Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 50

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

**Chapter 50**

Raul felt a swirling disquiet within him, a restlessness that urged him to leave the room before the weight of his thoughts became unbearable. As he stood on the stairs of Sunbeam Court, he glanced upward, and a sudden wave of realization washed over him. This building, once known as Blissom Hall, was a place steeped in promises made to Margaery, promises that now felt like distant echoes.

In a moment of reflection, he remembered the drastic decision he had made to order the demolition of Twilight Retreat, Margaery’s former home, hastily tearing it down in a misguided attempt to fulfill his vow.

For a fleeting instant, the image of Blissom Hall, in all its freshly completed glory, flickered in his mind. He could almost hear the laughter that had once filled its halls. “Margaery, look! Blissom Hall is finally complete! The paint is still drying, but once it’s all set, you can move in,” he had said, his voice filled with pride.

“Really, Father? Thank you!” The joy in Margaery’s voice had been infectious as she leaped into his arms, her small frame pressing against him, her head nestled against his chest.

Yet now, Raul found himself pondering when the chasm had begun to grow between them. It had been far too long since he had gently patted her head or embraced her in a warm hug. Those cherished moments of laughter and shared secrets had faded into the background, becoming mere shadows of a time that felt almost unreal.

Margaery had been living in Gracewind Garden for a year, and in that time, she had transformed. No longer did she seek his forgiveness or yearn for his affection. She had found solace in friendships—apologizing to Tessa, sharing laughter with Prince Dashnell, enjoying drinks with Bernard, and forming a bond with Simon, despite their age difference. She had even taken Norman Stonier as her mentor, becoming a beacon of luck for the emperor.

Raul’s heart sank as he realized how much had transpired without his notice.

He recalled Paige’s words, how she claimed that Tessa had fallen off the artificial hill after trying to impress Margaery. And on that very day, Margaery had climbed that hill with the intent of taking her own life.

‘Paige was the only witness I trusted to have seen Margaery push Tessa down the hill, but what if she had lied?’ The thought struck him like a cold blade, causing him to stagger back in shock.

He remembered the harshness of his own actions—making Margaery kneel in a blizzard for an entire day and night until she was buried in snow, locking her in the woodshed, leaving her to starve for days. He had humiliated her, forcing her to apologize to Tessa in front of everyone.

Raul found himself grappling with doubt. “Was Paige telling the truth?” he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Sarah, go to Paige’s room…” he instructed the maid beside him, his tone sounding distant and unfocused. But then, as if awakening from a dream, he shook his head. “No, never mind. I’ll go myself.”

As he made his way toward the servants’ quarters, the weight of his thoughts pressed down on him like a heavy fog.

—

Tessa listened intently as her father’s footsteps faded away, only to be replaced by the sound of Paige being dragged out. She caught snippets of his voice, instructing Sarah to check on Paige’s room, and a chill ran down her spine.

A cold sweat broke out on her brow as she gripped Dominic’s sleeve, her eyes wide with fear. “Dominic, what if Paige is trying to frame me? If Father and you no longer want me, I might end up all alone in this world…”

Dominic, sensing her distress, lowered his head to meet her gaze. He felt a pang of empathy for Tessa, her tears glistening like dewdrops. “Tessa, Paige is just a maid. Mr. Wallen won’t believe her. Try to rest and don’t let your imagination run wild.”

After a moment’s thought, he added, “Even if I ever find myself disliking who I am, I could never stop caring for you.”

Being with Tessa filled Dominic with a quiet sense of fulfillment, a feeling he cherished deeply.

As the eldest son of the Hadley family, he had yet to earn an honorary title. While he had secured a modest position within the Ministry of Rites, it was not a role that promised much. His younger half-brother had already climbed the ranks, and it seemed only a matter of time before he surpassed Dominic. Even Prince Marcus and Lady Alicia had shown favor to that half-brother, making Dominic feel overshadowed in his own family.

In the Wallen family, the disparity was even more pronounced. Raul held a higher office than his own father, with Joshua serving directly before the King and Avery having been a physician in the Royal Medical Hall. Compared to them, Dominic’s status felt insignificant.

Then there was Margaery, the eldest daughter of the Chancellor, who had grown up in the lap of luxury. Every time he encountered her, he felt a sense of inadequacy wash over him. He remembered how she had mingled effortlessly with the princesses at the Queen Mother’s party, exuding an air of grace even in modest attire, leaving him feeling small and unworthy.

Though he took pride in having such an extraordinary fiancée, it also stirred a quiet unrest within him.

But Tessa was different.

Though she too was a daughter of the Chancellor, her upbringing in the countryside had not hardened her spirit. Instead, she radiated sweetness and gentleness, effortlessly drawing the affection of those around her.

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