Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale ` 85 Summary
In Chapter 85 of “Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows,” Joshua grapples with the conflicting emotions surrounding Tessa and Margaery. As he reflects on Tessa’s gentle nature, doubts begin to cloud his perception. Russell, struggling to reconcile his feelings, questions the group’s faith in Tessa, while Joshua urges him to focus on the more pressing threat posed by Margaery, who is insistent on marrying Dominic. The tension between loyalty to Tessa and the need to appease Margaery creates a heavy atmosphere, highlighting the complexity of their relationships.
As the conversation unfolds, Joshua emphasizes the importance of understanding Margaery’s true nature, which has shifted dramatically. He recalls how Margaery had once been kind but has now become aggressive and manipulative. Russell is left in shock as he processes this revelation, realizing the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences if Margaery’s demands are not met. Joshua’s determination to protect Tessa while navigating the dangerous dynamics with Margaery adds to the emotional weight of the chapter.
Meanwhile, Margaery is depicted as scheming and calculating, planning to leverage the upcoming birthday party for her own advantage. Her resolve to break off her engagement with Dominic during the festivities underscores her desperation to regain control over her life. Despite her injuries, she is determined to present herself as healed, revealing her ambition and willingness to manipulate those around her. Dominic’s admiration for Margaery contrasts sharply with her cold inner thoughts, showcasing the disparity between perception and reality.
The chapter culminates in a poignant moment where Margaery expresses gratitude towards Dominic, who remains blissfully unaware of her true intentions. Her cold heart, masked by a façade of warmth, highlights her resolve to achieve her goals at any cost. The emotional turmoil experienced by Joshua, Russell, and Dominic sets the stage for further conflict, leaving readers anxious about the unfolding drama and the fate of Tessa, Margaery, and their intertwined destinies.
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**Chapter 85 You Were Still The Best**
“Perhaps everything she said was a lie, just to make us kill each other.”
Joshua’s thoughts spiraled into chaos once more.
‘How could someone like Tessa ever harm anyone?’
The image of Tessa, with her gentle smile and warm embrace, flooded his mind. He remembered how she had flung herself into his arms, her softness enveloping him, almost consuming all rational thought. It was a moment that had felt so pure, so innocent, yet now it seemed tainted by doubt.
Russell took a step closer, his voice quivering with uncertainty. “So, you all still believe in Tessa?”
The question hung in the air like a heavy fog. Deep down, Russell yearned to hold onto that belief. If Tessa was innocent, then perhaps his earlier judgments had not been misguided, and he hadn’t falsely accused Margaery. That notion would bring him a sliver of solace in this tempest of confusion.
But what if he was wrong?
Joshua placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, trying to steady his friend’s spiraling thoughts. “I just saw Tessa. Margaery is the one threatening us now, insisting that only she can marry Dominic. Tessa, for her part, agreed, saying that as long as her sister is happy, that’s all that matters.”
“Think for yourself, who is really being aggressive here?”
Joshua sifted through the chaotic events in his mind. “Remember that day? Margaery apologized just to escape the woodshed. She claimed she held no grudge against Tessa, yet she still slapped her.”
“She said she would let Dominic be with Tessa, but tonight, she insisted with force that Dominic could only marry her. She never budged an inch.”
Russell stood there, momentarily stunned by the revelation.
“Did she really say that?”
This was not the Margaery he had come to know over the past few days. “But she has been so kind lately; how could she suddenly turn like this…”
Joshua’s voice was steady, yet it carried a weight of experience. “A person’s nature is hard to change.”
Russell fell silent, grappling with the truth of those words. After what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke, “I can’t believe it. I need to ask her myself! Where is she?”
Joshua pressed his brow, frustration creeping into his voice. “Stop causing trouble. Right now, it’s not about whether you believe it or not; it’s about appeasing her. Even if you go, you’ll only be kneeling alongside Father.”
“Prince Dashnell is over there, and Father has been kneeling all day.”
The thought struck Joshua hard. Margaery was truly ruthless; she hadn’t even pleaded with Dashnell, leaving his father to kneel outside the door like a common beggar. “The one who hurt her was Clyde, not Father.”
