Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale ` 4 Summary
In Chapter 4 of “Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows,” Margaery is engulfed in a tumult of emotions as she confronts the haunting memories of her past, particularly the day before her death. She uncovers the truth about Tessa, realizing that Tessa is not a true Wallen but the child of a fierce enemy, intent on dismantling the Wallen family from within. This revelation fills Margaery with dread for her family’s safety, prompting her to rush home to warn her brothers. However, instead of gratitude, she is met with hostility from Russell, who accuses her of being irredeemable and unworthy of forgiveness.
The chapter takes a dark turn as Margaery reflects on the tragic fate of Tessa, who was killed by her own family to protect the family’s reputation. Tessa’s calm demeanor during her kidnapping reveals her manipulative nature, as she had orchestrated the events to silence Margaery. As Margaery recalls these memories, she feels a cold satisfaction at the thought of helping Tessa rise to power, only to ultimately send her to hell. The emotional turmoil is palpable, as Margaery grapples with her family’s betrayal and her own desire for revenge.
As the confrontation unfolds, Margaery attempts to apologize to Tessa, but her sincerity is questioned by those around her. The tension in the room escalates as accusations fly, and Margaery is left feeling isolated and scrutinized by her family. Despite the pressure, she resolves not to fall into the same trap as before, determined to assert herself in this new life. Margaery’s apology, however, is met with skepticism, and she is urged to express her remorse properly.
In a surprising move, Margaery offers Tessa valuable gifts as a sign of her sincerity, which leaves everyone in shock. The gifts, once cherished by Margaery, now represent her desire to rid herself of the past and the burdens of her previous life. Tessa, however, feels the weight of the situation and hesitates to accept them, fearing repercussions from Russell and the others. Margaery’s insistence that Tessa accept the gifts to prevent her own banishment creates a tense standoff, highlighting the complex dynamics of family loyalty and betrayal. The chapter concludes with a sense of uncertainty, as Tessa grapples with the implications of accepting Margaery’s offerings amidst the underlying animosity from the Wallen family.
Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below
**TITLE: Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**
**Chapter 4**
Margaery found herself engulfed in a cacophony of voices, a familiar chaos that pulled her back to the haunting memories of her past life—the day before her demise. The air felt heavy with the weight of unspoken truths, and she could almost hear the echoes of her own heart racing.
At long last, she had uncovered the damning evidence that revealed Tessa’s true origins: she was not a genuine Wallen but rather the progeny of one of their fiercest adversaries. Tessa’s intentions for infiltrating the Wallen family were sinister; she sought to dismantle them from within and ultimately seize control of the Chancellor’s estate.
With a surge of dread for the safety of Raul and her five brothers, Margaery hurried home, desperate to share the truth and implore them to exercise caution. Yet, instead of the gratitude she had anticipated, she was met with a stinging slap from her third brother, Russell. His words cut deeper than the physical blow—he branded her as vile and irredeemable, too wicked even to deserve a peaceful death.
In a twisted turn of fate, to shield Tessa from the repercussions of her actions, they had taken her life with their own hands, declaring that the Wallen family had no need for a daughter like her.
On the fateful day when Tessa was abducted by bandits, she wore a mask of calm, not a trace of fear gracing her features. Instead, there was an unsettling satisfaction in her demeanor, for the kidnapping was merely a cog in her elaborate scheme. It was all orchestrated to silence Margaery, and in the end, Tessa had gleefully relayed how her brothers would scatter her ashes in homage to Tessa’s legacy.
As those memories surged to the forefront of Margaery’s mind, a cold smile crept across her lips. Apologies were in order, but not in the manner they anticipated. She envisioned helping Tessa ascend to the pinnacle of Sinderin City’s elite, relishing in the downfall of those who once revered her, before ultimately sending Tessa to her deserved hell.
“What’s this? Are you not genuine in your apology, merely trying to sweep things under the rug?” Russell’s cruel voice echoed in her mind, a reminder of the judgment she faced.
Avery, standing nearby, cast a sympathetic glance at Margaery, but she knew she had erred, and now the repercussions were upon her. “Margaery, now that you grasp the gravity of the situation, just apologize to Tessa properly. We’re all family now,” he urged, his tone laced with concern.
Not a single soul came to Margaery’s defense. Even Raul stood by, silent and watchful, his eyes betraying nothing. This was a hunt aimed solely at her, and she felt the weight of their scrutiny pressing down.
In her previous life, she had endured a similar fate, confined once more to the firewood shed, left to languish until they finally deemed it time to release her. This time, she vowed not to fall into the same trap again.
Amidst the clamor, Margaery finally found her voice. “I’m sorry, Tessa. These past few days in the firewood shed, I’ve reflected on that day, and it feels as though my heart is being torn apart.” She let out a heavy sigh, resignation settling in. “But Father has already made it clear—there’s no place for me to speak in this family. Next time, don’t bring up decisions that have already been made by everyone, and steer clear of dangerous places like the artificial mountain.”
