Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale ` 27 Summary
In “Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows,” Dominic grapples with intense jealousy as he confronts the possibility of marrying Margaery, a woman he has never truly desired, especially when he is still haunted by his feelings for Tessa. The sudden interest from Prince Dashnell in Margaery ignites a sense of inadequacy in Dominic, leading him to question his worthiness of Margaery’s affections. His inner turmoil is palpable as he resolves to prepare a proposal, driven by the fear of losing her to someone else, even if it means marrying her against his will.
Meanwhile, Tessa is blindsided by the news of Dominic’s impending engagement to her sister, Margaery. As she listens to Paige’s manipulative words, Tessa’s emotions spiral into confusion and despair. She is torn between her feelings for Dominic and the societal expectations surrounding their lives. Despite her turmoil, she clings to the hope that Dominic will come to his senses and choose her over Margaery, believing in the bond they share.
When Dominic finally confronts Tessa, the weight of their situation becomes evident. He expresses his helplessness in the face of Dashnell’s intentions and the social implications of marrying Margaery. Tessa, feeling overshadowed by her sister’s charm, reveals her insecurities and fears of losing Dominic. Their emotional exchange is filled with longing and sorrow, as they both acknowledge the depth of their feelings for each other, even amidst the looming marriage to Margaery.
Their moment of connection is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Phillipa, who harshly judges their closeness and the impropriety of their situation. Her disdainful accusations deepen the rift between the characters, as she expresses her disgust at the thought of Tessa and Dominic’s relationship. The confrontation leaves Dominic in a state of panic, realizing the precarious position they are all in, and he rushes after Phillipa, desperate to salvage the situation and protect his bond with Tessa. The chapter concludes on a note of tension, highlighting the complex web of emotions and relationships that bind these characters together.
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**Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**
A tempest of jealousy surged within Dominic, enveloping him before he had the chance to steady himself. The sharpness in his voice betrayed his inner turmoil as it sliced through the air.
He had never envisioned a future where he would marry Margaery; she had always seemed too insignificant in comparison to Tessa, the woman who held his heart. Yet, the moment Dashnell set his sights on Margaery, a gnawing realization gripped him. Perhaps he wasn’t worthy of her affections—and worse still, the haunting thought that Margaery might have already chosen to cast him aside lingered like a shadow over his mind.
The mere notion of that possibility was unbearable. Even if this engagement were to crumble, it would be on his own terms, not with Margaery trampling over his dignity.
Dominic found himself questioning, ‘Am I truly so apathetic towards Margaery?’ The jealousy seething in his chest clouded his judgment, making it difficult to discern the truth of his feelings. With gritted teeth, he finally declared, “Fine, I’ll go prepare the proposal right away.”
In his mind, a dark thought flickered—’Even if Margaery had to perish, she would do so in my bed.’
“Good. We cannot afford to waste a moment. Prince Dashnell has already sent Lady Serena’s jeweled hairpin to Margaery. The message is unmistakable. We must act before they do,” Raul commanded, dismissing Dominic with a wave of his hand.
“I shall take my leave then,” Dominic replied, bowing respectfully before turning to exit the study.
As he stepped into the courtyard, the crunch of snow beneath his boots echoed in the stillness, each step dragging him deeper into the cold, white expanse as he made his way toward the main gates. The wind howled mercilessly around him, yet it could not disperse the turmoil that roiled within him. He was caught in a web of conflicting emotions; he couldn’t relinquish Margaery, yet Tessa’s memory clung to him like a lifeline.
And then there was Tessa’s health to consider. If she were to discover what was unfolding, the devastation would surely break her.
Suddenly, he pivoted on his heel, determination coursing through him as he headed straight for Sunbeam Court, intent on seeking Tessa.
*****
Inside Sunbeam Court, Paige stood poised by the door, a sly smile playing on her lips as she awaited the opportunity to stoke Tessa’s resentment. “Lady Tessa, have you heard? If Lord Dominic truly marries Lady Margaery, what will become of you?”
