Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale 142 Summary
In “Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows,” Tessa grapples with intense feelings of jealousy and resentment towards Margaery, who seems to effortlessly attract the admiration of the realm’s nobility. Tessa feels abandoned and scorned, particularly by Dominic and Callum, and this sense of betrayal fuels her dark resolve to see Margaery harmed. As she observes Margaery’s calm demeanor, Tessa’s frustration escalates, prompting her to devise a plan to undermine her rival.
Desperate to act quickly, Tessa feigns illness to excuse herself and seek help from Halle, fearing that if Marcus marries Margaery, she will lose Callum’s loyalty as well. The tension escalates when Marcus publicly proposes to Margaery, and she reacts with irritation, sensing the pressure of the situation. Meanwhile, Tessa’s turmoil intensifies as she realizes the gravity of her circumstances and the potential fallout from Marcus’s marriage.
In a moment of impulsive bravery, Tessa interrupts the gathering to vehemently oppose Marcus’s proposal, claiming that Margaery’s reputation is at stake. Her outburst shocks those present, particularly Raul, who is bewildered by her audacity. Tessa’s boldness stems from a desire to protect her sister, but it also reveals her own insecurities and desperation to reclaim her standing. As Marcus’s anger rises, Tessa stands her ground, drawing courage from Callum’s supportive gaze.
The atmosphere shifts dramatically when Tessa reveals a scandalous incident involving Margaery, which she had previously kept secret to protect her sister. The revelation sends shockwaves through the crowd, and Margaery’s silence only adds to the tension. Tessa’s intentions, though malicious, inadvertently serve Margaery’s interests, as the truth of their shared past threatens to unravel the very fabric of their lives. Margaery’s mocking laughter in response to Tessa’s revelation signals a complex web of rivalry and hidden truths, leaving both sisters and their fates hanging in the balance.
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**Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**
Tessa’s mind raced with bitter thoughts, ‘What is it about Margaery that draws the attention of every noble and aristocrat in the realm? Why am I the one cast aside, scorned by Dominic, hidden away by Callum, and burdened with the label of a promiscuous woman for eternity?’
The tension in her hands was palpable, her nails digging into the soft flesh of her palm, a silent testament to her mounting frustration.
The fury in Tessa’s eyes was unmistakable, a blazing fire she could not extinguish.
At that moment, a dark resolution took root within her heart—she would see Margaery dead, and the thought filled her with a grim sense of purpose.
Margaery, perceptive as ever, sensed the undercurrents of Tessa’s hatred. However, she had no intention of engaging with Marcus, so she maintained a poised silence, biding her time, ready to slip away from the trap Tessa was so painstakingly setting for her.
As Tessa observed Margaery’s unyielding demeanor, her irritation boiled over.
Finally, unable to hold her tongue any longer, she cast a furtive glance at the main gate and addressed Raul, her voice laced with feigned discomfort. “Father, my stomach aches a little. I need to visit the privy.”
Her true intention was to find someone—anyone—who could summon Halle to her side with urgency.
Time was of the essence; she could not afford to wait any longer.
If Marcus truly wed Margaery, Callum’s wrath would surely be unleashed.
With Dominic’s abandonment still fresh in her mind, the thought of losing Callum too sent a shiver of despair through her. Who would she turn to then?
It was imperative that she retained Callum’s loyalty.
Tessa’s gaze sharpened as she scrutinized Raul, searching for a flicker of understanding.
But Raul was oblivious, his attention solely fixed on Margaery, as he pressed her with an unyielding tone. “We have reached a critical juncture. For Marcus, marrying you would be a stroke of fortune. Why do you not express your gratitude?”
With a voice imbued with sincerity, Marcus stepped forward, his eyes glistening with affection. “Margaery, given my genuine feelings for you, will you not accept me? If you prefer to choose another time for this momentous decision, I shall honor that wish.”
Tessa’s heart raced, her pupils narrowing in disbelief at the scene unfolding before her.
Ignoring the presence of others, she pretended to clutch her stomach and dashed out of the room, her mind racing with thoughts of vengeance.
Inside, Marcus continued his relentless pursuit, his voice unwavering. “You have ten days. Take this time to rest. After ten days, I shall return with a grand bridal procession to claim you as my bride.”