“But no matter what, this time, it’s entirely my fault. Please, Tessa, forgive me and don’t hold it against me.” Her words flowed with sincerity, laced with genuine regret.
The room fell into an uneasy silence, eyes darting around, exchanging puzzled glances.
“Margaery’s words are intriguing. Why did Tessa venture to the artificial mountain in such frigid weather? If Tessa is so delicate, why would she risk herself in such a place to seek out Margaery?” one voice questioned, breaking the stillness.
“It is odd, isn’t it? Tessa is supposed to fear her, yet she went alone to such a perilous location,” another chimed in.
With the rumors already swirling, it was easy to draw conclusions: Margaery, heartbroken over Raul and the five young Wallen brothers’ decision to welcome Tessa into their fold without consulting her, had fled to the artificial mountain, tears streaming down her face, throwing a tantrum, and even threatening to end her own life.
Tessa, who could have easily returned home, chose instead to confront Margaery, flaunting her perceived superiority. Wasn’t that just twisting the knife deeper into Margaery’s already wounded heart?
So, whether she fell by misfortune or was pushed, wasn’t it her own fault?
The assembly of men and women before her hailed from esteemed families, each well aware of the sordid truths lurking behind closed doors. The glances exchanged among them as they looked at Tessa and Margaery spoke volumes.
Suddenly, someone dared to question Russell, “Lord Russell, you were the one who claimed Margaery pushed Tessa down the artificial mountain, correct? Did you witness it?”
“I—” Russell stammered, caught off guard, his confidence wavering.
Before he could formulate a response, another voice interjected, “How could he have seen it? That day, he was with me, attending class at Inkwell Academy!”
“Lord Chancellor, is there no witness to this?” Serena, the noble consort, inquired from her elevated seat.
Raul froze for a moment, uncertainty creeping in. “Tessa said…”
Tessa hadn’t anticipated the situation unfolding in this manner. Noticing the skepticism etched on Raul’s face, she felt the tears welling in her eyes. “Father, although the snow fell heavily that day and there were hardly any passersby, Margaery’s maid, Paige, witnessed everything!”
Worried that Paige Clemons might buckle under the pressure and divulge the truth, Tessa quickly backtracked. “But regardless, I don’t blame Margaery anymore. Let’s allow this matter to rest. I only wish to coexist peacefully with Margaery. I don’t want to stir any more trouble in the family.”
As Tessa’s tear-streaked visage met Raul’s gaze, his lingering doubts began to dissipate. He shot Margaery an accusatory glare. “You rebellious daughter! You pushed her, and now you stand here making sarcastic remarks!”
Russell, still stinging from his earlier embarrassment, was quick to escalate the situation. “Margaery, I know you harbor malice, but I didn’t expect you to be so adept with your words! Who are you even apologizing to? If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were the victim! If you don’t show genuine sincerity today, I’ll have Father cast you out of this family!”
“Margaery, I’m truly disappointed in you,” Avery chimed in, his brow furrowed in disapproval. “You promised me you’d conduct yourself properly when you arrived here…”
Tessa exhaled a sigh of relief. She understood that the moment she feigned vulnerability, Raul and her brothers would rally to her side. Their guilt was a potent weapon, and when wielded correctly, Margaery wouldn’t stand a chance.
Margaery allowed them to finish their tirade before shifting her focus back to Tessa. “You’re all correct. Merely uttering the words isn’t enough—it does come off as insincere.”
With a deliberate motion, Margaery reached up and unclasped the ruby pendant from around her neck. “To demonstrate my sincerity, I’m gifting this to Tessa. May it offer you protection.”
She then removed the warming gemstone from her wrist and the hairpin from her hair, presenting them all to Tessa. “These, too, I give to you, Tessa. I hope you’ll find it in your heart to forgive me.”
The room fell into a stunned silence, the weight of her actions hanging in the air.
“Why is Margaery relinquishing such significant items?” someone murmured, bewildered.
“If I recall correctly, these were the gifts she received during her coming-of-age ceremony from Lord Chancellor, Lord Avery, and Lord Russell, right?” another voice chimed in, curiosity piqued.
“Indeed, there’s sincerity now, but I wonder if Tessa will accept them,” someone speculated.
Tessa found herself momentarily frozen. She had anticipated Margaery to erupt into tears, confirming the accusations of her mistreatment. Yet, Margaery was acting entirely out of character, offering her such invaluable gifts instead.
The allure of the gifts was undeniable, yet as she looked at the items in Margaery’s hands, they felt almost too scorching to touch. She cast a furtive glance at Raul, Avery, and Russell.
