" Yes . That's what I did.
Looking back , I don't know if I made the right decision.
I felt so aggrieved at that time and I didn't want the Emperor to see that my feelings were hurt.
So to appear as nonchalant as possible ,
I brought up signing a contract.
Maybe it was my pride that made me refused to break down in front of him.
I may not have feelings of affection for the Emperor , but how could I not be disappointed when my husband told me that he has a lover?
That I shouldn't expect anything from him?
I just tried to stupidly put up a strong front.
And I considered the fact that a divorce is not possible between an Emperor and an Empress.
So my best bet was a divorce after a few years of marriage.
I thought I could hold on for a few years acting as his wife."
"You did your best , Vi.
Though we could have handled the situation a bit better if we put our heads together.
But I'm worried about you.
It's not even two week since you got married and you're already breaking down.
Can you handle a few more years of such injustice?" , Stefan asked.
"Why does she need to put up with this ill-fated marriage?
To hell with the Emperor!
Can we not pressure the Emperor?
Or do something about this situation?
We can't let her endure this alone!." ,
Matthew said with exasperation.
"She signed a contract with the Emperor , Matt.
As much as it hurts us , I don't believe that there is much we can do.
That being said , it doesn't mean that we let Violet suffer alone." , Luis said.
" Besides , there has never been a divorce in the Royal family in the history of the Empire.
A divorce is considered to be one of the most shameful acts in the Royal family.
A stain that cannot be wiped off. " ,
Luis continued.
" More deplorable than cheating on your partner?
Keeping a lover outside of your marriage?
I don't believe there is anything more contemptible than having an affair when you are bonded in a holy marriage !" ,
Matthew argued.
" Yes , that's how it is.
I'm not saying I agree with it.
It's just how it has always been. " ,
Luis replied.
" No matter what , the fact remains unchanged that we cannot let Violet go through this alone. " , Stefan remarked.
"I am not alone in this.
I have everyone , right?
Brother Lu , Brother Matt and Brother Stef .
Father and Mother too. "
"Are we letting Father and Mother know? " , Violet continued.
"Of course, Father has to know.
I don't know about Mother though.
Would she be able to handle it?" , Stefan responded.
"Brother Lu , can you be the one to tell Father?
Be gentle with your words.
Father may be strong but you know that his heart becomes extremely fragile when it comes to me.
As for Mother , I will send an invitation to Mother to visit me and personally inform her ."
"Alright , we shall do that ", Luis replied.
Grrr....Grrr....
" That.. I must have been hungry.
I haven't had a proper meal since last night." , Violet said as she awkwardly scratched her nose to diffuse her embarrassment.
' What a timing!
When we're discussing important issues,
my stomach had to rumble due to hunger.'
" Violet , did I not always tell you that you have to eat well even if you're not feeling well?
And the Emperor is not worth losing your appetite over. " ,
Luis lightly reprimanded her as he flicked her forehead.
" Ouch ! It hurts .
But I'll be sure to remember that from now onwards.
Will you join me for a late lunch?"
" Sure!"
Violet ordered the maids to prepare lunch for four.
Brussels sprouts salad with apples , pecans and manchego.
Pear Walnut sandwich.
Avocado and egg sandwich.
Citrusy Shrimp-Stuffed Avocados.
Grilled Leek Potato Salad.
Bacon chicken chopped salad.
Tomato-Quinoa Soup.
Bacon sandwich.
Bacon and blue stuffed sweet potatoes.
Violet ordered the chefs to prepare a variety of salads as her brothers preferred to have greens or any veggies for lunch while she loved to have protein rich food.
Meat was her favourite.
The atmosphere in the dining table was harmonious and filled with laughter.
Violet was full of new energy and beamed with joy owing to her brothers' company.
They enjoyed Maghrebi mint tea after the lunch.
This tea was not only sweet and refreshing,
but it also carried a host of health benefits
for those who drink it.
The Maghrebi mint tea was the perfect beverage to enhance your meal while
giving your body a blast of healing compounds.
Violet had the most fulfilling day since she entered the Palace.