Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 87

**Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**
**Chapter 87: No One Dares Boss You**

**Inside the Car**

As the wind howled outside like a restless spirit, Margaery nestled against Dashnell’s chest, her heart racing in harmony with the tempest. “Your Highness,” she began, her voice barely rising above the cacophony, “I will end my engagement with Dominic the day after tomorrow. When I am someone everyone loathes, will you still treat me with this kindness?”

Dashnell remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on her. Slowly, he lowered his head and pressed his lips against hers, a gesture that spoke volumes, conveying a depth of emotion that words could scarcely capture.

After what felt like an eternity, he pulled away slightly, his eyes searching hers. “With me by your side, no one will dare to command you,” he declared, his voice steady and reassuring.

A smile spread across Margaery’s face, and she melted further into his embrace, warmth enveloping her like a comforting blanket. “Was the person who attempted to assassinate Clyde sent by you?” she inquired, curiosity lacing her tone.

Looking down at her, Dashnell didn’t flinch from the truth. “Yes.”

He paused, allowing the weight of his admission to settle between them. “He harmed you without cause, and for that, he must face the consequences.”

Margaery’s heart swelled with a gentle warmth at his words, and she couldn’t resist asking, “What have I done to earn such fierce protection from you? I am not someone of significance in your world, yet you treat me with such care…”

She had never anticipated that their paths would intertwine so rapidly, as if some unseen force was orchestrating their union ahead of schedule.

In just a little over a month, they had traversed from mere acquaintances to contemplating a future together, plotting their escape from the Wallen family, and even envisioning a life of marriage and shared dreams.

The swiftness of their bond was almost surreal, leaving her in a state of disbelief.

As for the moment Dashnell had begun to harbor feelings for her, she had no inkling.

Dashnell, lost in contemplation after hearing her heartfelt words, took a moment before responding. “Perhaps it’s echoes of a past life. Every time I see you, the urge to protect you surges within me.”

He gently caressed her cheek, his touch tender and reassuring. “To me, you are extraordinary. It’s just that others are blind to your brilliance.”

Margaery, touched by his sincerity, reached out with her free arm, wrapping it around half of his body, drawing him closer.

A soft smile played on Dashnell’s lips, a secret hope blooming within him. He longed for the day when she would fully embrace him, wrapping her arms around him completely, holding him tight as if he were her safe haven.

A serene happiness enveloped the carriage, transforming the atmosphere into something warm and intimate.

Margaery inhaled deeply, savoring the moment, and then remarked playfully, “Your Highness, your fox fur is incredibly warm.”

“It’s yours,” he replied, a chuckle escaping him as he tightened the fur around her, cocooning her in comfort.

The pleasant ambiance prompted a question that had been nagging at him. “Margaery, why did you ask Dominic to refuse to marry Tessa? In truth, whether he marries her or not should be of little consequence now.”

A flicker of jealousy stirred within him at the thought of Margaery’s request to Dominic. Did she still harbor feelings for him?

In Dashnell’s mind, Dominic and Tessa were meant to be tied together, ensuring that Dominic would no longer pursue Margaery, thus alleviating the discomfort for everyone involved.

Margaery met his gaze, her smile laced with a hint of self-deprecation. “Honestly, whether I interfere or not, Dominic will end up marrying Tessa, and I will sever ties with the Chancellor’s estate and the Hadley family. But if I don’t act, the others at the Chancellor’s estate, including Dominic, might think I’m still under their thumb, and my plans would be thrown into disarray.”

She had no desire to compete with Tessa; rather, she wished to assist them in fulfilling their aspirations.

Yet, after Clyde’s treatment of her that morning, she felt the need to express some dissatisfaction. Failing to do so would only lead the Wallen brothers and Raul to suspect her intentions, thinking she was insincere.

Just then, Dominic burst into the room, pausing at the threshold. His breathing gradually steadied as his gaze settled on Tessa, who stood by the bed. Yet, there was a palpable shift in his demeanor.

In the past, he had often stormed into her room for clandestine meetings, but this time, he quickly regained his composure and declared, “Tessa, I have something very important to discuss.” He glanced at the maids lingering by the window. “Please ask the maids to leave first.”

Dominic’s breath was still ragged from his hurried journey, and Tessa’s heart fluttered at the sight of his urgency. “You may leave now,” she instructed the maids, her voice soft yet firm.

Once the room was devoid of any prying eyes, she stepped closer, taking his hand in hers. “Dominic, I heard you stayed by Margaery’s side all night. You must be exhausted. Why not rest here for a while?”

Her voice was gentler than usual, filled with a tenderness that she hoped would soothe him.

Tessa had already been informed by Joshua the night before about Dominic’s impending marriage to Margaery, so she was mentally prepared. Yet, seeing him now and recalling how he had devoted the night to Margaery left a bitter taste in her mouth, a pang of jealousy that she couldn’t quite shake off.

Her voice trembled slightly, betraying her inner turmoil. Deep down, she believed that once Dominic saw her, he would reassure her that his actions were all for show, that his heart belonged solely to her.

She wrapped her arms around his arm, leaning into his warmth, seeking solace in his presence.

Dominic felt the softness of her touch, the gentle way she leaned against him, a familiarity he had grown accustomed to over the past year. Yet, for a man whose ambitions were tied to political power, Margaery’s influence loomed larger than Tessa’s affection.

“Tessa,” he began, his gaze lingering on her hand before finally meeting her eyes. Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself. “I’m sorry, but I cannot marry you. In seven days, I will marry Margaery. From this moment on, our connection ends here.”

His tone was different—firm, resolute, devoid of the tender affection he usually displayed.

He gently pulled his hand away from hers, stepping back as if creating a chasm between them. “From now on, I am your brother-in-law, and you will be my sister-in-law. Let us not speak of the past again.”

The warmth that had once graced Tessa’s face faded, replaced by a chilling realization that spread through her, inch by inch.