Filed To Story: Queen of the Battlefield Her Return to Glory Novel Online Free
Yet, he had never once questioned Viola.
Zoey didn’t dwell on the sorrow in his eyes. She took a deep breath, and laid it all out.
“About six months after you went to the Southern Frontier, she returned home and knelt before my mother-in-law. She said she wanted to stay at Silverstone Estate for a month. At the same time, she asked for medicine to induce a miscarriage.” The emerald pendant clattered to the floor, and Thomas’ face turned ashen. “What?”
Zoey turned her head away, and continued, “My mother-in-law called me in. Viola was crying and explained that during the Farrell family’s head’s birthday banquet, she had drunk too much and went to rest in her room. Your cousin was also present at the residence at the time. He had gotten drunk as well, and accidentally stumbled into the backyard. Viola felt dizzy and went out looking for Julia, since all the servants were busy in the front yard. Somehow, the two of them met in their drunken state, and she… mistook him for you. That’s what she told us.”
Details could cut deeper than any blade, which was why Zoey chose not to share them. When Viola returned, she hadn’t divulged the specifics either. She had just given a brief explanation of what had happened. It was only because Zoey felt that something didn’t add up that she pressed for more answers.
In truth, Viola hadn’t mistaken Silas for Thomas. She knew exactly who he was. She had been feeling so lonely for so long, and the alcohol clouded her judgment. She had seen Silas’ handsome face and had drunkenly tumbled into his arms, calling out for Thomas in a daze. She was the one who had initiated the kiss.
Zoey’s words hit Thomas like a lightning bolt. His mind went completely blank, and for a long moment, he couldn’t say a single word.
Seeing his stunned expression only tightened the ache in Zoey’s chest. Yet, some truths had to be spoken boldly, or they would fester in silence and become even harder to voice.
“As her sister-in-law, I shouldn’t be telling you any of this,” she began, “I should be burying these sordid details. But if she weren’t planning to divorce Blake and remarry you, I? would’ve never said a word. Do you know she returned to Silverstone Estate today, just like she did back then, begging for medicine to abort the baby? After the abortion, she plans to divorce Blake and reunite with you. I had no choice but to come and tell you-if there’s no hope from your end, she won’t go through with the abortion.”
Thomas was in shock, unable to comprehend what he had just heard. He stared at Zoey; he opened his mouth several times, but was unable to form any words. It was as if something was lodged in his throat. Despite the sweltering summer heat, he felt a chill run through his entire body.
He would rather Viola had developed feelings for his cousin, yearning for a love that could never be, than face this harsh reality.
Zoey turned her face away to wipe her tears before looking back at him.
“Thomas, this concerns the reputation of the Earl of Silverstone’s family. If you have any grievances or feel you deserve some form of compensation, I can arrange that But please, keep this matter private. I don’t want anyone to know. I’m telling you this to prevent her from continuing to deceive and hurt you time and again. Just consider that I’m looking out for you and agree to keep this to yourself, will you?”
Thomas nodded mechanically. He took a moment to gather himself before finally uttering in a slightly trembling voice, “I won’t say anything. You have my word.”
Zoey’s gaze fell to the shattered emerald pendant on the floor, and a wave of anxiety crashed over her. She had deliberated long and hard about whether to share this truth, wrestling with her conscience. This secret felt like a buried landmine inside her, one that could detonate over her head at any moment.
Now that it was out in the open, she felt a strange sense of relief.
She trusted that Thomas would keep her secret. If he ever did share it, however, there would be little she could do. The chaos that the Earl of Silverstone’s family had sown would be theirs to bear.
Ultimately, Thomas was a man who had endured the brutality of the battlefield. He slowly regained his composure, and said, “You risked your family’s honor to share the truth with me, which shows your genuine concern for my well-being. I won’t let your family fall into the whirlwind of accusations and insults.
“This ends here with me-no one else will ever know. I won’t confront my cousin or her about it. Whether she chooses to divorce or stay with Blake is no longer my concern. My mom mentioned recently that she wants to arrange a match for me. I plan to first spread the news, and we’ll see then if I find someone suitable.”
As he spoke, Zoey pulled out a handkerchief and covered her face. She had held back her tears for so long, but now she could no longer contain them.
If all men in the world were like Thomas, it would be a blessing for every woman.
Thomas’ eyes reddened, and his composure was merely an act. He could understand why Viola remarried. He even felt like he had failed her in some way. Yet, learning she had been unfaithful with his cousin in less than half a year after he left for the battlefield-it was something that truly broke his heart.
While in the South Frontier, he had been the most diligent in writing home. Everyone had teased him about being henpecked.
