**TITLE: Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**
**Chapter 57: It’s Too Late**
If that were indeed the case, then that beggar had to be linked to Tessa’s return this time around. The mere thought ignited a sense of urgency within Raul, causing his steps to quicken as he navigated the familiar paths of Sunbeam Court.
Inside the elegant confines of Sunbeam Court, two seasoned maids were engaged in the delicate task of taking Tessa’s measurements, all the while showering her with compliments and flattery. “No wonder Lady Alicia is so enchanted by you,” one of them cooed, her voice dripping with admiration. “You truly are a lovely and charming young lady.”
The other maid chimed in with equal enthusiasm, “Absolutely! You must be the one who has captured Lord Dominic’s heart. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have supported everything at Pero Cela. No matter how complicated things may get, it doesn’t alter his feelings for you.”
“Lady Tessa,” the first maid continued, her tone turning earnest, “when you move into the Minister’s estate, please remember us. We would be ever so grateful.”
The cascade of flattery washed over Tessa, making her beam with joy. Her smile was radiant, lighting up her face like the sun breaking through clouds.
Yet, she masked her true feelings with a hint of feigned grievance. “Please, don’t say such things. Once I marry into the Hadley family, Margaery will rightfully be the lady of the house and Dominic’s official wife. They’ve grown up together, after all. Even if he has feelings for me, he will always prioritize my sister.”
However, a shadow loomed over her thoughts; Dominic had not come to visit her at all that day.
Raul had already made two trips to Gracewind Garden, even going so far as to escort a seamstress to her just moments ago.
As these thoughts swirled in her mind, Tessa couldn’t shake the feeling of indignation.
One of the maids, sensing her distress, quickly stepped forward to offer comfort. “Only someone as wise as you would express such thoughts. But remember, no matter how domineering Lady Margaery may be, as long as Lord Chancellor and Lord Dominic care for you, and with Lady Alicia’s protection, you won’t find yourself at a disadvantage.”
Just as Tessa was about to respond, the sound of footsteps echoed from outside the door, causing her to quickly adjust her tone. “If you truly care about me, please refrain from saying such things. Since my return, I’ve only managed to create tension between Margaery, Joshua, and Father. It weighs heavily on my heart.”
“I wish I could find a way to help Margaery and everyone else reconcile,” she added, her voice trembling as tears welled in her eyes.
At that moment, Raul pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The warm glow of candlelight illuminated Tessa’s face, and with tears glistening in her eyes, she exuded a delicate, heart-wrenching beauty that tugged at Raul’s heartstrings.
Yet, despite the allure she possessed, Raul couldn’t shake the feeling that Tessa bore no resemblance to anyone in the Wallen family.
His own features were square and bold, while his sister’s were round and equally pronounced. But Tessa was a world apart. Her delicate brows and expressive eyes, her oval face no larger than a child’s palm, and her slender figure painted a picture of grace and fragility.
She didn’t resemble him or any of the Wallen women, nor did she share much of a likeness to his late wife.
The realization struck him like a thunderclap—there could only be one explanation: she must take after her biological father or someone from that lineage.
Raul’s suspicions deepened as he regarded Tessa, and a sudden thought crossed his mind. “Tessa,” he began, his voice steady yet curious, “I’ve heard that when the blood of relatives mingles, it can sometimes serve as a remedy. What do you think about having someone fetch a basin of water, and we could test this theory?”
Tessa’s heart raced at his suggestion.
What on earth is he suggesting? A blood ritual to prove our connection? The shock coursed through her, and tears spilled down her cheeks as she sank to her knees. “Father, please don’t! Even if it meant my life, I would never use your blood to heal myself. That would be an unforgivable sin. I couldn’t bear it!”
While a blood recognition ritual wasn’t entirely impossible, it certainly wasn’t something she was prepared for.
Tessa lowered her gaze, her brows knitting together in worry.
Raul, sensing her distress, didn’t press further. “You’re such a good child. It’s a shame that you’ve only been at the Chancellor’s estate for a year, and now you’re already facing marriage.”
As he spoke, he gently assisted her to her feet. “This is all my fault.”
Raul scrutinized Tessa’s face, and with each passing moment, he found it increasingly difficult to reconcile her appearance with his own.
Driven by an insatiable curiosity to uncover the truth, he abruptly shifted the conversation. “Tessa, before you embark on this new chapter of your life, would you share with me the story of your life over these past years?”
He hoped that perhaps within her narrative, he could unearth a clue about the mysterious old beggar who had been haunting his thoughts.
Meanwhile, Joshua was making his way to Margaery, carrying a small wooden box that contained their mother’s belongings.

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