Melody of Strength novel

With so many thoughts swirling through her head, coupled with the chill she had endured, Helen’s mind became muddled and her body ached slightly.

When they returned to Hell Monarch Estate, Carissa helped her out of the carriage and immediately instructed the servants, “Prepare a pot of chicken soup. Everyone has been out in the cold for a while. They need something to ward off the lingering chill.”

Helen felt even more ashamed after hearing that.

Carissa was truly considerate, remembering that her mother–in–law had suffered at Harmony Palace. Who could match such devotion and attentiveness?

Little did she know, Carissa’s concern was not for her but for Rafael, who had been outside in the cold

and wind.

The kitchen chefs soon brought up the chicken soup, and each person was served a bowl. Carissa watched Rafael drink two bowls before she was satisfied.

Turning around, she noticed her mother–in–law sipping her soup slowly and said, “Mother, drink a full bowl first, and have some hot food later as well.”

They had left in the late afternoon, and ever since the accounting began at Harmony Palace, they hadn’t been offered even a sip of water, let alone any food.

“Okay,” Helen replied, her voice heavy with emotion, deeply moved. “I will finish it.”

“Alright then, I’ll go soak myself in a hot bath. You should have someone bring you hot water later to warm yourself up as well.”

After saying that, Carissa didn’t wait for Helen to respond and took her disgruntled husband back to their

room.

Rafael was simmering with anger. The things his mother had done were truly shocking.

Helen had survived the cutthroat harem. Yet, she had handed over money to Jessica without asking further questions. Then, when Jessica asked for more, Helen had given it to her without even a second thought.

Carissa had only been married to Rafael for a few days. And already, she had had to run around twice because of his mother.

Rafael had waited outside Harmony Palace tonight, not because he doubted Carissa’s ability to handle the matter, but because felt uneasy letting his wife run around for his mother’s sake while he stayed home doing nothing.

Since it was a matter involving the women of the inner household, it wasn’t his place to intervene–at least not until Carissa asked for help. There was a private grudge between her and Eleanor, and Carissa would prefer to handle it herself.

As they returned to Orchid Hall, Carissa’s hand in his was no longer cold. Holding the warm bowl while she drank two bowls of chicken soup had finally made her feel warm throughout.Content © provided by NôvelDrama.Org.

“Don’t be angry,” Carissa said softly. “Everyone has their weaknesses. Mother’s just happens to be that

she easily trusts others and naturally fears Eleanor.”

“As her son, it’s hard for me to criticize her, but this… Anyone with a bit of common sense wouldn’t do something like this.”

Rafael’s tone was still harsh, but after being comforted by his wife, he managed to swallow his anger, albeit with difficulty, Carissa wanted to nod in agreement, but doing so would feel like kicking someone when they’re down.

So, instead, she smiled and said, “Well, everything has been taken care of now. No need to stay upset.”

“I’m just worried about you. Having to deal with Eleanor over such trivial matters in this freezing weather- I’m sure you didn’t have an easy time.”

“It wasn’t too bad. Besides, after these two incidents, Mother won’t treat me harshly anymore.”

“She wouldn’t dare,” Rafael replied, his brows furrowed in anger.

“She’s my mother–in–law. If she expects me to follow the rules, serve her meals, and take care of her needs, I can’t refuse. It’s common for mothers–in–law to give their daughters–in–law a hard time to assert their authority and maintain discipline.”

Rafael tightened his grip on his wife’s hand. “There’s no such rule in my residence.”

Carissa gave him a warm smile and said nothing more, holding his hand as they walked into Orchid Hall together.

One of the perks of Orchid Hall was the hot water bath, which was always available whenever needed. Since they were both chilled, Carissa suggested her husband take a soak first.

Rafael wrapped an arm around her waist. “I noticed the bath is quite large. It’s more than enough for two people. Why not save the trouble and soak together?”

His dark eyes held a mix of subtlety and raw intensity. The warmth of his body against hers sent a wave of heat coursing through her, like a spark igniting a flame. Her cheeks and ears flushed red.

Noticing a few maids nearby covering their mouths to stifle giggles, Carissa playfully hit her husband’s chest. “Aren’t you embarrassed?”