Yet, Hector had once told him, “You should write often so they don’t worry. When a man is on the battlefield, the women at home worry day and night and lose sleep over it. The only way to ease their anxious hearts is to receive letters from us.” Thomas had been grateful for Hector’s understanding, believing that each letter he sent home would bring Viola some comfort.
But in reality…
He couldn’t tell if it was heartache or bitterness, only that his chest felt unbearably heavy. He had no intention of rushing into marriage. He would only spread the word to make Viola give up on any ideas of reconciliation. “Thomas, the Earl of Silverstone’s family has let you down,” Zoey said, wiping her tears and regaining her composure. “If you need any compensation, just tell me.”
“There’s no need for that.” Thomas shook his head, a smile breaking through his sorrowful expression.
fact, I’ll tell my mom that you persuaded me to consider marriage. She’s been worried about it, and I think she’ll be grateful to you.’
“You really don’t have to say that,” Zoey replied. “I’d feel more embarrassed. After all, it’s us who owe you.”
“None of us are indebted to the other. We all make our own choices. Regardless, you came here today to tell me this out of genuine concern for my well-being, and I appreciate that,” Thomas said earnestly. Zoey sighed heavily.
What kind of good man had Viola let slip away?
Thomas walked her to the door. Upon returning to the hall, Alice asked, “Did she inquire about the Earl of Silverstone?”
Thomas replied, “Yes. She asked he about how the earl is doing in the Southern Frontier. She also advised me to think about settling down, and reminded me that I’m not getting any younger. She said since my career is established, it’s time to marry and have children so you can hold your grandchildren soon. After thinking it over, I realize she has a point. So, I’ll leave the matter of marriage in your capable hands, Mom.”
Alice’s face lit up with joy. “Oh, you rascal! You don’t listen to me, but you take advice from the Earl of Silverstone’s wife? It seems outsiders have more influence on et you. But I won’t hold that against you. Once a match is arranged, I must thank her. She’s truly a good person to still be looking out for you, even though our families are no longer connected.”
A shadow of sadness flickered in Thomas’ eyes as he said softly, “Yes, she has treated me like a younger brother all this time, and I respect her as I would an older sister.” Few women from noble families could do what Zoey did.
Alice had little time to dwell on that as she hurried out the door to find Opal. Alice needed her help in finding a suitable match for Thomas.
Viola was unaware of what Zoey had done.
Viola had returned to Valor Estate, and told Rebecca and Blake that she wasn’t feeling well. She claimed the physician said her anxiety was due to a recent fright, and that she would need some time to recover.
Blake wasn’t suspicious at all. Instead, he felt more guilty. After all, the assassination attempt had scared Viola badly, and she was already heartbroken over the deaths of Julia and Yvonne. Grief could easily weaken a person’s constitution, so Blake told her to rest and Viola planned to recover for a few days and then use it as an excuse to return to Silverstone Estate to rest further.
take care of herself.
But on the third day, rumors spread about Thomas looking for marriage candidates. It was the servants in the estate gossiping, and she overheard it. After listening, she frowned in disbelief.
That was impossible.
Thomas had promised her. He wasn’t the kind of person to go back on his word, and he must have found out about the assassination at Valor Estate. There was no way he would abandon her.
Viola immediately called over her two maids, and asked harshly, “You two never leave the estate. Where did you hear this nonsense about Major General Farrell looking for a wife? If you dare spread rumors again, I’ll have your tongues cut out!”
The two maids were merely tasked with sweeping and cleaning, and they usually didn’t serve inside the house. Hearing their mistress’ sharp tone, they hurriedly responded in a terrified manner, “Madam Viola, we weren’t spreading rumors! It was the kitchen staff who heard it, and the news has spread everywhere outside. Many noble ladies are eager to marry him.”
“Impossible!” Viola shouted in disbelief.
The maids were so frightened, they dropped to their knees. “Forgive us, Madam Viola! We misspoke!”
Viola refused to believe it. Without hesitation, she took Poppy with her and left for Silverstone Estate. The last time she had been there, she had angered Evelyn to the point of fainting and had left without looking back.
Evelyn was still furious when she saw Viola. “What are you doing here?”
“Mom.” Viola’s eyes were bloodshot. She didn’t care that Luna was present, and asked, “Is what the people are saying true? Is Thomas looking for a wife?”
Evelyn responded coldly, “If he’s looking for a wife, what does that have to do with us? Why does it concern you?”
“How can it not concern me? He promised me!” Viola stubbornly turned to Luna. “I don’t believe it. Tell me is it true?”