Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 47

**Chapter 47**

A wave of revulsion surged through Margaery as she contemplated the implications of the conversation she just had. “That’s not a wise course of action,” she asserted firmly, her voice laced with determination. “If rumors spread, people would think I had stolen Tessa’s child. That little one deserves to be with her mother, raised in the right environment.”

‘Do they truly believe I’m that naive?’ Margaery mused inwardly, frustration bubbling beneath her composed exterior.

Today marked a significant turning point for Tessa; she had lost her virginity, and if she were to marry into the Hadley family, her fate would be sealed as nothing more than a concubine. Any child she bore would be branded as illegitimate, forever tainted by the circumstances of her birth.

Dominic, in a surprising twist, had shown some level of thoughtfulness regarding Tessa’s predicament. He even entertained the idea of registering Tessa’s child under Margaery’s name, claiming it as a legitimate heir. What a “wonderful” husband he was turning out to be.

But Margaery shook her head internally, ‘Let anyone who wants a husband like that have him. I certainly don’t care.’

She resolved to bide her time. ‘Just wait another week or so, and I’ll let them have what they think they want.’

With that thought lingering in her mind, Margaery turned on her heel, striding back to her room. She called out over her shoulder, “You don’t need to remind me of any of this. I have no intention of fighting Tessa for anything. Just go handle your own affairs. The wedding is approaching, and there’s plenty to keep you occupied.”

“Good, good!” Dominic replied, his voice brimming with relief and excitement.

As he watched her retreating figure, a familiar warmth spread through Dominic’s chest. He felt himself falling for her all over again, pleased with his own judgment.

‘It seems people really do need to swallow a bit of bitterness to mature and gain perspective,’ he thought smugly, a satisfied smile creeping onto his face as he turned to leave Gracewind Garden, eager to seek out Raul.

“Mr. Wallen, everything is perfectly fine with Margaery now,” he announced as he entered the room, a satisfied grin plastered across his features, even tinged with a hint of nostalgia.

Raul’s brow furrowed deeply, but upon catching sight of Dominic’s expression, he froze in disbelief. “All good? What do you mean by ‘all fine’?”

‘Does Margaery truly appear fine after everything that transpired today?’ Raul pondered, anxiety gnawing at him.

‘Honestly, it’s us who are in trouble now!’

Raul had just endured a scathing lecture from Simon, followed by a roasting from Bernard at Pero Cela. Now, the mere thought of Margaery conjured images of a prickly porcupine; one wrong move, and he’d get pierced.

It was hard for him to fathom how Dominic could handle her so easily in just a matter of moments.

“What did she say?” Avery asked, stepping forward, disbelief etched across his face.

Joshua, too, turned his gaze toward Dominic, a wary expression settling on his features. “Don’t let her trick you. Things aren’t as they used to be. She’s become quite difficult to manage.”

Truth be told, Joshua was beginning to regret how things had unfolded.

Had he known she was a Star of Fortune, he would have treated her with the utmost respect and never allowed matters to escalate this far.

But the moment for regret had passed.

Dominic had suffered a significant loss of face today and was desperate to reclaim it.

Moreover, he couldn’t shake the feeling that Margaery had transformed into someone entirely different—so gentle and generous that he felt as if he were floating on air.

He beamed, “I can sense she still harbors feelings for me. After all, we grew up together as childhood sweethearts. There’s a bond between us that she can’t simply discard overnight. She told me she’s matured and won’t compete with Tessa anymore. She said she’ll let Tessa have everything. Even if Tessa has a child, she won’t fight for it and will allow it to remain with Tessa.”

“Honestly, she’s genuinely changed. I’ve never seen her display such maturity and understanding before.”

“Watching her today, after all those years of growing up side by side, I must admit it feels pretty fantastic.”

Dominic was thoroughly pleased with Margaery’s reaction today, and he couldn’t help but smile broadly, his heart swelling with happiness.

The Star of Fortune was intricately linked to the king’s destiny.

If Margaery were to marry him, that luck would intertwine with his own. Even if the king didn’t care for him personally, he would be compelled to show more favor to the Hadley family for Margaery’s sake.

Additionally, with her newfound gentleness and virtue, having her manage the household and care for the family would be nothing short of wonderful.

He even found himself reluctant to send her off to the Clan Court, envisioning a harmonious home life.

With genuine emotion, he declared, “Given how she’s acting now, once she marries into the Hadley family, I’ll just need to charm her a bit more, and she’ll undoubtedly agree to plead with the King on our behalf, to clear Lord Avery’s name of all charges.”

“Once Lord Avery is reinstated at the Royal Medical Hall, I’ll ask Prince Marcus for a favor to extricate her from the Clan Court. As long as she behaves, we might even manage to keep her out of the Laundry Bureau.”

Margaery was seated by the fireplace, engrossed in a book. Her demeanor exuded tranquility, her features softened by the flickering light.

Joshua found himself momentarily entranced, a sense of awe washing over him.

Perhaps Dominic was right after all. She bore no resemblance to the loud, impulsive girl he once knew. Instead, she radiated the quiet elegance of a noble lady, and the sight was undeniably captivating.

With that pearl hairpin adorning her hair, she appeared even more dignified and refined.

In fact, compared to Estelle, she was positively breathtaking.

“Margaery,” Joshua said as he stepped further inside, his expression a blend of emotions. “The Hadley family has already sent over the betrothal gifts, and Father accepted them. What are your thoughts on all this?”

Margaery had anticipated their arrival.

She looked up, her gaze steady. “It’s merely an arranged marriage, orchestrated by our parents and the matchmaker. Since Father has consented, I suppose that’s how it is. Joshua, what brings you here?”

As her eyes met Joshua’s, a cold sneer flickered in her heart.

When Dominic had severed their engagement, it was a blatant slap to the face of the Chancellor’s estate. Yet Joshua had no qualms justifying it to himself. He simply crossed her name off the family tree and declared, in front of everyone, that from that moment onward, he no longer recognized her as his sister.

From that day forth, to the Wallen family, only Tessa existed.

So be it. From this point on, to them, there was only Tessa, Margaery thought, a cold smile playing at the corners of her lips.

A chill flashed in her eyes, so fleeting that no one would have noticed.

Joshua pulled out a chair and settled into it, clearly intent on a serious discussion. “I understand why you’re upset about what transpired at Pero Cela today. I never imagined Avery would stoop so low.”

“I’ve already forgiven him,” Margaery replied calmly, her tone distant as she regarded him.

With only seven days remaining before Lady Sophia’s birthday banquet, Margaery was perfectly content to let them lower their guard, preparing to deliver her blow with a smile when the moment was right.

She stated her own condition. “However, due to the prescription, Craig has requested my assistance for a while. I likely won’t be home much in the coming days, so I hope you’ll allow it, Joshua.”