner was blooming vibrantly, contrasting with

still to begin, leaving the scene would seem

She understood Zoey's intentions

and Carissa's kindness. She

and realized that Viola had no connection

a husband, any

might lead to réproach from her husband's family if

quickly and then swiftly hid behind a tree, as if

calling me 'madam' would be more appropriate. It's not

Alice and was concerned about what might have been said, so she came over. Seeing Alice's attitude so aloof and distant, she felt a

anymore," Alice said, her heart aching as she

heart was breaking inside her. In the letters Thomas had written from the battlefield, he had always reminded Alice to take good care of Viola