Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale ` 118 Summary
In Chapter 118 of “Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows,” Tessa faces a harsh confrontation with her sister Margaery, who coldly rejects her. The chapter opens with Tessa braving the biting cold, her determination contrasting sharply with Margaery’s scornful demeanor. Margaery’s disdain is palpable as she publicly humiliates Tessa, declaring that she is no longer her sister. This moment marks a turning point for Tessa, who feels the sting of betrayal and humiliation, especially when Joshua, her brother, joins Margaery in chastising her. Tessa’s emotions surge as she battles violent thoughts against Margaery but ultimately retreats, crushed and vowing to stay away from her sister.
Joshua experiences a tumult of emotions as he witnesses Tessa’s pain and Margaery’s cruelty. Despite his sympathy for Tessa, he struggles to contain his own anger towards Margaery, feeling powerless against her wrath. He attempts to defuse the situation by reminding Margaery of the day’s significance—the celebration of Lady Sophia’s birthday—and urges her to focus on that instead of her disdain for Tessa. However, Margaery remains indifferent, further aggravating Joshua’s frustration as he grapples with his family’s dynamics and the perceived injustices against Tessa.
Raul, their father, also feels the weight of the situation, caught between his daughters and their conflicting emotions. He recognizes Tessa’s rightful place in the family and feels a pang of protectiveness over her. Yet, he is frustrated with Margaery’s arrogance and dismissive attitude. As the chapter unfolds, Raul’s internal conflict grows, reflecting his bitterness over the family’s chaos and his perceived failure as a father. He yearns for a resolution but feels trapped by Margaery’s influence and the ongoing turmoil within their household.
As the carriage ride continues, Margaery’s thoughts reveal her growing discontent with her impending marriage and the expectations placed upon her. She questions the dynamics of her future household, expressing skepticism about the treatment she might receive from her Aunt Yvette and cousin Dominic. Raul tries to reassure her, emphasizing the responsibilities she will face as a matriarch. However, Margaery’s sarcastic retorts suggest a deeper dissatisfaction with her life and the roles prescribed to her, hinting at her desire for autonomy and control in a world that seems to confine her.
Overall, the chapter encapsulates the emotional turmoil within the Wallen family, highlighting themes of betrayal, power dynamics, and the struggle for identity amidst familial expectations. Tessa’s humiliation, Joshua’s frustration, and Raul’s internal conflict create a rich tapestry of emotions that set the stage for the unfolding drama in their lives.
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**Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**
**Chapter 118**
The frigid gusts of wind bit at Tessa’s skin, but they could not extinguish the quiet determination that simmered within her.
Margaery had foreseen this very moment last night, her mind already brimming with expectations.
‘But so what?’ she mused, a defiant fire igniting in her chest. ‘From this point forward, I will cast aside all masks and pretenses with them. Why should I concern myself with their opinions?’
A chilling laugh escaped Margaery’s lips as she uttered those thoughts aloud. “Has nobody informed you that, as of now, you are no longer my sister? Tessa, you are craftier than a shadow in the night. Who gave you the audacity to utter my name?”
Her tone was deceptively soft, yet the weight of her words bore down like a heavy stone.
It was a blend of fearless arrogance, laced with unabashed provocation and scorn.
And her ire wasn’t solely directed at Tessa; it also found its mark on Raul and Joshua, who stood by, their expressions grim and troubled.
Raul and Joshua exchanged worried glances, realizing that Margaery’s fury was brewing like a storm on the horizon.
Despite a deep-seated reluctance that twisted in his gut, Joshua barked at Tessa with an edge of frustration, “Haven’t I already made it clear that Margaery wants nothing to do with you? Can’t you grasp something so simple?”
This was the first time Tessa had faced such open humiliation from Margaery, and to be scolded by Joshua in front of her only deepened the sting. She felt a rush of heat flood her cheeks, and her fingers clenched into fists, nails digging into her palms as she fought against the urge to lash out.
In her mind, a torrent of violent thoughts surged—she imagined leaping at Margaery, raking her nails across her face, gouging her eyes, silencing her forever.
But the moment wasn’t right for such actions.
“It was my mistake. I forgot that Margaery has chosen to forget me,” Tessa managed to whisper, her voice trembling as tears welled in her eyes. “I’m so sorry, Joshua. I promise I will remember this and will never trouble Margaery again.”