“And yet, Father is her elder. She doesn’t show the slightest bit of compassion. This kind of her…”
Joshua shook his head, his heart once again leaning toward Tessa. With a heartfelt tone, he advised Russell, “Russell, Tessa is good, but the situation doesn’t allow us to favor her. Remember, our only goal right now is to appease Margaery and ensure she obediently marries Dominic.”
“Otherwise, the Chancellor’s estate is headed for utter ruin.”
Russell felt a chill creep into his heart at Joshua’s words. “Is it really that serious? But before Tessa arrived, Margaery wasn’t like this!”
“Back then, she used to chase after us all day long. Our bond was so strong.”
He lowered his head, a wave of discomfort washing over him.
Joshua sighed deeply, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. “Yes, that was then, and this is now.”
After a moment of contemplation, he spoke again, his voice low and serious. “The Margaery of today is no longer the Margaery of the past.”
“Let’s go. She’ll be back early tomorrow morning. No more impulsive actions. We can’t afford any mistakes right now. If you have time, go keep Tessa company. After all, she’s lost her innocence, and Dominic can’t marry her now.”
He felt a pang of regret for having ruined Tessa’s innocence at Pero Cela.
“She was foolish too. As soon as she heard the maid mention that the second brother had been set up, she rushed over, thinking she could save him.”
Joshua pressed his brow, determination etched on his face. “Go see her tomorrow morning. I’ll check on Clyde and see how his wound is healing. Doctor Nolan rarely makes house calls; I’ll ask him if he can treat Tessa’s stomach illness.”
With that, he strode towards where Clyde was resting.
Russell returned to his room, lost in a daze.
The hairpin he had carved for Margaery lay on the table, a painful reminder of what could have been. The more he stared at it, the heavier his heart felt. Finally, he picked it up, whispering to himself, “Since it’s come to this, perhaps it’s better not to have it at all.”
With a flick of his wrist, he hurled the hairpin out the window.
Winter nights were particularly harsh, each moment stretching into eternity.
Raul remained kneeling outside, while Dominic sat within, caught in a limbo of indecision, feeling awkward whether to stay or leave. He could only sit there, helpless, enduring the tension in the air.
Dashnell sat beside Margaery’s bed, seemingly impervious to fatigue, his gaze fixed on her for hours on end. The longer Dominic watched, the more lost and anxious he became.
‘Are they truly just seniors and juniors?’ he pondered, a knot forming in his stomach.
If his own junior found themselves in such a predicament, he knew he would struggle to bear it.
The more he contemplated, the more elusive sleep became.
He couldn’t allow himself to fall behind Dashnell.
The night dragged on until dawn broke.
Margaery’s wound had shown remarkable improvement. Upon waking and spotting Dashnell still seated at her bedside, her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Your Highness, please go rest. I am already well.”
“Are you truly well?”
He gently brushed a few strands of her disheveled hair from her face, concern etched in his features. “How could such a deep wound heal so quickly? Are you really planning to return to the Chancellor’s estate today?”
Margaery glanced out the window, the reality of time slipping away from her grasp.
The day after tomorrow marked Sophia’s birthday party at the Hadley family’s estate.
She had resolved to break off the engagement during the festivities.
Whether she was truly healed or not, she needed to present herself as such.
This was her only chance, her last opportunity.
Only by bringing humiliation to the Hadley family in front of everyone would she create a situation where negotiations were impossible. Otherwise, marriages were often dictated by parents and matchmakers. She and Dominic had been betrothed since childhood, and unless the Hadley family and Raul agreed to a private annulment, the engagement could not be severed.
If this entanglement continued, it would never see an end.
Margaery contemplated this, inhaling deeply, and turned to Craig, who stood nearby. “Mr. Eastwick, do you think I will be able to get up and move around within three days? The day after tomorrow is Sophia’s birthday party, and I wish to extend my best wishes.”
Dominic’s heart soared at her words. “Margaery, if you can come to my grandmother’s birthday party, that would be wonderful!”
He rushed to her bedside, his eyes sparkling with hope.
