Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 118

**Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**
**Chapter 118**

The frigid gusts of wind bit at Tessa’s skin, but they could not extinguish the quiet determination that simmered within her.

Margaery had foreseen this very moment last night, her mind already brimming with expectations.

‘But so what?’ she mused, a defiant fire igniting in her chest. ‘From this point forward, I will cast aside all masks and pretenses with them. Why should I concern myself with their opinions?’

A chilling laugh escaped Margaery’s lips as she uttered those thoughts aloud. “Has nobody informed you that, as of now, you are no longer my sister? Tessa, you are craftier than a shadow in the night. Who gave you the audacity to utter my name?”

Her tone was deceptively soft, yet the weight of her words bore down like a heavy stone.

It was a blend of fearless arrogance, laced with unabashed provocation and scorn.

And her ire wasn’t solely directed at Tessa; it also found its mark on Raul and Joshua, who stood by, their expressions grim and troubled.

Raul and Joshua exchanged worried glances, realizing that Margaery’s fury was brewing like a storm on the horizon.

Despite a deep-seated reluctance that twisted in his gut, Joshua barked at Tessa with an edge of frustration, “Haven’t I already made it clear that Margaery wants nothing to do with you? Can’t you grasp something so simple?”

This was the first time Tessa had faced such open humiliation from Margaery, and to be scolded by Joshua in front of her only deepened the sting. She felt a rush of heat flood her cheeks, and her fingers clenched into fists, nails digging into her palms as she fought against the urge to lash out.

In her mind, a torrent of violent thoughts surged—she imagined leaping at Margaery, raking her nails across her face, gouging her eyes, silencing her forever.

But the moment wasn’t right for such actions.

“It was my mistake. I forgot that Margaery has chosen to forget me,” Tessa managed to whisper, her voice trembling as tears welled in her eyes. “I’m so sorry, Joshua. I promise I will remember this and will never trouble Margaery again.”

With a choked sob, she retreated into the carriage, curling up as if she had just endured a great injustice.

Joshua watched her retreating figure, feeling a wave of sympathy wash over him. His heart ached for her, but he couldn’t shake the anger that boiled within him towards Margaery.

Yet, he knew this wasn’t the moment for his fury to surface.

Margaery was the one radiating anger now.

Joshua felt powerless in the face of her wrath. He turned to Margaery, hoping to soothe the storm brewing inside her. “Margaery, Tessa has simply grown accustomed to calling you affectionately over the past year.

“She won’t make this mistake again. From now on, she will steer clear of you whenever she sees you.”

Margaery remained silent, her gaze fixed on him, her expression unreadable.

Noticing her lack of response, Joshua pressed on, “Try to lighten up a bit. After all, today is Lady Sophia’s birthday celebration, and presenting her gift is what truly matters. Tessa isn’t worth your anger.”

His voice quivered slightly, betraying the turmoil within him.

He felt that Margaery had crossed a line.

He seethed inwardly, ‘How could Margaery dismiss Tessa so easily? Tessa is the rightful daughter of the Wallen family, my own sister.

If anyone is unworthy, it is Margaery, who has no claim to consider herself Tessa’s sister.

‘If it weren’t for the support she has from others, I would have shown her the consequences of her arrogance today, making it clear that this is the Wallen family, not a playground for the daughter of a mere midwife.

But for now, Joshua had to endure.

The days would pass, and soon enough, Margaery would be married off, leaving the family dynamic forever changed.

Margaery caught the flicker of anger in Joshua’s eyes, but she felt indifferent. “You’re right. Celebrating Lady Sophia’s birthday is indeed more important. Tessa isn’t worth discussing any further.”

Joshua was left speechless, grappling with her dismissive attitude.

‘Is that truly what I meant?’ he thought, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

But now was not the time for reflection.

Taking a deep breath, he plastered on what he hoped was a reassuring smile. “It’s freezing out here. Hurry and get inside the carriage.”

Margaery let out a sharp laugh, cold as ice, before stepping into the carriage.

Once she was inside, Joshua let out an exasperated snort. “That Margaery!”

Raul’s expression mirrored Joshua’s frustration. “She’s gone too far. For now, we must endure. It won’t be long before this is all over.”

Raul, after waiting in silence for what felt like an eternity, finally summoned the courage to speak. “Your dowry seamstress is nearly finished preparing everything.

“When we return home tonight, I’ll have it brought for you to try on. If anything doesn’t fit, there’s still time for adjustments.”

Margaery remained silent, her thoughts elsewhere.

She was on the verge of breaking off the engagement. What use did she have for a dowry?

“In just a few days, it will be December 8th.

“December 8th is a significant day. After marrying Dominic, you will step into adulthood. From that moment on, as you enter another household, you must learn to endure, for other families are not like your own.”

Raul looked at her, trying to picture himself as a loving father, repeating his advice with care.

Margaery, however, remained silent, her mind racing.

She turned to Raul, a wry smile playing on her lips. “But isn’t the Hadley family my Aunt Yvette’s household? Will she treat me poorly? Or will Dominic?”

She thought, ‘Indeed, other households are not like one’s own. But the Wallen family… isn’t a kind place either.’

The Wallen and Hadley families had been intertwined through marriage for two generations, each equally matched with no clear superiority.

Raul found himself momentarily speechless by Margaery’s question, his expression darkening. “Your Aunt Yvette will certainly not make life difficult for you. Dominic is your cousin. You grew up together, so how could he possibly bully you?”

Then, shifting his tone, he continued, “But consider this: once you marry, you will become the matriarch. You will oversee all matters, both large and small.

“If the maids and old servants refuse to obey, you will have to endure their insolence, and you won’t have the authority to command them. When that happens, who will you turn to for justice?”

Margaery listened, her laughter ringing out like a bell.

“They must be quite audacious indeed.”

She glanced at Raul, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Am I not the young lady of the Chancellor’s estate? How could a few mere maids and old servants dare to defy me?

“Who gave them such audacity? Could it be that the orders came from the Chancellor’s estate?”