With a choked sob, she retreated into the carriage, curling up as if she had just endured a great injustice.
Joshua watched her retreating figure, feeling a wave of sympathy wash over him. His heart ached for her, but he couldn’t shake the anger that boiled within him towards Margaery.
Yet, he knew this wasn’t the moment for his fury to surface.
Margaery was the one radiating anger now.
Joshua felt powerless in the face of her wrath. He turned to Margaery, hoping to soothe the storm brewing inside her. “Margaery, Tessa has simply grown accustomed to calling you affectionately over the past year.
“She won’t make this mistake again. From now on, she will steer clear of you whenever she sees you.”
Margaery remained silent, her gaze fixed on him, her expression unreadable.
Noticing her lack of response, Joshua pressed on, “Try to lighten up a bit. After all, today is Lady Sophia’s birthday celebration, and presenting her gift is what truly matters. Tessa isn’t worth your anger.”
His voice quivered slightly, betraying the turmoil within him.
He felt that Margaery had crossed a line.
He seethed inwardly, ‘How could Margaery dismiss Tessa so easily? Tessa is the rightful daughter of the Wallen family, my own sister.
If anyone is unworthy, it is Margaery, who has no claim to consider herself Tessa’s sister.
‘If it weren’t for the support she has from others, I would have shown her the consequences of her arrogance today, making it clear that this is the Wallen family, not a playground for the daughter of a mere midwife.
But for now, Joshua had to endure.
The days would pass, and soon enough, Margaery would be married off, leaving the family dynamic forever changed.
Margaery caught the flicker of anger in Joshua’s eyes, but she felt indifferent. “You’re right. Celebrating Lady Sophia’s birthday is indeed more important. Tessa isn’t worth discussing any further.”
Joshua was left speechless, grappling with her dismissive attitude.
‘Is that truly what I meant?’ he thought, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
But now was not the time for reflection.
Taking a deep breath, he plastered on what he hoped was a reassuring smile. “It’s freezing out here. Hurry and get inside the carriage.”
Margaery let out a sharp laugh, cold as ice, before stepping into the carriage.
Once she was inside, Joshua let out an exasperated snort. “That Margaery!”
Raul’s expression mirrored Joshua’s frustration. “She’s gone too far. For now, we must endure. It won’t be long before this is all over.”
He inhaled deeply, suppressing the urge to confront Margaery, and added, “Make sure you comfort Tessa. We don’t want her to get so upset that her stomach troubles her again.”
The mention of Tessa’s stomach pains left Raul feeling utterly helpless.
Nolan had no solutions to offer. They were still reliant on Margaery for this matter.
The thought of it only fueled Raul’s frustration further.
Steeling himself, he entered Margaery’s carriage and regarded her with a serious expression. “Margaery, Tessa comes from humble beginnings and doesn’t understand the ways of the world. Please, don’t take her words to heart. I’ll ensure she keeps her distance from you moving forward.”
Margaery regarded him with a quiet intensity.
To Raul, Tessa was now his true daughter, and he felt a pang of protectiveness.
A slight smile curled Margaery’s lips, laced with sarcasm. “Father, you say such things about Tessa merely to appease me. Inside, you must be seething, aren’t you?”
Raul stiffened, caught off guard. “That’s not true.”
“Good,” Margaery replied, her tone mocking.
Raul inhaled slowly, attempting to maintain his composure. “Soon, you will be the matriarch of another household. You must learn to be patient and tolerant.
“Tessa can never hold a candle to you. You are destined for greatness, while she remains just an ordinary girl.”
‘I have failed as a father,’ Raul thought bitterly. “That’s why an impostor has taken my daughter’s rightful place, humiliating her repeatedly, while I can only swallow my anger.”
Raul clenched his fist against his knee, feeling a sharp pang shoot through him.
Ever since he had knelt for a day and a night at Craig’s estate, his legs had never quite recovered. With the family embroiled in chaos and issues cropping up like weeds, he hadn’t found the time to seek medical help.
He simmered inwardly, ‘This is all Margaery’s doing. What an ungrateful wretch!’
Raul was consumed by a storm of hatred yet felt utterly powerless.
Margaery, meanwhile, couldn’t be bothered to feign civility. After the carriage set off, she stared out the window, lost in thought. The wound on her shoulder had ceased to throb but now it merely itched, a reminder of her frustrations.
