Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale ` 78 Summary
In Chapter 78 of “Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows,” titled “I’ll Marry Only You,” Margaery finds herself in a tense standoff with Dominic and Dashnell. Reclining on her bed, Margaery’s thoughts are heavy, while Dashnell sits beside her, his calm demeanor masking a brewing storm of emotions. The atmosphere is thick with unspoken words until Margaery directs her gaze to Dominic, who kneels at her feet, desperation etched on his face. Despite his concern, Margaery’s past tragedies cloud her judgment, leading her to make a chilling demand for her brother Clyde’s life.
Dominic is taken aback by Margaery’s brazen request and struggles to articulate his feelings, knowing the gravity of her words. He tries to reason with her, explaining that Clyde is already on the brink of death, but Margaery remains resolute and indifferent to the consequences. The tension escalates as Dominic pleads for her to abandon her dark wish and instead focus on the possibility of a future together, promising her peace and protection within the Hadley family. Margaery’s skepticism surfaces as she questions the sincerity of his promises, but she ultimately allows him to take her hand, indicating a fragile connection.
As their conversation unfolds, Margaery confronts Dominic about Tessa, revealing her unwillingness to tolerate any threats to her newfound strength. Dominic, caught between his feelings for Tessa and his commitment to Margaery, resolves to abandon Tessa for Margaery’s sake, declaring his intention to marry only her. Margaery, however, views Dominic’s devotion with a mix of amusement and disdain, likening him to a dog that responds to her treatment. Despite her reservations, she agrees to accompany him the next day, feigning vulnerability to manipulate his eagerness.
The chapter concludes with Margaery requesting oatmeal, which sends Dominic into a flurry of excitement, momentarily distracting him from the underlying tensions. As he leaves, Dashnell watches with a stormy expression, aware of the complexities surrounding Margaery’s situation. Margaery then turns to Dashnell, seeking his assistance for an upcoming birthday party, hinting at her own vulnerabilities while testing the waters of his loyalty. Dashnell is left grappling with his feelings for Margaery and the implications of her choices, setting the stage for further conflict and emotional turmoil in their intertwined fates.
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### Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale
#### Chapter 78 I’ll Marry Only You
Margaery reclined against the soft bedding, her body poised yet her spirit heavy with unspoken thoughts.
Dashnell occupied the space beside her, his fingers tightly coiled, betraying the tension that coursed through him. Though his face remained impassive, an undercurrent of rage simmered just beneath his calm exterior, a storm waiting to break.
Silence enveloped them, thick and suffocating, as he observed her without uttering a single word.
Margaery finally shifted her gaze, her eyes landing on Dominic, who was kneeling humbly at her feet, an image of desperation.
In the dimming light of the room, his face was a canvas of concern, the remnants of his handsome features marred by fatigue and a mask of false affection that he wore like armor.
If she hadn’t experienced such a tragic demise in her previous life, she might have believed in the sincerity of his feelings.
With a voice as cold as winter’s breath, Margaery broke the silence. “Fine, but I want Clyde’s life.”
Her tone was devoid of warmth, as casual as if she were discussing the evening meal. Once her demand hung in the air, she lowered her gaze, refusing to meet his eyes again.
Dominic found himself overwhelmed with unexpressed thoughts, yet words evaded him. He had never anticipated such a brazen request from Margaery. Finally, he managed to stammer, “Margaery, that’s your brother. If he dies, all the blame will fall squarely on your shoulders. You don’t understand how this could affect you…”
“I don’t care,” Margaery replied flatly, her voice unwavering.
Margaery raised her eyes to meet his, her expression unyielding. “Can you do it or not?”
Dominic fell into a profound silence, grappling with the weight of her question.
‘Of course I can’t do it,’ he thought bitterly, a sense of helplessness washing over him.
His gaze instinctively flickered toward the door, where Raul stood, a silent witness to the unfolding drama.
Raul’s eyes were red-rimmed, a testament to the emotional turmoil he had endured. He had absorbed every word Margaery uttered, each syllable cutting deeper than a blade.
In another time, he would have stormed in, delivering a few sharp slaps to remind Margaery of her place, to teach her respect for her elders.
Yet, he understood that such actions would only drive her further away.
Creating distance between them would spell doom for the Chancellor’s estate, a reality he could not bear to face.
