Melody of Strength novel

485

Ruby continued to cry uncontrollably, her sobs wracking her body. Despite her tears, her fingers clung desperately to Samuel’s shirt, as if holding onto him was the only thing keeping her grounded. Though her eyes had run dry, her cries were still filled with a deep sense of hurt and vulnerability.

“Such a mess!” Rafael commented as he stood up, taking Carissa’s hand in his.

He turned to the stunned Helen. “Mom, let’s go.

Helen snapped out of her shock and rose to her feet.

But before leaving, she glanced at Heather and said, “I just went in to see Leona. She thought it was you and was so happy, but when she realized it wasn’t, she was disappointed. You’re such a weak mother, so it’s no wonder your daughter turned out the same. You know very well who I caused a scene for today. If you have any shred of dignity as a mother, don’t let this slide so easily. Otherwise, you’ll lose all respect in

my eyes.

“Mother, let’s go. Every mother has maternal instincts. I’m sure Aunt Heather knows what to do,” Carissa calmly added.

“Canssa!” Heather called out, her eyes brimming with tears. “I know you’re here for Leona today, but have you thought about what this will mean for her? After all this commotion, life in this household will only get harder for her.”

easy for her now?” Carissa countered, sweeping a glance across the room. “Look around. Who here has stood up for Leona? If Alana hadn’t punched Samuel twice, he would’ve only gotten a scolding for pushing her.”

Carissa’s eyes were filled with disappointment. She truly didn’t understand what Harvey and Heather were so afraid of.

Harvey was a prince. Even if he didn’t hold any real power or position at court, the title of prince alone was enough to put him above the Earl of Gracehold’s family. Yet, despite the grave injustice Leona had suffered, Heather still blamed Carissa for causing too much trouble tonight.

The aunt Carissa once knew wasn’t this timid. When did she become like this?

“Let’s go,” Rafael said, leading Carissa out the door.

Violet supported Helen as they followed. Once they left, Travis led the household soldiers out and faded into the night.

The lights in Gracehold Estate were still on, and everyone’s eyes, filled with doubt and coldness, were fixed on Ruby.

Heather went to see Leona. Upon seeing her daughter, who was as thin as a stick despite being pregnant, she couldn’t hold back her tears any longer.

“How could he treat you like this? You’re carrying his child! I thought even if he favored that concubine, he would still give you the respect you deserve. I regret it so much. Why did I marry you off to him?”All rights © NôvelDrama.Org.

Leona, however, had no more tears left. She murmured, “It’s my fault. I was the one who liked him first, but he said he liked me too… Mom, I want a divorce.”

Heather was utterly shocked. “A divorce? No, you can’t! What will you do after that?”

“Mom, I can’t survive here any longer. My reputation doesn’t matter anymore.”

Leona’s eyes were filled with complete despair. She wasn’t the type to be jealous, and she could tolerate her husband taking concubines. But when he pushed her, sending her crashing into the table without a second thought, her heart had died.

“No! I won’t allow a divorce. Was this your cousin’s idea? She’s a divorced woman herself, so now she’s pushing you to divorce too?” said Heather, furious and alarmed.

Leona quickly tried to explain, “It has nothing to do with Cari. I haven’t seen her in a long time.”

Heather grabbed her daughter’s shoulders. “Don’t defend her! Do you even know what she did tonight? She brought Rafael over and they wrecked the entire front courtyard. They even injured your husband!”

Tears poured from Leona’s eyes. “Really? She stood up for me? At least someone did. I’m such a disappointment. I even caused my cousin trouble over my own matters.”

Heather was frantic. “You foolish girl! Don’t be fooled by her. She just wants you to end up like her–a divorced woman. But she was lucky enough to find a good match with the Hell Monarch. What about you? What about your child?”

Leona wiped her tears away and looked at Heather. “Mom, if I get a divorce, will you let me return home?”