She had long since stopped caring about the Chancellor’s estate and the people within it.
Raul, after waiting in silence for what felt like an eternity, finally summoned the courage to speak. “Your dowry seamstress is nearly finished preparing everything.
“When we return home tonight, I’ll have it brought for you to try on. If anything doesn’t fit, there’s still time for adjustments.”
Margaery remained silent, her thoughts elsewhere.
She was on the verge of breaking off the engagement. What use did she have for a dowry?
“In just a few days, it will be December 8th.
“December 8th is a significant day. After marrying Dominic, you will step into adulthood. From that moment on, as you enter another household, you must learn to endure, for other families are not like your own.”
Raul looked at her, trying to picture himself as a loving father, repeating his advice with care.
Margaery, however, remained silent, her mind racing.
She turned to Raul, a wry smile playing on her lips. “But isn’t the Hadley family my Aunt Yvette’s household? Will she treat me poorly? Or will Dominic?”
She thought, ‘Indeed, other households are not like one’s own. But the Wallen family… isn’t a kind place either.’
The Wallen and Hadley families had been intertwined through marriage for two generations, each equally matched with no clear superiority.
Raul found himself momentarily speechless by Margaery’s question, his expression darkening. “Your Aunt Yvette will certainly not make life difficult for you. Dominic is your cousin. You grew up together, so how could he possibly bully you?”
Then, shifting his tone, he continued, “But consider this: once you marry, you will become the matriarch. You will oversee all matters, both large and small.
“If the maids and old servants refuse to obey, you will have to endure their insolence, and you won’t have the authority to command them. When that happens, who will you turn to for justice?”
Margaery listened, her laughter ringing out like a bell.
“They must be quite audacious indeed.”
She glanced at Raul, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Am I not the young lady of the Chancellor’s estate? How could a few mere maids and old servants dare to defy me?
“Who gave them such audacity? Could it be that the orders came from the Chancellor’s estate?”
Conclusion
In the aftermath of the confrontation, Tessa’s heart ached with the weight of rejection and humiliation. The icy winds outside mirrored the chill that settled deep within her, yet a flicker of resolve began to ignite in the shadows of her despair. No longer would she allow herself to be defined by Margaery’s scorn or Joshua’s frustration. As she curled up in the carriage, tears streaming down her cheeks, she made a silent vow to reclaim her identity, to rise above the whispers that sought to diminish her spirit. The pain of the moment served as a crucible, shaping her into someone who could stand tall, unyielding against the tempest of familial expectations and societal judgments.
Meanwhile, as Margaery dismissed Tessa’s existence with an air of indifference, the cracks in her own façade began to show. Beneath the layers of arrogance and sarcasm, a sense of unease stirred within her. The looming specter of her impending marriage weighed heavily on her, forcing her to confront the reality that the world she sought to dominate was fraught with complexities she had yet to understand. Raul’s words echoed in her mind, a reminder that true power was not merely about authority but also about empathy and connection. As she stared out the carriage window, the landscape blurred into a tapestry of uncertainty, leaving her to ponder whether her path would lead to greatness or further isolation. In this moment of reflection, both sisters stood at a precipice, each whispering to themselves the promise of distant tomorrows, where their choices would ultimately define who they would become.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
In the upcoming chapter, readers can anticipate a dramatic escalation of tensions as the fragile dynamics between Tessa, Margaery, and the others reach a boiling point. Tessa’s resolve to assert her identity and reclaim her place within the family will be put to the test, especially as Margaery’s disdain continues to loom large over her. The emotional scars from their confrontation will not easily fade, and as Tessa grapples with her feelings of humiliation and betrayal, she will be forced to confront the harsh realities of her situation. Will she find the strength to stand up against Margaery’s relentless cruelty, or will she retreat further into her shell?
Meanwhile, Margaery’s impending marriage looms on the horizon, casting a shadow over the family. As she prepares to step into her new role, the question of whether she can truly escape the consequences of her actions arises. Will her arrogance and dismissive attitude come back to haunt her in the Hadley household? The tension between her and Joshua will also simmer, as he wrestles with his loyalty to Tessa and the complicated feelings he harbors towards Margaery. As the day of Lady Sophia’s celebration approaches, secrets will unravel, alliances will be tested, and the characters will be forced to confront their true selves. The stage is set for a confrontation that could change everything, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the fallout.
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.