He refused to rise from his seat, his attention singularly focused on Margaery, dismissing everyone else around him.
Margaery furrowed her brows, a hint of irritation creeping into her demeanor. “Prince Marcus, do you not think this is a bit too hasty? If you truly cared for me, you would not be so insistent today. Your fervor feels almost threatening, as if you desire my demise.”
The thought of marrying Marcus was utterly repugnant to her.
Marcus’s eyes widened in disbelief; he had not anticipated that she would dare to deny him, even now.
Alicia, witnessing the exchange, erupted with indignation. She slammed her hand onto the table, her voice rising in fury. “Margaery Wallen! Are you truly considering refusing him? Who has bestowed upon you such audacity?”
Just outside the door, Tessa had returned and immediately caught wind of Alicia’s pressure on Margaery.
Anxiety surged within her, and she could no longer wait for Halle’s entrance. She rushed inside, dropping to her knees, her voice trembling with urgency. “Prince Marcus, you cannot marry my sister, Margaery!”
This time, Raul’s ears perked up at her outburst.
“Tessa!” he exclaimed, his voice a mix of shock and confusion.
Stunned, Raul struggled to comprehend why she was creating such a stir.
“Why?” Marcus’s brows knitted together, his icy gaze locking onto Tessa, disdain evident in his expression.
He had never held Tessa in high regard, and her lack of decorum only fueled his irritation. Without waiting for her to respond, he sneered, “When did it become your prerogative to dictate whom I may marry?”
“Please, Prince Marcus, temper your anger. My daughter hails from the countryside and lacks the understanding of proper etiquette. I beg you, do not take her words to heart…” Raul interjected quickly, attempting to quell the rising tension.
Yet, Marcus’s gaze remained piercing as he regarded Raul, the reproach in his eyes unmistakable. “If she lacks understanding, then do not bring her to such gatherings and shame yourself further.”
Raul’s cheeks flushed with humiliation at the rebuke. He turned to Tessa, his voice stern. “Tessa, this matter is not yours to meddle in today. Remain silent.”
Inwardly, Raul chastised himself, ‘Tessa is thoughtless. After all, she is a simple country girl with limited experience. It seems she will require careful guidance moving forward.’
He suppressed his frustration, but as her father, he softened his tone, hoping to reach her.
In the past, Tessa would have knelt and wept, desperate to maintain her image of obedience.
But today, she stood her ground, her voice quivering with determination. “Father, I am not thoughtless! This is a matter of great importance that must be addressed.”
With a glance at Marcus, her eyes glistened with unshed tears, a blend of fear and resolve. “What I mean to say is that it is not only I who have been sullied; Margaery has suffered as well.”
“Prince Marcus, you are unaware of the full truth. If you marry her in ten days and the reality comes to light, it will be your reputation that suffers. Should Margaery become pregnant, and the child not be yours, the fallout will be disastrous.”
“What did you just say?”
Marcus was momentarily taken aback, his expression darkening.
He instinctively turned to Margaery, seeking confirmation.
Margaery merely smiled, offering no further explanation.
As long as Dashnell remained indifferent, her reputation was of little concern. She was curious to see how Marcus would react.
The sting of her smile ignited a fire of suppressed fury within Marcus.
He had been blissfully unaware of Margaery’s lost purity, but now was not the time to delve into such matters.
Tessa, oblivious to the gravity of the situation, pressed on.
Marcus clenched his fists, his gaze searing into Tessa. “Do you comprehend the weight of your words?”
If not for the multitude of witnesses present, he would have silenced her for good.
Tessa felt the weight of his anger, yet her allegiance lay with Callum. Thus, she stood as an adversary to Marcus.
She cast a fleeting glance at Callum, who responded with a subtle smile, his eyes brimming with approval.
That single look filled Tessa with renewed courage.
Her heart raced as she steadied herself, tears pooling in her eyes as she faced Marcus. “I did not wish to bring this up, but my innocence has already been tarnished, and I cannot bear to see my sister’s reputation suffer the same fate. But we have reached this juncture; if I do not speak, it would be a disservice to His Highness.”
Margaery listened intently, a smirk playing on her lips.
