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,

staring off into the

mother and I were

"Are we so poor now that you must sell me off?

said with a frown. "Marriage isn't selling 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

willing, not at all," Elise said quickly, shaking her head. "I've no

that

after all! But there's no need to rush.

Rafael and Carissa looked at her in

"Seven children? Whatever for?"

she? I think it would be lively. And who knows? If

my grandparents and

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

hadn't expected her to say such a thing and was momentarily

say they'd become your children? And besides, they've long

father said. He had only said such things to comfort

her daughter over, gathering her into her arms and

left to marry, while her darling one wished to roam the rivers and hills, to see the wide world.

was still beside her, Carissa meant to cherish every