Raul’s angry expression had morphed into a more serious demeanor, while Avery’s brow was deeply furrowed, his face clouded with bitterness. Russell’s fury was nearly tangible as he glared at Margaery, practically seething with rage. “Margaery!” he spat.
In his mind, he thought, ‘How dare she offer the hairpin I crafted with my own hands to someone else?’
Avery also interjected, “Margaery, this isn’t…”
Margaery interrupted him with calm determination. “Actually, these three items were gifts from Father, Avery, and Russell during my coming-of-age ceremony. Today, I’m presenting them to Tessa as an apology. Surely, you wouldn’t begrudge her accepting them?”
Her gaze swept across the three men’s faces, gauging their reactions.
After all, these items had been taken from her in her previous life and handed to Tessa anyway. Since they were possessions she could never keep, it was better to rid herself of them now. No need to sully her hands with them.
The room was enveloped in silence. Tessa instinctively turned to Raul, her heart racing. His face, once filled with rage, now bore a solemn expression.
Then she glanced at Avery, who seemed at a loss for words, bitterness etched across his features.
As for Russell, he was practically vibrating with fury. His teeth clenched, he hissed, “Margaery, what do I care about these items? If I’d known it would come to this, I would have fed that hairpin to the dog instead of giving it to you!”
“Perfect!” Margaery exclaimed, a smile illuminating her face as she eagerly extended the items toward Tessa. “Now, take them.”
She stood there, watching Tessa with bated breath, anticipation radiating from her.
Everyone’s eyes turned toward Tessa, but the room was filled with an uncomfortable silence.
Tessa felt as though she was being scorched alive, cold sweat forming on her brow. She sensed that if she dared to accept the gifts, Russell would not hesitate to sever her hand.
The timing was all wrong. She couldn’t accept them.
Withdrawing her hand, she shook her head and lowered her gaze. “Margaery, these things are far too valuable. They carry not only Father’s affection but also Avery and Russell’s for you. I cannot accept them.”
“But Father, Avery, and Russell are willing to give them to you,” Margaery insisted, her voice imbued with sincerity. “And these are my gifts to you as an apology.”
Margaery’s eyes pleaded with Tessa. “If you don’t accept them, as Russell said, I’ll be cast out of the Wallen family. Do you truly wish to see me sent away?”
Conclusion
In the aftermath of Margaery’s bold gesture, the tension in the room began to shift, slowly morphing from hostility into a fragile uncertainty. As she stood there, offering her most cherished possessions to Tessa, the air crackled with the weight of unspoken words and hidden resentments. Margaery’s heart raced, torn between the desire for acceptance and the fear of further alienation from her family. The act of relinquishing her gifts was not merely an apology; it was a declaration of her resolve to break free from the chains of her past and redefine her place within the Wallen family. In that moment, she felt a flicker of hope ignite within her—a hope that perhaps, through sacrifice and sincerity, she could forge a new path, one where she was no longer the scapegoat of her family’s turmoil.
Yet, Tessa’s hesitance to accept Margaery’s offerings echoed the deep-rooted tensions that still lingered among them. The room held its collective breath, caught in a liminal space where forgiveness and animosity danced precariously. Margaery’s plea for acceptance hung in the air, a fragile thread connecting their fates. As Tessa grappled with the implications of accepting the gifts, Margaery realized that the journey toward reconciliation would be fraught with challenges. She understood that healing would not come easily, but she was willing to bear the burden of her past mistakes for a chance at a brighter future. In that moment of vulnerability, both women stood on the precipice of transformation, their destinies intertwined, ready to confront the shadows of their pasts and shape the whispers of their distant tomorrows.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
In the next chapter of “Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows,” readers can expect the tension to escalate as Margaery’s bold gesture of offering her cherished possessions to Tessa sends shockwaves through the Wallen family dynamics. The atmosphere is thick with unspoken alliances and simmering resentments, and the fragile peace that Margaery attempts to broker could easily unravel in the face of Russell’s fury and Avery’s bitterness. Will Tessa accept the gifts and inadvertently seal Margaery’s fate, or will she find a way to defy the expectations placed upon her? As loyalties are tested and hidden agendas come to light, the stakes grow higher, and the question of who truly holds the power in this family becomes increasingly murky.
Moreover, Margaery’s past life experiences will haunt her decisions, compelling her to navigate a treacherous path where every word and action could lead to her downfall. With the assembly of noble families watching, the pressure mounts for Margaery to prove her sincerity while contending with the weight of her family’s judgment. As secrets from the past threaten to resurface and the specter of Tessa’s true intentions looms large, Margaery must grapple with her own desires for redemption and revenge. What unexpected alliances might form, and how will the revelations about Tessa’s origins further complicate their already fraught relationship? Prepare for a chapter filled with intrigue, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of power as the characters inch closer to a confrontation that could change everything.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
