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.

what my cousin was going through. Only later did I learn that Cari had sent me wedding gifts, but my mother refused to accept them, saying they were

Cari had always been kind to

my mother

done that, she wept and said it was all

will you do if that happens? A woman's marriage is her happiness

why Cari's divorce was unlucky. My mother coldly explained that Cari's whole family was dead, and now she was divorced too. How

died included my mother's sister—her very own blood. And yet, she

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

would only bring

woman? Cari urged me to be confident, gracious, and

yet she kept telling me to be patient and forgiving. She said all men were the same if I could not tolerate them, I was jealous, petty, and narrow-minded-and people would point and mock

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

to try to stop me from leaving. I will never forget how

be allowed to come home Their words broke my

Samuel's did.

when I