Her Graceful War Song

Carissa’s heart leaped into her throat.

Barrett lunged forward, only to be kicked in the knee by Violet, who snapped, “Don’t provoke her!”

As Barrett dropped to one knee, Violet pressed his head down, then shouted at Amelia, “He’s kneeling! He’s begging for your forgiveness! If you have anything to say, just let it out–scream at him if you want!”

“It’s useless!” Amelia wailed, tears streaming down her face as she continued her lament. “It’s pointless. They’ll still kick me out. I have nowhere to go, and I have no money left. All my dowry items and jewelry have been sold off. If they get my husband to divorce me, I’ll starve to death. It’s better to die now!”

“Don’t be so foolish! Think of your children!” Carissa shot Violet a look, signaling for her to keep Barrett quiet. “You said they hit you–why did they do that? Tell me, and I’ll help you!”

As Carissa spoke, she subtly took a step forward. At the current pace, if she flew over, it wouldn’t be faster than Amelia jumping down. If Amelia leaped, there was no guarantee Carissa could pull her back from the raging waters.

“There’s no money!” Amelia cried, her voice filled with despair. “Everything I do is wrong. It’s my fault that

can’t buy Snowdrop Pills. It’s my fault that I don’t have money to buy Evergreen Pills. I need money to support the household, but Viola only gives me 30 percent of Barrett’s salary. She has so many servants. and maids to be paid, and there’s Aurora too!

“I suggested selling off some servants, but they said we have to maintain our dignity. They say we can’t tarnish the family’s reputation! But who’s going to take care of things? They sold off everything just to bring Aurora into the family. Then, they pooled together what was left to bring Viola into the family. After that, they spent so much on Serena’s dowry! They asked me to manage the household, but what’s there to manage? There’s no money! How can I do anything?!”

Just then, three more horses galloped up, bringing Jonathan, Benjamin, and Bryan.

Benjamin leaped off his horse and shouted, “What crazy act are you putting on now? If you’re so brave, then jump! Don’t make a fool of yourself here!”

Carissa shot a glance at Violet, who responded with a swift slap that sent Benjamin crashing to the ground.

As he lay there, he continued to shout, “Are you even ashamed? What gives you the right to cause such a scene? If you really wanted to die, you would’ve jumped by now! What are you trying to threaten me with? Has my family ever treated you poorly?” Property © NôvelDrama.Org.

“Shut up!” Carissa barked, trembling with rage. “Guards, drag him away!”

“Never treated me poorly?” Amelia echoed, her voice dripping with irony. “You really think so? Benjamin Warren, you make me feel like everything I’ve done has been in vain.”

Carissa raised her voice, saying, “Don’t listen to him! If you can’t stand it at Valor Estate…”

*Enough!”

Amelia lifted herself onto her toes. She faced Carissa, her figure shrouded in darkness. No light touched her, and only her outline was visible, along with the despair radiating from her.

“Carissa, thank you for once being kind to me. I’ve been weak and ungrateful. I never helped you and just let them bully you. I’m a sinner.”

She tossed the pawn ticket in her hand. It fluttered down to the bridge, carried by the wind.

“You should redeem it, but it’s all jewelry I’ve worn. If you think it’s bad luck to wear something touched by a dead person, then forget it. Don’t bother redeeming it.”

Suddenly, Amelia turned to face the dark river, spreading her arms wide as she leaped decisively into the abyss.

As the crowd gasped in shock, Carissa surged forward, leaping into the air. Despite her speed, the distance proved too great, and she grasped at nothing but empty air.

Amelia hit the water, creating a tremendous splash, but the roaring current quickly engulfed her and swept her away. The riverbed sloped sharply, pulling her down into its depths.