Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1613

When husband and wife now spoke of the past, they felt nothing but fondness between them. Especially Carissa, who once thought their marriage had been forced upon her.

Who could have imagined it would turn out so happy? Truly, the ways of the world were hard to predict.

Just then, someone came rushing in like a whirlwind. Before anyone could see clearly, she had already thrown herself into Rafael's arms.

"Dad, I adore the coming-of-age gift you gave me! Thank you so much! You're the best!" she exclaimed in a voice bright with joy and excitement.

"Still so impulsive? You're a young lady now, you ought to carry yourself with more grace," Rafael said.

Despite his words, there was nothing but warmth in his gaze. He gently fixed the hairpin in his daughter's hair as he added, "And you didn't like the ruby set? Your mother chose that herself with great care."

"I love it! I love everything!" Elise replied sweetly, her whole face lighting up with delight.

Rafael looked at her smiling face, and for a moment, it felt like a dream. The older Elise grew, the more she looked like her mother. When he first saw Carissa at Meadow Ridge, she used to smile just like that—bright and full of spirit.

But afterward, he rarely saw her smile that way. Even when she seemed glad, it was only a faint smile, as if joy never truly reached her heart. Thankfully, she had improved now. From time to time, she did laugh aloud, openly happy. Perhaps, with time, dust had settled over the wounds in her heart, softening them from view.

But even if hidden, those wounds would always be there. No feeling—no matter how deep—could make her whole again. Not a husband, nor a friend, nor even a daughter or a nephew could replace one's parents or elder brothers.

Whenever Rafael thought of that, his heart ached for Carissa.

"Dad? Why are you staring off into the distance?" Elise asked.

Rafael gathered his thoughts and told her to sit properly. Then, he said, "Your mother and I were just speaking of your marriage. We'd like to hear what you think about it."

Startled, her eyes widened. "Are we so poor now that you must sell me off? Why such a hurry?"

"What nonsense is that? Who's selling you?" Rafael said with a frown. "Marriage isn't selling you off. And your mother and I were only speaking in passing. We meant to ask your thoughts, not send you off at once. If you're willing, we might take two or three years to find a suitable match."

"I'm not willing, not at all," Elise said quickly, shaking her head. "I've no wish to marry so soon."

"Is it that you don't wish to marry yet, or that you don't wish to marry at all?" Carissa asked gently.

After a little while of being indulged in her mother's arms, Carissa took Elise back to open the rest of her gifts.

Elise was most eager to see what Violet had sent. And sure enough, when she opened it, she gave a little cheer upon seeing a hairpin with a hidden surprise. When twisted just so, a sharp blade sprang forth. If ever she found herself in danger, the little hairpin could very well save her life.

Most of the other gifts were the usual things: fine silks and satins, as well as gold and silver ornaments.

Victoria had gone all out, sending an entire box of jewelery, a hundred gold coins, and on top of that, three thousand silver coins in banknotes. The banknotes were easier to carry and would ensure Elise suffered no hardship when she travelled.

As for Helen, she had always cherished her granddaughter as though she were the apple of her eye. Elise was given whatever she wanted without question. Now that her beloved granddaughter had come of age, she naturally spared no expense.

Besides estates, shops, gold, and silver, there were also rare silk brocades, fine cloud satin, and precious furs. They were all delivered to Elise's room as though money were no object. The theme was clear: plentiful, expensive, and grand—enough to outshine all others.

When Carissa brought her daughter to give thanks, she gently remarked, "Mother, it's only her coming-of-age ceremony, and yet you've prepared as though for a wedding. It's far too much."

"Too much?" Helen scoffed, not taking her eyes off her darling granddaughter. "I still think it's not enough. I've hoarded fine things for years, all for her. When she weds one day, even ten miles of wedding gifts wouldn't be enough to show how much she's loved."