Chapter 40

Arabella’s POV I nestled into Jasper’s arms, crying as if it would never end. When I finally lifted my head, I noticed a big wet patch on his shirt from my tears—and, embarrassingly, my snot. "I'm sorry… I got your shirt all wet," I mumbled, sniffling. "It’s fine. Aren’t we husband and wife? There’s no need to fuss over this," Jasper replied casually. I hesitated, then asked with concern, "By the way, what did you do with Charlotte? After all, she’s still our elder..." "Elder? We believe in honoring the old and cherishing the young. But tell me—did she ever really care about you?" he said, gently patting my head. "Don’t be so naive." I fell silent for a moment before pressing on, "Did you... sever her tendons? What about her legs...?" "Yes," Jasper answered with a nod, then looked at me anxiously. "Do you think I'm too cruel?" I shook my head. "I just hope she finds a way to live—maybe