“He told you he liked you, that he intended to break off his engagement with Lady Margaery. How can he possibly go back on his word now?” she prodded, her voice dripping with feigned concern.
Tessa’s fists clenched tightly, her expression darkening with each word. “Is this news credible?”
“Would I ever deceive you?” Paige retorted, her irritation bubbling to the surface. “You should have seen the triumphant expression on Lady Margaery’s maid, Amber. She’s practically dancing with joy!”
Tessa’s brows knitted together as her thoughts spiraled into a chaotic tangle. The last thing she wanted was for Dominic to wed Margaery, yet she found herself at a loss for a valid reason to intervene.
If she confronted him directly, it would shatter the fragile image she had so painstakingly crafted—people would start to question her motives.
For now, all she could do was wait for Dominic to come to her. Deep down, she was certain he would return; he wouldn’t abandon her so easily.
Tessa knew Dominic all too well. Yes, he and Margaery had been betrothed since childhood, but Margaery had always been the cherished jewel of the Chancellor’s estate, spoiled and adored. She was sweet and playful, an amusing distraction if one kept her caged like a songbird.
But as a wife? That was an entirely different matter. No man desired to worship a goddess within the confines of his home.
Dominic was no exception. He craved a woman who would yield to him, someone delicate who would lean on his strength for support. In that dynamic, he could bask in the glow of heroism, feeding his fragile ego. The one he truly needed—was Tessa.
Gradually, Tessa’s tension eased, and she cast a sidelong glance at Paige. “Don’t make a fuss. Dominic will provide me with an answer.”
As if summoned by her words, Dominic burst up the stairs, breathless and frantic, calling her name. “Tessa!”
He had raced so quickly that he struggled to catch his breath in the chill of winter, his cheeks flushed a bright red from the cold air.
A faint smile of victory tugged at Tessa’s lips, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared. She met Dominic’s gaze and then feigned a weak, sorrowful expression, coughing delicately behind her hand. Only then did she speak, her voice barely above a whisper, “Dominic, Amber mentioned you’re marrying my sister on December 5th?”
Her words quivered, the weight of her emotions threatening to spill over at any moment.
Dominic’s heart twisted painfully in his chest as he looked at her. He moved closer and sat at the edge of the bed, gently supporting her against him.
With a troubled sigh, he murmured, “It’s a situation I can’t escape. Dashnell has set his sights on her. If I don’t marry Margaery, he’ll make his move.”
“If Dashnell marries her, given the way she and the Chancellor’s estate regard me now, we will find ourselves in dire straits.”
Dominic attempted to reassure Tessa, though his own thoughts were a tangled mess. He thought, ‘If Dashnell were to marry Margaery, it would feel like a public humiliation.
From that moment on, whenever I encountered Margaery, if she were gracious, I would have to bow respectfully. If she were unkind, I would be forced to grovel at her feet.
If it ever came to that, where would I hide my face? Margaery must marry me. Even if it meant she had to perish, she would do so in the Hadley family’s backyard.
Tessa felt the warmth of his arms encircling her, yet she sensed his thoughts had already drifted elsewhere.
A wave of bitterness surged within her. With a soft sob, she murmured, “So even Prince Dashnell has fallen for Margaery. It’s no surprise. Margaery has always been the darling of the Chancellor’s estate, the apple of everyone’s eye. Everyone desires her. Unlike me.
“I grew up in the countryside. Even after returning, I’m still just a simple country girl. I envy Margaery. She has the favor of Prince Dashnell and you. Meanwhile, you’re preparing to marry her in a grand ceremony.”
Tessa lifted her tear-streaked face, her voice trembling with emotion. “So from now on, you won’t visit me anymore, will you?
“I don’t want to let you go. But what can I do? Margaery is your fiancée.”
With those words, Tessa covered her face and broke into tears. “But no matter what, you will always reside in my heart. If you ever turn around, you’ll see me standing right here.”
Dominic’s heart softened at her words. Without thinking, he pulled her into a tight embrace and vowed, “Tessa, don’t worry. Even if I marry her, I will never treat you unjustly.