She had an inkling of what was unfolding.
Although Tessa’s intentions were malicious, they inadvertently served Margaery’s interests. So, she remained silent, content to watch as Tessa’s words unraveled.
With a faux expression of concern, Tessa continued, “On that fateful night at Pero Cela, it was not just Dominic and I who were drugged. Margaery was also affected. She fled downstairs, but when she reached the latrine, she was assaulted by a beggar.”
“I witnessed the entire incident.”
Instantly, the atmosphere shifted, the crowd erupting in shocked murmurs.
“My goodness, is what she is saying true? This is simply too much…” The spectators exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of disbelief and intrigue as they turned to Margaery.
For once, Margaery remained silent, choosing not to defend herself.
She allowed Tessa to continue, her words flowing unimpeded.
“That day, I refrained from speaking out to protect Margaery’s innocence. But Marcus is a prince; when he weds, he cannot have a wife who is not pure. Such a union would tarnish the royal bloodline, and ultimately, it would be the Chancellor’s estate that bears the blame!”
Tessa’s voice trembled as she turned to Margaery, an apologetic expression on her face. “I am truly sorry, Margaery. At this moment, I have no choice but to unveil the truth…”
Margaery’s laughter rang out, a melodic sound laced with mockery. “You are quite the virtuous person, aren’t you?”
Tessa was momentarily taken aback, unprepared for Margaery’s sarcastic response instead of a defensive retort distancing herself from Marcus’s faction.
Her previously unwavering confidence began to waver.
Raul, however, was the first to show signs of distress.
“Tessa, what nonsense are you spouting?”
Conclusion
In the dim light of the gathering, Tessa’s heart felt as heavy as the weight of her revelations. The atmosphere crackled with tension, and she could sense the shifting allegiances around her. The once-familiar faces of her family and peers now seemed like shadows, their true intentions obscured in the swirling chaos of her desperate plea. Tessa had stepped beyond the bounds of her previous obedience, choosing to unveil the truth not just for herself but for Margaery as well. Yet, as she stood there, her voice trembling with the gravity of her words, she realized that her actions were a double-edged sword. In her quest to shield her sister from the same fate that had befallen her, she had unwittingly placed herself in the crosshairs of scorn and suspicion. The very foundation of her identity, built on loyalty and silence, was crumbling beneath her feet.
Margaery’s laughter echoed in Tessa’s mind, a haunting reminder of the precariousness of their shared fate. For a fleeting moment, Tessa felt the sting of betrayal, not just from Margaery but from the world that had so easily cast her aside. Yet, amid the cacophony of doubt and disdain, a flicker of resolve ignited within her. She had chosen to speak out, to reclaim her narrative, and in doing so, she had found a voice that resonated with the power of truth. As the murmurs of the crowd swirled around her, Tessa understood that her journey was only beginning. The whispers that had once defined her would now shape a future where she could stand tall, not just as a reflection of her past, but as a formidable force in her own right. In that moment, she embraced her tumultuous emotions, ready to face whatever distant tomorrows lay ahead.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
In the next chapter of *Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows*, readers can expect the simmering tensions to boil over as Tessa’s desperate gambit to protect her sister and reclaim her own dignity takes center stage. With the revelation of Margaery’s past looming over the royal court, the stakes are raised to an electrifying level. Will Tessa’s audacious claims unravel the delicate web of alliances that bind the nobles together, or will they merely serve to strengthen Margaery’s resolve? As Marcus grapples with the implications of Tessa’s accusations, the atmosphere will crackle with anticipation, and every character will be forced to confront their hidden truths.
Moreover, the chapter promises to delve deeper into the characters’ motivations and the complex dynamics of loyalty and betrayal. Callum’s supportive glance towards Tessa hints at a budding alliance that could shift the balance of power, while Raul’s embarrassment and Margaery’s enigmatic laughter suggest that not all is as it seems. As secrets are unearthed and allegiances tested, readers will be left breathless, questioning who can truly be trusted in a world where whispers shape destinies. With the clock ticking down to Marcus’s proposed wedding, the chapter will lead to a dramatic confrontation that could alter the fates of all involved, leaving readers eager for the next twist in this captivating tale.
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.
