Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 253 When the three brothers of the Campbell family fell together on the battlefield, the entire household was thrown into despair. Lara had died in combat, and Yvette was already bound to the family by marriage, so there was no path back for her. But Qiana? She could still turn away! It didn't matter if she had exchanged vows with Tobias in secret. To the outside world, she was an unmarried young lady. "| knew my son well. Without my consent, he would never have so much as laid a hand on you," Gideon said, his thin face lined with grief yet softened by affection.

"You may have pledged yourselves to each other in secret, but knowing his character, | am certain he never touched you. You remain pure, do you not?" Qiana's cheeks flushed, but she still nodded. Gideon sighed again. "Then, let him live in your heart and remember him fondly when you must. That alone would be enough to bring him peace. But you must not let grief consume you. Seek your own happiness. Do not waste the rest of your years mourning a ghost." Tears welled in Qiana's eyes as she fell to her knees. "My love for him will not fade.

Though fate denied us in this life, | pray the heavens grants us another. | can't love another man. In life, | ---- belonged to him, and in death, | shall remain his." She lowered her head to the ground. "My lord, please allow me to stay in his courtyard. Let me keep watch over his spirit, breathe the air he once breathed. | beg you." Selena knelt beside her, resting a gentle hand on her back. "Aunt Qiana, do you still not understand Grandpa's meaning? Six years ago, you were only sixteen, seventeen at most. You had your whole life ahead of you.

If you had settled into our household, you would have been a married woman without any freedom." Of course, not every married woman lost her chance at happiness. But with Tobias gone, why impose such a shackle on Qiana and limit her entire life? None of them had expected that she would cling so faithfully to a memory, holding fast for a full six years. Now, she was approaching her twenty-fourth year. It was an age by which most women had long married, so her prospects for marriage were indeed slim. She was truly set on remaining Tobias' wife for the rest of her life.

"Aunt Qiana, Grandpa already acknowledged your feelings six years ago. Otherwise, he wouldn't have allowed you to stay in Uncle Tobias' courtyard the entire night." Selena smiled gently at her. "He only ever wished for you to find your own happiness. But today, Grandpa has seen your resolve clearly. Since that is 80, it's time to come home." ---- Home. Just that one simple word made Qiana's tears spill uncontrollably. She lifted her head toward the old duke. Gideon smiled gently. "If | asked you to call me 'Father' now, would you?" Qiana could hold back no longer.

Tears streamed down her face as she cried, "Father! | will always carry Tobias in my heart and take care of you!" Selena reached up and discreetly wiped the tears from the corner of her eye. Gideon's health had indeed declined. After speaking with them, his energy was starting to wane. Felix quietly reminded, "Lord Gideon should rest now." Selena nodded and took Qiana's hand. "Aunt Qiana, I'l accompany you to pack your things." Qiana wiped her eyes and tumed to Gideon. "I'll go gather my things now, and tomorrow, I shall come to greet you properly." Gideon nodded.

Just as they were about to leave, he suddenly called out, "Come now, you stubborn girl. Surely there's something you wish to say to me?"