But Clyde, her brother, did not deserve to meet such a fate.
After all, he was his own flesh and blood. Raul felt a knot of conflict in his chest, unable to reconcile his loyalty to family with the grim reality of the situation.
It was Dominic who shattered the oppressive silence, his voice quivering with emotion. “Margaery, you don’t need to ask for Clyde’s life. He’s already teetering on the edge of death. Just moments ago, someone plunged a blade straight through his chest—he’s barely clinging to life back at the estate.”
“This is his retribution, Margaery,” Dominic continued, his tone shifting to one of urgency.
“He’s already paying the price. I’ve left him to his own devices; just let it be and return home with me. Forgiveness is a pathway to reclaiming your own peace.”
He remained on his knees, inching closer to the bed, extending his hand toward her, desperate for connection. “I can’t bear to see you tormented by this. Let’s leave the past behind us, shall we?”
“Very soon, we’ll be married,” he added softly, his voice filled with hope.
“I promise, once you’re part of the Hadley family, no one will dare to bully you again. If you don’t wish to see him, then we can live our lives without ever crossing paths with him again…”
“Please, don’t be like this. It pains me to see you in such turmoil.” Dominic squeezed out a few tears, striving to project an image of vulnerability.
This time, Margaery didn’t pull away; she allowed him to take her hand, finally asking, “Are you truly certain that all these promises of yours will hold weight?”
Dashnell’s gaze narrowed on the connection between their hands, sharp as a dagger.
Yet, he remained silent, choosing instead to cast a meaningful look at Margaery, placing his trust in her judgment.
After all, he had already committed to allowing Margaery to navigate the complexities of the Chancellor’s estate and the Hadley family on her own.
At the softening of Margaery’s tone, Dominic felt a surge of elation. “Of course, every word matters! I swear—if I break my promise, may the heavens strike me down!”
As long as Margaery was willing to accept him as her future husband, he would move mountains to ensure her happiness.
The Star of Fortune, the revered healer, the one shielded by the Stormshade Hall—all these advantages would soon be his.
In that moment, he envisioned himself as the most coveted asset within the Hadley family, free from the shadows of his brothers and the overbearing side branches that had always overshadowed him.
Margaery studied him, an inward sneer forming as she contemplated his sincerity.
“If you marry me, what will happen to Tessa?” she inquired, her voice smooth yet edged with challenge.
She turned her full attention to Dominic, laying out a second demand. “I once thought I could tolerate her presence. But now, I’ve realized that the more I yield, the more others exploit my kindness. I refuse to be a doormat any longer.”
Her gaze bore into Dominic’s, gentle yet laced with sarcasm. “So, what will you do about it now?”
Dominic faltered, momentarily at a loss for words.
Truth be told, he still held a fondness for Tessa.
Compared to Margaery—who had transformed from a woman of tears and tantrums into someone sharp and commanding—he found Tessa’s sweet, clingy nature far more appealing.
But Margaery now wielded formidable connections.
Only days earlier, she had exuded gentleness and grace, and he believed that once her anger subsided, she would revert to that softer version of herself.
Meanwhile, Tessa was morphing back into the old Margaery—jealous, tempestuous, and prone to dramatic outbursts.
And Tessa lacked the influential connections that could shield her.
After weighing the options, Dominic resolved to abandon his feelings for Tessa.
With newfound determination, he declared, “Margaery, if you truly cannot tolerate her, then I simply won’t marry her. After all, she was the one who intruded upon the Pero Cela that day—it’s not as if I forced her hand.”
“I’ll marry only you. Just you,” he affirmed, his grip on Margaery’s hands tightening, his eyes brimming with earnest affection.
But as Margaery regarded him, she couldn’t shake the feeling that he resembled a mere dog.
When she treated him kindly, he would snarl and bite.
Yet, when she treated him like a stray, he would wag his tail and crawl back to her side.
‘It seems some people truly are devoid of shame,’ she mused.
A small smile crept onto her lips. “Then I’ll return with you tomorrow. My wounds are still fresh; if I move too much, they’ll start bleeding again. You wouldn’t want my wounds to burst open, would you?”
“Of course not! Just focus on healing. I’ll stay by your side tonight!” Dominic exclaimed, his heart racing with excitement, momentarily forgetting everything else.
