Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 46

**Chapter 46**

Margaery was acutely aware of the tension that hung in the air, a palpable weight that pressed against her chest.

But she maintained her composure, stating firmly, “Whether they accept it or not, that’s their concern. It has nothing to do with me.”

She rose from her seat, placing the coins for the coffee on the table with a deliberate motion. “Thank you once again for today, Lord Bernard. I should really be heading back now.”

Bernard, however, was quick to push the money back toward her. “No, no, the coffee is on me. Besides, it’s nothing between us,” he insisted, his voice earnest.

He stood, his gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart flutter. “I’ve more or less pieced together what’s happening between you and Dashnell. But let me be clear—if you find yourself unable to stay in Sinderin City any longer, seek me out. I’ll ensure you’re out of here in no time.”

“You’ll always have a place to stay at Morales’s estate,” he added, his tone softening.

Margaery nodded, a sense of gratitude washing over her. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

As Bernard escorted her to the door, he seemed to wrestle with unspoken thoughts, wanting to say something more yet holding back.

With her home situation weighing heavily on her mind, he finally released her with a gentle reminder. “If you ever need anything, just have Amber reach out to me. Don’t be a stranger. Even if circumstances keep us apart, we’ll always have our friendship.”

“Okay,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Margaery hadn’t anticipated Bernard’s candidness. A wave of emotions surged within her, and she hurriedly climbed into the carriage, feeling overwhelmed by the weight of his words.

As she settled into the seat, she realized how she had been so fixated on her immediate troubles that she had overlooked the broader landscape of her life. Tessa had usurped her place in the affections of her father, her brothers, and even Dominic. In her frantic attempt to reclaim their love, she had forgotten that the world was vast, filled with people eager to connect with her.

The vibrant life outside the carriage window was a stark contrast to her internal turmoil, a reminder of the possibilities that lay beyond her current struggles.

And then there was Dashnell…

Just the thought of him ignited a warm glow in her chest, a flicker of hope amidst the chaos.

Before she realized it, the carriage had arrived at the gates of the Chancellor’s estate.

As she stepped down, she was taken aback to find Dominic waiting there, his stance tense as if he had been anticipating her arrival. The moment their eyes met, he rushed over, a troubled expression etched across his features. “Margaery, about what happened today, please, let me explain…”

“Explain what?” Margaery interrupted, her tone sharp.

She instinctively stepped back, creating a physical barrier between them.

Dominic’s expression faltered, his surprise evident, but he pressed on, “I swear, I never intended for any of this to unfold today. What transpired between Tessa and me was purely accidental. I never imagined it would escalate like this.”

Holding onto the distance, he locked eyes with her, determination in his voice. “But regardless of what happened, I will still marry you as planned. These are the betrothal gifts that arrived this morning. Take a look and see if they meet your expectations.”

He produced a sheet of paper, displaying it for her to see.

Margaery nearly laughed at the absurdity of it all.

She merely glanced at the paper, refusing to take it, and did not step closer. Her voice was flat, void of any enthusiasm. “Those betrothal gifts are meant for the Chancellor’s estate, not for me. I’m not the one who will be taking them, so what’s the point of showing me this? You should be presenting them to my father.”

With that, she brushed past him, her resolve unyielding as she strode into the estate.

Dominic’s brow knitted together in confusion. For a moment, he struggled to comprehend her words.

But then he recalled the purpose of his visit—to gauge her feelings and smooth over their relationship, to persuade her to marry into the Hadley family. Regaining his focus, he hurried after her, his voice laced with urgency. “My father has already gone to the palace to request Lady Alicia to officiate our wedding. It may not be an imperial decree, but it’s nearly as significant. I promise you won’t lose face. I’ll ensure you receive all the respect you deserve.”

Margaery responded with a casual “Oh,” not bothering to glance back as she continued her path toward Gracewind Garden.

In the past, the Hadley family had invited Lady Alicia to preside over Dominic and Tessa’s wedding, transforming it into a grand spectacle. Yet, during that time, Margaery had been cast out of the Chancellor’s estate, left to wander the streets, fighting with beggars for scraps of bread.

‘All that grandeur? What does it matter to me now?’ Margaery mused, a cold smile flickering across her lips.

‘Isn’t he still planning to wed Tessa as well?

What I once yearned for means nothing to me now!’

“It’s not as if being angry would change anything,” Margaery replied, glancing back at him from the threshold of Gracewind Garden, her smile soft yet distant.

She had no intention of getting further entangled with him, but she was willing to play along for the time being.

“Besides, ever since Father confined me to the lumber room last time, I’ve had a lot of time to think. It’s always been the same—women sharing a husband, while men take multiple wives and concubines as they please. Tessa’s presence is just part of the norm. Go on and keep her company. I’m the elder sister, and I won’t hold it against her.”

Dominic rarely witnessed her in this light—not crying, not creating a scene, simply calm and composed.

For a fleeting moment, he found himself entranced by the tranquility of her smile, feeling a long-buried flutter in his chest. “Margaery…”

He stepped forward, reaching out to grasp her hand.

But Margaery deftly evaded him. “We shouldn’t be getting too close. Besides, the wedding is approaching quickly. You should return now. As for Tessa…”

Her smile remained, gentle yet laced with mockery. “After what happened today, her reputation is in tatters. She likely needs your comfort more than ever. And isn’t she still unwell? Given how she dressed today, I wouldn’t be surprised if she caught another chill.”

Dominic reached out again, but found nothing but air.

A nagging feeling of unease lingered within him, yet as he listened to her, he convinced himself that she was making sense.

He nodded, saying, “Margaery, you’ve really matured. You actually care about your sister now.”

“I was just too young and naive before,” Margaery replied, her thoughts darkening. ‘That’s why I once idolized you all.’

Dominic felt a swell of satisfaction, already plotting that once matters settled at the Clan Court, he would approach Marcus for a favor.

If Margaery could maintain this façade of generosity and virtue, he could have her oversee the household in the Hadley family, allowing Tessa to focus on her health and perhaps bear him a child or two.

He could relish the blessings of having both women—a rather sweet deal, all things considered.

So he said, “Margaery, once you’re part of the Hadley family, I promise you will not be treated unjustly. Even if Tessa has children, they will be raised as yours. Your status will remain unshaken.”