Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1628

Before my separation, I, Leona Sanford, used to lead a life that was nothing but a joke.

Since I was young, my parents taught me to keep a low profile, never seek attention, stay out of other people's business, and guard my reputation carefully. I was never to invite trouble upon myself.

Everyone said my parents were generous, modest, and noble in character.

I believed it was true.

After all, my father was a dignified prince, while my mother came from the noble Sullivan family. Even with such high ranks, they never troubled others or lost their temper. Even when treated unfairly, they simply smiled and bore it.

But as I grew older and learned to see things clearly, I realized the people's so- called praise was really mockery. To them, my parents were cowards.

The frightening part was that I had grown up with such teachings, never even realizing how timid I had become. I had mistaken my own weakness for gentleness, and that mistake stayed with me even after I married Samuel.

I thought my parents were simply kind—perhaps cautious to protect their good name and avoid conflict. But when I, a proud duchess, was mistreated by my husband's family, it became clear to me that my family's weakness had long been known to others.

Samuel was a handsome and charming scholar, one of the top graduates of the national examinations. I fell in love with him at first sight. When he rode through the streets on horseback, I threw a scented pouch at him. It was something everyone did, so I never thought he would notice me. When the marriage was arranged between our families, I was overjoyed, lost in the happy dreams of becoming a bride.

world's troubles from me, so I had no idea what my cousin was going through. Only later did I learn that Cari had sent me wedding gifts,

always been kind to me, and

to help her. Now, my mother had even rejected her goodwill-it was a

my mother why she had done that, she wept and said it

do

her why Cari's divorce was unlucky. My mother coldly explained that Cari's whole family was dead, and now she was divorced too. How could that not

who had died included my mother's sister—her very own blood.

eyes, but I couldn't say a single word. That was always how I was. When angry, I only knew how

only bring me harm. She told me not to think too highly of myself,

bullied woman? Cari urged me to

patient and forgiving. She said all men were the same if I could

almost died, it was Cari who stayed by my side and protected me. She wanted to take me away from

to stop me from leaving. I will never

be allowed to come home Their words broke my heart; their

Samuel's did.

blinded by love when I married Samuel; it had been a