Margaery glanced at him, noting how some people’s appearances couldn’t withstand even a single sleepless night. He looked rather disheveled at that moment.
She forced a pale smile, her voice steady. “You have treated me so well all these years. How could I not attend your grandmother’s birthday party?”
He had treated her well, even while secretly entangled with Tessa.
Had everything gone as planned, Tessa might already be with child by now.
By the time the birthday party arrived, everyone would witness the truth for themselves.
The smile on Margaery’s face widened, warmth flickering in her eyes. “Rest assured, I will repay the kindness you have shown me a hundredfold. Whatever you desire, I will make it happen for you.”
Unaware of her true intentions, Dominic was moved to tears by her words. “Margaery, I always knew you were the best…”
Margaery ignored him, redirecting her attention to Craig.
Without the support of those around her, Dominic would not hold her in such high regard.
Her heart felt cold, the warmth she once felt long since evaporated.
Observing her expression, Craig spoke, “Although the wound may not fully heal, you should be able to move around. I will use silver needles to seal your acupoints, preventing the wound from bleeding.”
Dominic, unable to contain his admiration, exclaimed, “Sir, you truly deserve the title of divine physician! Margaery endured such a severe injury, yet she’ll be able to walk in just three days and even attend my grandmother’s birthday celebration!”
Conclusion
As the night faded into dawn, the tangled web of emotions and loyalties began to unravel, revealing the stark contrasts between innocence and ambition, trust and betrayal. Joshua’s unwavering support for Tessa stood in stark opposition to Russell’s growing doubts, encapsulating the internal struggle each character faced. The once-clear lines of friendship and love blurred under the weight of Margaery’s ruthless ambition, forcing them to grapple with the painful reality that their past bonds might not withstand the pressures of the present. Russell’s decision to discard the hairpin symbolized more than just a loss of hope for Margaery; it reflected a deeper, more profound acknowledgment of the fragility of their relationships and the harsh truths that had emerged. As they prepared to confront the new day, the air was thick with unspoken fears and unresolved tensions, leaving them all to wonder what sacrifices they would ultimately have to make.
Meanwhile, Margaery’s steely resolve to reclaim her agency amidst the chaos illustrated the lengths one would go to escape the shackles of expectation. Her determination to attend Sophia’s birthday party, despite her injuries, was not merely a testament to her physical strength but a manifestation of her desire to reclaim control over her own narrative. In her heart, she knew that the stakes were higher than ever; the impending confrontation with the Hadley family loomed as a pivotal moment that could either solidify her power or shatter her dreams. Dominic’s naive admiration for her resilience only deepened the chasm between them, as Margaery masked her true intentions behind a facade of gratitude and warmth. The emotional arc of this chapter concluded with a poignant reminder that in a world where whispers shape distant tomorrows, the choices they made today would echo far beyond their immediate consequences, leaving them to navigate the shadows of their own making.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
As the dawn of uncertainty breaks, the tension surrounding Margaery, Tessa, and the looming wedding weighs heavily on the hearts of our protagonists. In the next chapter, readers will delve deeper into the intricate web of loyalty and betrayal that binds Joshua, Russell, and Dominic. With Margaery’s enigmatic intentions becoming clearer, the stakes are raised as the characters grapple with their conflicting emotions. Will Russell confront Margaery, seeking the truth behind her sudden change? Or will he remain a pawn in her game, risking everything for the sake of love? The fragile alliances formed in the shadows may soon shatter, leading to a confrontation that could alter the course of their lives forever.
Meanwhile, Tessa’s fate hangs in the balance as Joshua undertakes a perilous journey to ensure her safety and well-being. As he navigates the treacherous waters of court politics, the question lingers: can he protect her innocence from the encroaching darkness? Anticipation builds as readers are left wondering how Tessa will react to the revelations about Margaery and the impending birthday celebration. Will she rise to reclaim her place, or will she succumb to the weight of despair? The next chapter promises to unravel secrets, ignite passions, and challenge the bonds of friendship, all while the clock ticks down to an event that could change everything. As the characters inch closer to their destinies, the whispers of fate grow louder, beckoning them toward an uncertain tomorrow.