As long as Margaery was willing to forgive him, he believed that all would be well.
But Margaery had no intention of entangling herself further with him. “I’m craving some oatmeal from the northern part of the city. Could you fetch me some? I’m feeling a bit hungry.”
“Absolutely! I’ll go right now—just wait for me!” Dominic leaped to his feet, invigorated by her request.
As he rose, he caught sight of Dashnell seated by the bed, and a flicker of awkwardness crossed his face. “Prince Dashnell, I’ll take my leave now.”
Dashnell didn’t even cast him a glance.
Dominic reassured himself, ‘With Craig and Raul still present, it should be safe enough for Dashnell to remain here for now.’
Moreover, he had inadvertently revealed that Margaery was no longer a “virgin.”
Noting the stormy expression on Dashnell’s face, Dominic surmised that he still held onto that knowledge with resentment.
With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Dominic exited the courtyard, a smile plastered across his face.
“Margaery, what are you truly thinking?” Dashnell inquired once Dominic had departed.
He turned to Margaery, extracting a handkerchief to gently wipe away the spot where Dominic had just touched her.
His voice dropped to a low murmur, ensuring Raul remained oblivious to their conversation.
But Margaery, feeling bold, raised her voice. “Your Highness, Janiyah’s birthday party is approaching in a few days. I lack a suitable gift to present, and given my injuries, I can’t prepare anything myself.
“Could you assist me?”
She looked at Dashnell, her cold hand gripping his tightly, a plea wrapped in vulnerability.
Dashnell appeared conflicted, clearly unhappy, yet overwhelmed with pity for her plight.
With a furrowed brow and a complex expression in his eyes, he finally asked, “Are you truly resolved to marry Dominic?”
Margaery responded with a bitter smile, “Your Highness, you heard his words. I’m no longer a virgin…”
But Dashnell, more aware than anyone of the deeper truths, remained silent, contemplating the implications of her decision.
Conclusion
In the dim light of the room, Margaery’s emotional journey reached a pivotal moment, marked by a blend of defiance and vulnerability. Her demand for Clyde’s life served as a stark reminder of the lengths to which she was willing to go to reclaim her agency in a world that had continually sought to undermine her. As she engaged with Dominic, her icy demeanor began to thaw, revealing the complex layers of her psyche. The promise of marriage hung in the air, a double-edged sword that could either bind her to a future of safety or further entrap her in a web of deceit. In that moment of connection, Margaery understood that her choices would shape not only her destiny but also the fates of those intertwined with her own.
Meanwhile, Dashnell’s silent turmoil reflected the weight of unspoken emotions, his love for Margaery clashing with the reality of her decisions. As she sought his assistance for Janiyah’s birthday, it became clear that her path forward was fraught with challenges and uncertainties. The bitterness in her smile hinted at the sacrifices she was making, both for herself and for those she cared about. Dashnell’s internal conflict mirrored the broader themes of loyalty and sacrifice that permeated their lives, leaving him to grapple with the implications of Margaery’s choices. In the end, the chapter closed not just on a promise of marriage but on the haunting echoes of past traumas and the fragile hope for a future that remained tantalizingly out of reach.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
### What to Expect in Next Chapter?
As the tension in the air thickens, readers can anticipate a gripping exploration of Margaery’s tumultuous emotions and the precarious alliances she is forging. With Dominic’s desperate promises lingering in her mind, Margaery stands at a crossroads, torn between the safety of a marriage that could elevate her status and the haunting memories of her past life. Will she lean into the comfort of Dominic’s assurances, or will the shadows of betrayal and vengeance pull her back into a darker path? The stakes are higher than ever, and Margaery’s choices will not only shape her future but also ripple through the lives of those around her, including her brother Clyde, whose fate hangs in the balance.
Meanwhile, Dashnell’s silent turmoil promises to erupt as he grapples with his feelings for Margaery and the implications of her potential union with Dominic. His conflicted loyalties and unspoken desires will come to a head, forcing him to confront the reality of his own emotions. Will he remain a passive observer, or will he take a stand to protect Margaery from the very fate she seems to be courting? The upcoming chapter will delve into the intricate dynamics of love, power, and sacrifice, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the fates of these entangled characters. Expect unexpected alliances, heart-wrenching decisions, and the haunting echoes of past choices that shape their destinies in ways none of them could foresee.
