Melody of Strength novel

Viola’s expression froze.

The Farrell family? It was a distant memory she had nearly forgotten.

She hurriedly took a seat in a corner, unsure who from the Farrell family had come. Her former mother–in–law was unlikely to be here, as she had long preferred to stay at home and rarely ventured out.

However, just as she settled down, she saw Opal assisting her former mother–in–law, Alice, into the room, followed by several young women from the Farrell family.

“Madam Opal.” Carissa quickly stepped forward, greeting Opal and then Alice politely. “How is your health, Madam Alice?”

Seeing Carissa, Alice’s eyes softened with sympathy, and she couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness. But she knew the importance of today’s occasion and managed to keep her emotions in check, smiling as she replied, “Thank you, Lady Carissa. Everything is well.”

After speaking, Alice, along with Opal and the children, went forward to pay their respects to Helen and exchanged pleasantries with the attending princesses. Alice’s gaze swept across the room, and sheContent from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

noticed Viola.

She was momentarily taken aback, then walked straight to Viola. “Viola, it’s been a long time. How have you been?”

Alice was unaware of Viola’s marriage. Despite the uproar in the capital about the simultaneous weddings of Viola and the Hell Monarch’s princess consort, Opal had ordered that no one should mention Viola’s marriage to Barrett in Alice’s presence.

As a result, Alice had remained in the dark.

The others in the room also realized that Alice was unaware of the

situation.

The atmosphere grew awkwardly snt. Even those who usually enjoyed the drama of such events remained unusually quiet.

Alice’s situation was truly tragic. She had three sons, two of whom died. young. Only Thomas survived. Despite his early fame and valor on the battlefield, he perished in combat and would never return.

So when Alice, with tears in her eyes, addressed Viola as if she were still her daughter–in–law, it inevitably tugged at the heartstrings of

everyone present.

Viola stood up, her voice barely audible as she said, “Madam Alice, I am well, thanks to your kindness.”

She couldn’t meet Alice’s gaze directly, her eyes darting around, her lips trembling.

Alice was momentarily taken aback. Seeing the silence of the crowd, including the silence from Opal and Evelyn, she suddenly began to understand.

Serena, who had been silent since entering the main hall, seized the opportunity to speak. She quickly approached, and linked her arm with Viola’s. “Madam Alice, this is my sister–in–law.”

Alice looked at Serena, unsure of her identity.

She heard Opal softly explain, “This is the daughter of the Warren family. As for Viola, she is now Mr. Warren’s wife.”

Alice was aware of Barrett’s pursuit of Aurora through his military achievements, as Opal hadn’t kept that from her. However, the news of Viola’s marriage to Barrett had been concealed.

Upon hearing that Viola had married Barrett, Alice was stunned, disbelief evident in her voice.

“General Warren? Barrett Warren?”

Viola nodded slightly. “Yes.”

Alice’s face went pale. When her son died in battle, she didn’t want her daughter–in–law to remain a widow for the rest of her life, so she

allowed Viola to leave, hoping Viola would find someone who would treat her well.

She never expected that it would be Barrett, who was known for seeking another wife after his military successes.

Alice had a low opinion of Barrett. She believed that the Farrell family, being a family of military officials, would not behave in such a manner. The fact that Viola had married Barrett was beyond her expectations.

Alice’s voice trembled slightly as she asked, “Does… Does he treat you well?”

Once the question was out, she felt she had overstepped.

Viola and the Farrell family were no longer connected.

“Yes, he does,” Viola said, clearly wanting to end the conversation. She also didn’t want Serena holding onto her any longer, so she pulled her arm away and suggested, “Let’s not stay here any longer. Why don’t we go outside and enjoy the flowers?”