**Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**
**Chapter 105: Then Go Kneel**
Dominic nodded briskly, his heart racing with anticipation as he dashed towards Gracewind Garden.
Gone was any trace of his earlier composure; the chill in the air seemed to invigorate him rather than dampen his spirits. Bursting through the door, he called out, “Margaery! I’ve brought ginseng, deer antler, and a selection of blood-nourishing herbs for you! How are you feeling today?”
Despite the biting cold outside, his voice radiated warmth, a stark contrast to the frost that lingered in the corners of the room.
Margaery found herself momentarily lost in a memory—a fleeting illusion that transported her back in time.
Just a year ago, before Tessa had stepped into their lives, Dominic’s affections had been solely hers. He had looked at her with such warmth, his heart open to her in a way that made her feel cherished.
In those days, she had reciprocated his feelings with kindness, sharing everything good in her life with him, nurturing dreams of one day becoming his wife, devoted to his happiness.
But the arrival of Tessa had shattered that world, leaving Margaery to grapple with the remnants of a love that felt increasingly distant.
Dominic’s affections had shifted entirely, directed toward Tessa. He had begun to harbor resentment towards Margaery, showering Tessa with the love that once belonged to her, spending endless hours in Tessa’s company, forging a bond that Margaery could only watch from the sidelines.
“Margaery, you—” Dominic entered the room, his voice trailing off when he noticed her staring blankly out the window, lost in her thoughts. He had called her name with such enthusiasm, yet she seemed oblivious to his presence.
With a start, Margaery snapped back to reality, meeting his gaze, but her heart felt heavy and unresponsive. “Much better. What brings you here?”
‘Tomorrow… I will sever all ties with this man for good!’ The thought surged through her mind, igniting a flicker of hope that made her heart race once more.
Dominic studied her face, puzzled by the storm of emotions he couldn’t decipher. He settled himself on the edge of her bed, his voice softening. “Margaery, you don’t seem very happy. If something’s troubling you, please share it with me. We’re on the brink of becoming husband and wife, destined to support one another. You should learn to lean on me.”
But Margaery knew too well the dangers of dependency. She had lived through a past life, and the lessons it taught her weighed heavily on her heart.
She didn’t trust the Chancellor’s family or Dominic; they had proven time and again that they were not to be relied upon.
A bitter smirk crossed her lips, and she replied with a sharp edge, “Sure, I’ll take my time learning. It seems I’ve forgotten how to lean on anyone over this past year. If I take my time, don’t take offense.”
Dominic was momentarily taken aback, the words striking him like a blow. “I know you feel wronged,” he stammered, hurriedly adding, “Over this past year, I truly have let you down.”
His frustration bubbled over as he cursed Tessa under his breath. “It’s all her fault, that wretched Tessa, always seducing me and tarnishing your name! If it weren’t for her, we wouldn’t be in this predicament.”
“Margaery, please listen. I’ve finally seen through her facade, and I swear I will never be ensnared by her again. Can you trust me?”
He reached out, attempting to take her hand. “At Grandmother’s birthday celebration tomorrow, I will publicly announce that I am cutting ties with Tessa. In this life, I will marry only you!”
His eyes sparkled with desperation as he continued, “Once you join the Hadley family, you will be the mistress of the house. No one will dare to bully you again. Everything will be under your command. I only ask for your forgiveness, please?”
Dominic’s expression was one of wounded innocence, his eyes pleading.
In the past, such a look would have melted Margaery’s heart, and she would have forgiven him without a second thought.
But now, a fierce wave of resistance surged within her.
She pulled her hand beneath the covers, rejecting his touch. “I can’t just brush aside this anger. The truth is, you slept with Tessa, and yes, you and Avery drugged me that day.”
Dominic’s face twisted in anger at the mention of Avery.
He swiftly withdrew his hand, frustration boiling over. “Margaery, I never anticipated your brother would act in such a way. That incident was entirely his doing, and I had nothing to do with it.”
“Besides, I was a victim too. I only went into the room to find you and bring you downstairs, but I never expected Tessa to be there. Please, forgive me.”
With no other recourse, Dominic slid down to kneel on the floor beside her bed. “Margaery, I am kneeling before you.”


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