Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1613

Chapter 1613

When husband and wife now spoke of the past, they felt nothing but fondness between them. Especially Carissa, who once thought their marriage had been forced upon her.

Who could have imagined it would turn out so happy? Truly, the ways of the world were hard to predict.

Just then, someone came rushing in like a whirlwind. Before anyone could see clearly, she had already thrown herself into Rafael's arms.

"Dad, I adore the coming-of-age gift you gave me! Thank you so much! You're the best!" she exclaimed in a voice bright with joy and excitement.

"Still so impulsive? You're a young lady now, you ought to carry yourself with more grace," Rafael said.

Despite his words, there was nothing but warmth in his gaze. He gently fixed the hairpin in his daughter's hair as he added, "And you didn't like the ruby set? Your mother chose that herself with great care."

"I love it! I love everything!" Elise replied sweetly, her whole face lighting up with delight.

Rafael looked at her smiling face, and for a moment, it felt like a dream. The older Elise grew, the more she looked like her mother. When he first saw Carissa at Meadow Ridge, she used to smile just like that—bright and full of spirit.

But afterward, he rarely saw her smile that way. Even when she seemed glad, it was only a faint smile, as if joy never truly reached her heart. Thankfully, she had improved now. From time to time, she did laugh aloud, openly happy. Perhaps, with time, dust had settled over the wounds in her heart, softening them from view.

But even if hidden, those wounds would always be there. No feeling-no matter how deep-could make her whole again. Not a husband, nor a friend, nor even a daughter or a nephew could replace one's parents or elder brothers.

of that, his heart ached for

off into the distance?"

"Your mother and I were just speaking of your marriage. We'd

poor now that you

off. And your mother and I were only speaking in passing. We meant to ask your thoughts, not send you off at once. If you're willing, we might take two or three years to find a suitable

Elise said quickly, shaking her

that you don't wish to marry yet, or that you don't wish to marry

seven children, after all! But there's no need to rush. I want to go out and see the world first,"

Rafael and Carissa looked

"Seven children? Whatever for?"

would be lively. And who knows? If pray

my grandparents and

us, reborn into our family. Then, we could look after them and spoil them

say such a thing and

children? And besides, they've long

nodded at once, agreeing to everything her father said. He had only said such things to comfort Carissa, lest sorrow creep back into

only smiled and beckoned her daughter over, gathering her into her arms and letting her be spoiled

at home. Other people's daughters left to marry, while her darling one wished to roam the rivers and hills, to see the wide

her daughter was still beside her, Carissa meant to