Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 84

**Chapter 84: Seduction**

Despite the knowledge that Tessa had once caused Margaery pain, Joshua found himself grappling with an unexpected wave of sympathy as he listened to her gentle and humble words. The memory of her trials and tribulations lingered in his mind, leaving him questioning his own judgments.

‘Is she truly a member of the Wallen family?’

The uncertainty gnawed at him.

After lingering at the threshold for what felt like an eternity, he finally stepped inside, his voice breaking the stillness. “Tessa.”

Her face brightened instantly, a radiant smile breaking through her earlier worry. “Joshua, why have you come so late?”

Her eagerness was palpable as she added, “How is Clyde? Has he woken up? Should I go see him?”

Just moments ago, joy had illuminated her features, but that light quickly dimmed as tears began to gather in her eyes. “I can’t comprehend who could be so cruel as to hurt him so badly.”

“The imperial physician has already seen him. He’s resting over there now,” Joshua replied, trying to steady his own emotions.

He settled into a chair, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on his chest.

‘Could Paige have fabricated everything?’

This troubling thought replayed in his mind as he scrutinized Tessa. Every word she spoke and every expression that crossed her face suggested innocence, as if she were more likely to be the victim of others’ cruelty rather than a perpetrator herself.

Finally, gathering his courage, he asked, “Tessa, does your face still ache from when Margaery struck you last time?”

His gaze fell upon her delicate features, and a surge of pity filled his heart.

For someone as gentle and obedient as her, it was impossible not to feel a protective instinct rising within him.

“It doesn’t hurt anymore,” she replied softly, her fingers brushing against her cheek as she lowered her eyes. “Margaery was just upset for a moment, and I can understand that. It was my fault, really. I grew up in the countryside, and I’m not very sophisticated. I thought giving her the leftover fabric to embroider a pouch would be a kind gesture, but I never intended to offend her dignity.”

“She was right to hit me,” she added, her voice barely a whisper.

As she spoke, her tear-filled gaze met Joshua’s, and she pleaded, “Joshua, what if I give her the pair of shoes that Lady Alicia gifted me? But please, don’t tell her they’re from me. Just say they’re from you. That way, she won’t be angry anymore.”

Joshua studied her earnest expression, noting the innocence that radiated from her. He sighed deeply, “She doesn’t need that pair of shoes from you. I know you’re sensible, but right now the Chancellor’s estate is facing significant troubles, and I fear you may have to endure some hardships.”

His heart ached as he spoke those words.

He hesitated to voice his thoughts directly, feeling a profound sense of empathy for Tessa. After a moment, he took her hand gently, “Tessa, regardless of what happens, you are a daughter of the Chancellor’s estate. Even if you face injustice today, we will make it right in the future. Don’t be too disheartened; Dominic isn’t all that great, after all…”

At his words, Tessa’s composure shattered.

“Joshua, what… what do you mean by that?”

‘What does it mean that “Dominic is not the best”?’

An ominous feeling crept into her heart as she processed his words.

Joshua struggled to find the right way to express himself but, with no other choice, he braced himself and said, “This time, I’m afraid you cannot marry Dominic. Only—”

“Why!” Tessa exclaimed, her voice a mixture of disbelief and anguish. “He clearly promised me…”

As her words trailed off, she caught sight of Joshua’s astonished expression and realized her reaction was far from her usual calm demeanor. Quickly, she squeezed out some tears, lowering her gaze. “Is it that Margaery doesn’t want me to marry Dominic?”

Before Joshua could respond, her voice quivered, “If she doesn’t wish for us to be together, then I will step aside. After all, Dominic is her fiancé, and I came into the picture later. It’s only natural for her to feel this way.”

Her tear-filled eyes locked onto Joshua’s, and she forced a fragile smile, one that betrayed her inner turmoil. “No matter what, I still wish Margaery happiness.”

Though she wore a smile, the tears streamed down her cheeks uncontrollably.

Seeing her in such distress ignited a fierce protective instinct within Joshua. Without thinking, he wrapped his arms around her, his voice trembling with emotion. “Tessa, you’ve been wronged this time. But I promise you, from now on, I will make it up to you and ensure you never endure such grievances again.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify