Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair) novel Chapter 597

Viola cried out, "I don't care! What reputation do I have left? You've probably heard about the Warren family. I've walked straight into a den of wolves! Thomas, you owe me this! If you were alive, why didn't you send me a letter? Even after receiving the divorce letter, I've remained a widow for you at my family's home.

"If it weren't for Mrs. Murray's matchmaking, I would still be a widow for you. I was trapped at my family's house, and was completely powerless. My sister-in-law looked down on me, and was eager to marry me off. When Mrs. Murray came to talk about a marriage, I didn't have a chance to refuse her!"

Hearing her words twisted his heart. Thomas had been struggling with his feelings for days. It wasn't just because his wife had remarried; it was also the sorrow and pain his mom and family felt over his "death". His mom had even fallen ill because of it, though her health had improved recently.

He kept telling himself that loyalty and devotion were often at odds; but deep down, he felt he had let his family down. He wanted desperately to make amends, but living like he used to felt impossible. Even at home, he remained in the same tense state as when he was a spy.

On top of that, the king had entrusted him with significant responsibilities. How could he manage when he couldn't even hold his life together, let alone meet the king's expectations?

The sleepless nights and mounting frustration drove him to practice swordplay here, seeking even a fleeting sense of peace.

Now, Viola's accusations made him feel as if he had betrayed another person.

But all he could say to her was, "I'm sorry. I've let you down."

Viola scoffed through her tears. "How can you think you've let me down? You must think I can't compare to Kayla. She's remained a widow for her husband for all these years, and the two women from the Quinton family have also…"

Thomas shook his head vigorously. "I never thought that! I've never compared you to anyone. Everyone is different, and your choices were not wrong. You were young then. If you had wasted your life for me, I would have felt even guiltier. I've let you down."

"How could you think that? You're the hero returning in glory. Everyone praises you. How can you feel you've let me down?"

The pain in Thomas' eyes deepened. The so-called hero returning in triumph was the source of his anguish. He didn't want that kind of fame. It wasn't about pride. He felt that the credit for reclaiming the Southern Frontier didn't belong to him or their team—they had merely contributed a small part.

Salvador had awarded him the title of third-rank major general, while those who had truly fought and bled for the Southern Frontier received far less recognition.

Thomas couldn't refuse, and he remembered Derek's words that day. Salvador wanted to commend them for their spirit. After all, the Septimus Tetra reconnaissance team had set an example and inspired the troops.