Chapter 6 Grant Her a Child

Ethan softened his tone, trying to reason with Ava. "Sophia's meant for the battlefield. You raising our kids is for your own good."

He paused, then added, with Sophia right there, "If you want your own child, we can arrange that. But once you're pregnant, we won't share a bed anymore."

Ava looked at Sophia. "And you? Are you okay with me sharing a bed with your husband?"

Sophia briefly looked down, hiding her bitterness. She forced a calm tone. "This is for your benefit, Ava. If you agree to live peacefully, I don't mind you having a child. Whether you have more kids with him after that doesn't concern me."

Sensing Sophia's irritation, Ethan quickly said, "Don't worry, Sophia. Once she has her own child, I won't touch her again."

Ava stared at Sophia, disappointed. She thought Sophia, the nation's first female general, praised by the Empress Dowager, would support women.

'How can she degrade her own gender so easily?' Ava was stunned.

"Then let's have an amicable divorce," she said firmly.

Sophia scoffed. "The ladies of the Capital are obsessed with their reputations. This talk of amicable divorce is just a tactic to pressure us." She didn't believe her words.

Ethan agreed. "Ava, stop the dramatics. I have no intention of divorcing you. Sophia understands, and we have your best interests at heart."

"That's nonsense!" Ava's expression hardened, her voice firm. "You're just afraid of being labeled heartless and unfaithful. You twist everything to serve your desires and disguise it as concern for me. It's hypocritical and disgusting."

Sophia shook her head, a cold smile on her lips. "It's impossible to reason with you. You're so self-righteous. I came here with good intentions, hoping for a civil conversation. Instead, you meet me with suspicion, convinced we're plotting against you."

"We're offering you a way to avoid the stigma of divorce. Life outside the General's Mansion would be harder. Why make things difficult for yourself? Since you insist on misinterpreting our kindness, I'll say no more. Do as you please. I'm devoted to Ethan. I have nothing to hide. Let the gossipers talk. I don't care about their whispers."

Ava's voice was icy. "Leave," she ordered.

With a disdainful snort, Sophia grabbed Ethan's hand and swept out of the room.

Ava was completely disillusioned with Sophia. Ava had no real affection for Ethan, let alone love, but as for Sophia, Ava had once admired her, but that admiration was now shattered.

She was sick of them. Their wedding was set for October, and it was already August. As the hostess of the house, Ava was in charge of all household affairs, making her the obvious choice to oversee the wedding preparations.

She had to make sure the James family dropped the idea before it even started.

Invitations were going out the next day, and she knew they'd call her that evening to discuss the arrangements.

As night fell, the family gathered.

The king had approved the marriage. Even though it was to take a concubine, it was still a royal decree. Ethan's father, Aiden, his uncle Liam, his siblings, and, of course, Madison, were all there.

Madison unfurled the list of betrothal gifts expected by Sophia's family. Aiden, having already looked it over, declared that meeting such demands was impossible.

When Ethan married Ava a year ago, her mother, knowing Mia needed long-term medical care and their own family's modest means, had been very understanding. They asked for a modest dowry of 500 Lunar Bullion and some simple jewelry.

Ava's dowry, however, had been substantial – houses, land, businesses, and a staggering 100,000 Lunar Bullion in silver alone. The furniture, silks, and bedding alone filled an entire room.

Over the past year, Ava had used her dowry to support the James family, covering Dr. Brown's fees and Mia's medication.

Without her help, Mia likely wouldn't have survived a month after Ethan left for war.

Seeing the troubled looks on their faces, Ethan took the list from his mother. He scanned it, then looked up in surprise. "What's the problem? 10,000 Lunar Bullion, two pairs of gold bracelets, two pairs of jade bracelets, two gold headpieces, and fifty bolts of silk. That's hardly unreasonable. And the rest is minor."

"Minor?" Mia scoffed. "There's not even 1,000 Lunar Bullion in the mansion's accounts."

Ethan was stunned. "How is that possible? Who's managing the finances? Is there a deficit?"

Ava spoke calmly, her voice steady. "I am managing the accounts."