Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 120

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

**Chapter 120**

Jowan, unable to suppress his eagerness any longer, blurted out, “Let me rub for you.” His voice carried a hint of urgency, a plea wrapped in desire.

His hand finally found its resting place, precisely where he had longed for it to be, and Tessa played the part of the innocent, feigning ignorance as she pressed herself closer against him, her body a warm invitation.

Joshua, meanwhile, felt his mind descend into a tumultuous chaos, his thoughts scattering like leaves in a storm. “Joshua,” Tessa’s voice broke through the haze, “can you teach me how to write tonight?”

“Alright,” he replied, his Adam’s apple bobbing nervously as he looked into her eyes. A surge of determination flooded him; he wanted nothing more than to guide her through the intricacies of writing, night after night, day after day, every step of the way.

The atmosphere inside the carriage grew thick with tension, the temperature rising with each passing moment. Tessa continued her charade of innocence, her eyes wide and uncomprehending, as Joshua’s boldness grew. What began as simple assistance morphed into something more intimate—he pinched above, then rubbed below with a mixture of trepidation and excitement.

It was only when they finally arrived at the Hadley family residence and the rider’s voice pierced through the haze, calling out, “Mr. Wallen, we’ve arrived!” that he jolted back to reality.

Embarrassment washed over him as he realized how his clothes were tented high, a blush creeping up his neck. His heart raced as he quickly glanced at Tessa.

But Tessa, with an air of practiced nonchalance, acted as if nothing was amiss. “The last time I saw Aunt was at the family recognition dinner,” she mused innocently. “There were so many people that day; we barely exchanged a few words. I wonder if I’ll get a chance to speak with her this time.”

As she spoke, she gracefully exited the carriage, her movements fluid and deliberate. Did she really not notice? Joshua exhaled a sigh of relief, feigning seriousness as he addressed those waiting outside, “Wait a moment, my leg is stuck.”

After some time, he finally managed to extricate himself from the carriage. Tessa, meanwhile, rolled her eyes internally, thinking, “Tonight, Joshua should be getting in my face, right?”

Her gaze shifted to the carriage ahead, where a flicker of jealousy sparked within her. After her last encounter with Callum, she knew Margaery would be the star of the birthday celebration today, the center of attention while everyone else revolved around her.

Even Dominic, who once professed eternal love for Tessa and claimed he could not live without her, would be caught up in Margaery’s orbit. But Tessa was determined; she would not allow such a scene to unfold without consequence.

Today, she would ensure Margaery was stripped of all dignity, mocked, scorned, and condemned by the crowd. *Even if I can’t marry Dominic, I will make sure Margaery cannot either,* she thought bitterly.

As her thoughts swirled, she caught sight of a figure darting around a distant street corner. Halle. Tessa knew that Halle had orchestrated everything needed for her plans. She turned her gaze back to Margaery, a cold snort escaping her lips.

Raul had already disembarked from the carriage, standing stubbornly in front of it, sulking and refusing to assist Margaery, who, in truth, didn’t need his help at all.

The concern displayed by the Wallen father and son was nothing more than a facade. They pretended to care for her, but not once had they inquired about her injury. Yet, Tessa hadn’t expected anything different.

Craig and Bernard’s medicine was effective, and although she climbed in and out of the carriage on her own, she felt little discomfort from her wound.

Just as Margaery stepped down from the carriage, she caught Tessa’s gaze, which was laced with a sinister smile. Simultaneously, she spotted Halle.

Though it was a mere fleeting glimpse, she recognized that figure, that build, those clothes. *What is Halle doing here at this moment?* Margaery’s mind raced with unease.

A sense of foreboding washed over her, but she brushed it aside. Three days after Sophia’s birthday party would mark the day she would reclaim her destiny.

Today was her only opportunity to alter the course of her life.

If she failed, she would be left with no choice but to marry Dominic and await her demise. Thus, no matter what Tessa had planned for today, Margaery was resolute in her decision to break off her engagement with Dominic.

She cast a glance at Tessa before turning her focus toward the grand gates of the Hadley family residence. Chaotic images surged in her mind, memories of her previous life: engagement shattered, cast out from the Hadley family’s gates, left to languish in disgrace, coughing up blood.

The sound of Dominic’s jovial voice broke through her reverie. He jogged out from the gate, and upon seeing them, he ignored Raul entirely, calling out to Margaery first.

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