“Just wait. I will plead with my father and Lord Raul to allow you to marry me as well. All my love, Tessa, will forever belong to you.”
Overwhelmed by emotion, Dominic couldn’t resist cupping her face and kissing her tenderly.
They were lost in the moment, entangled in each other’s warmth, when a figure clad in red stormed into the room. “Tessa—”
The voice cut off abruptly. “Dominic? What on earth are you two doing?”
Startled, Dominic and Tessa nearly collided as they scrambled apart, turning their heads in unison.
Dominic froze at the sight of the intruder. “Phillipa…”
Tessa stiffened, her voice faltering as she uttered, “Phillipa, you—”
Phillipa stood in the doorway, her piercing gaze locking onto Dominic and Tessa with icy disdain. “Aren’t you both ashamed? One is Margaery’s fiancé, the other her sister, and here you are, engaging in something so disgraceful.”
She turned her scornful gaze toward Tessa, her expression filled with contempt. “Had I known you were so vile, I would have allowed you to wither away in that bed. I wouldn’t have wasted my time bringing you medicine. Disgusting!”
With a furious motion, Phillipa hurled the bottle of medicine into the courtyard. The glass shattered, the contents spilling everywhere, leaving not a single drop behind.
By the time Dominic and Tessa regained their composure, Phillipa was already storming down the stairs. “And Joshua thinks I’d ever marry into this family? Dream on!”
“Phillipa.” Panic surged through Dominic as he released Tessa and hurried after her. “Phillipa, wait. Please.”
Conclusion
In the aftermath of the tumultuous encounter, Dominic found himself standing at a crossroads, the weight of his choices pressing down on him like the heavy winter snow. The warmth of Tessa’s embrace lingered on his skin, a stark contrast to the chilling realization that their connection was now tainted by the public scorn of Phillipa. The jealousy that had once consumed him began to morph into a deeper understanding of his true desires. He recognized that marrying Margaery would not simply be a strategic move to maintain his dignity; it would mean sacrificing the very essence of love and connection he shared with Tessa. As the echoes of Phillipa’s disdain reverberated in his mind, he resolved to confront the tangled web of emotions and loyalties that had ensnared him, determined to carve out a path that honored both his heart and his honor.
For Tessa, the confrontation had been a painful awakening, a reminder of her perceived insignificance in a world that favored beauty and status over genuine affection. Yet, as she wiped away her tears, a flicker of hope ignited within her. Dominic’s vow to never treat her unjustly resonated deeply, reminding her that love could transcend societal expectations. In the face of adversity, she found strength in her unwavering belief that the bond they shared could withstand the trials ahead. Though the future remained uncertain, Tessa resolved to stand firm, knowing that her heart would always belong to Dominic, even amidst the shadows of doubt and jealousy. Together, they would navigate the complexities of their entangled fates, whispering promises of a tomorrow shaped not by the whims of others, but by the whispers of their own hearts.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
In the upcoming chapter of *Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows*, tensions will reach a boiling point as the web of emotions surrounding Dominic, Tessa, and Margaery becomes increasingly complex. With Phillipa’s unexpected intrusion, the fragile peace that Dominic and Tessa shared is shattered, leaving both of them grappling with the consequences of their actions. As Dominic chases after Phillipa, desperate to mend the rift and protect Tessa, readers can expect a whirlwind of confrontations that will challenge the bonds of loyalty and love. Will Phillipa’s disdain drive a wedge between the characters, or can Dominic find a way to salvage the relationships that are teetering on the edge of collapse?
Moreover, as the date of the engagement approaches, the stakes grow higher. Tessa’s insecurities will resurface, forcing her to confront her feelings for Dominic and the reality of his impending marriage to Margaery. Will she find the courage to voice her true emotions, or will fear hold her back? Meanwhile, Dominic must navigate the treacherous waters of court politics and familial expectations, all while wrestling with his own heart’s desires. The chapter promises to delve deeper into the characters’ psyches, revealing hidden motivations and unspoken truths that will shape their destinies. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions as secrets unravel and alliances are tested, leaving readers breathless and eager for what lies ahead.
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.
