Chapter 46 Chapter 46 Margaery was aware of this. But she said, "Whether they accept it or not, that's their business. It has nothing to do with me." 45% She stood up, set down the money for the coffee, and said, "Thank you again for today, Lord Bernard. I should be heading back now." Bernard quickly pushed the money back to her. "Come on, the coffee's on me. Besides, it's nothing between us." He stood up and looked at her seriously. "I've more or less figured out what's going on between you and Dashnell. But let me make one thing clear-if you can't stay in Sinderin City anymore, just come find me. I'll get you out of here right away." "You'll always have a place to stay in Morales's estate," he added. Margaery nodded. "I'll remember that." Bernard walked her out, wanting to say something but holding back. Thinking about the mess at her home, he let her go. "If you ever need anything, just have Amber tell me. Don't be a stranger. Even if we can't be together, we'll always be friends." "Okay" she replied. Margaery hadn't expected Bernard to be so straightforward. Feeling overwhelmed, she quickly climbed into the carriage. She realized she'd been so blinded by what was right in front of her that she'd missed everything behind it all. Tessa had taken her place in her father, brothers, and Dominic's hearts, and she'd been so caught up in trying to win them back that she'd forgotten there was a whole world out there, and so many people were willing to reach out to her. The world outside was so much more vibrant than she'd ever imagined. And of course, there was Dashnell... Just thinking about Dashnell, Margaery felt a gentle warmth bloom in her chest. Before she even realized it, she found herself at the gates of the Chancellor's estate. As soon as she stepped down from the carriage, she was surprised to see Dominic waiting there. He was standing by the gate, clearly waiting for someone. The moment he spotted her, he hurried over, a complicated look in his eyes. "Margaery, about what happened today, please, let me explain..." "Explain what?" Margaery cut him off. Margaery instinctively stepped back, putting a clear gap between them. Dominic's expression froze, clearly thrown off by her reaction, but he forced himself to continue. "I swear, I didn't mean for any of this to happen today. What happened between me and Tessa was just an accident. I never thought things would end up like that." Keeping that distance between them, he fixed his gaze on her and insisted, "But no matter what, I'll still marry you as scheduled. These are the betrothal gifts that arrived this morning. They're for you. See if they're good enough." As he spoke, he pulled out a sheet of paper and showed it to her. 1/4 11:05 Thu, 21 Aug O G Chapter 46 Margaery almost laughed out loud at the absurdity of it all. 45% She just glanced at the paper, didn't take it, and didn't even bother to step closer. Her tone was flat as she said, "Those betrothal gifts are for the Chancellor's estate, not for me. I'm not the one taking them away, so what's the point of showing me this? You should be handing them to my father." With that, she brushed past him and walked straight inside. Dominic's brows furrowed. For a moment, he honestly couldn't figure out what she meant. But he quickly remembered why he was there-to test her attitude and smooth things over, to coax her into marrying into the Hadley family. Snapping back to his senses, he hurried after her and said anxiously, "My father has already gone to the palace to ask Lady Alicia to officiate our wedding. It might not be an imperial decree, but it's almost as good. I promise you won't lose any face. I'll make sure you get all the respect you deserve." Margaery just replied with a casual "Oh," not even bothering to look back, and headed straight for Gracewind Garden. In the past. the Hadley family had invited Lady Alicia to officiate Dominic and Tessa's wedding, making it a huge, extravagant event. But at that time, Margaery had been thrown out of the Chancellor's estate, left to wander the streets, fighting beggars for a piece of bread. All that pomp and ceremony? What does that have to do with me now?' Margaery thought, a cold smile tugging at her lips. This time around, isn't he still planning to marry Tessa too? What I once begged for, I can't care less about now.' Margaery let out a cold, silent laugh in her heart and picked up her pace. Dominic stood there, his brow furrowed deeply. He had already humbled himself, trying everything to please her, saying all the right words, offering every benefit he could think of. He thought for sure Margaery would be touched, forgive him, and promise to settle down with him for good. But he never imagined she'd react like this. But there was no way he could let her actually marry Dashnell. He had no choice but to chase after her again, following her all the way to the entrance of Gracewind Garden, where he finally managed to block her path. "Margaery," he said, his voice low and urgent, "once you marry into the Hadley family, I swear I won't let you suffer. Even though what happened between me and Tessa... No matter what, you're the elder sister. In front of you, she'll have to keep her head down and act humble... No matter what, he had to make sure Margaery married into the Hadley family first. Otherwise, if she ended up marrying Dashnell and went after the Hadley family, he'd be in serious trouble. Dashnell was in a completely different position from Marcus. Neither of them could actually inherit the throne. There was still Prince Nathaniel above them both. But since Dashnell wasn't even in the running against Nathaniel, the King never worried about him scheming for the throne. In fact, he trusted Dashnell and treated him with special favor. Marcus, on the other hand, always had the King's guard up- he was afraid Marcus might try something against Nathaniel. 38) 2/4 11:05 Thu, 21 Aug © CO Chapter 46 ས ༢ 45% If there was ever any conflict between Dashnell and Marcus, the King would almost always take Dashnell's side. Marcus barely stood a chance. After all, Marcus couldn't stand up to any real scrutiny. There were things Dominic had gotten involved in himself, so he knew exactly what was at stake. Right then, the most important thing was to keep Margaery firmly in his grasp. Margaery was willing to let him keep up his illusion, so she said with a faint smile, "Well, that's pretty decent of you. Thanks." Dominic brightened instantly. "So... you're not mad with me anymore?" "It's not like being mad would change anything," Margaery replied, turning to look at him from the threshold of Gracewind Garden, her smile gentle and soft. She had no intention of getting tangled up with him any further, but she was more than willing to keep up the act for the time. She continued, "Besides, ever since Father locked me in the lumber room last time, I've really thought things through. It's always been that way-women sharing a husband, men having as many wives and concubines as they want. Having Tessa around is just more of the same. Go keep her company. I'm the elder sister, and I won't hold it against her." Dominic rarely saw her like this-not crying, not making a scene, just so gentle and calm. For a moment, he was completely captivated by the smile on her face, feeling a long-lost flutter in his chest. "Margaery..." He stepped forward quickly, reaching out to take her hand. But Margaery smoothly dodged him. "We shouldn't be getting so close. Besides, there aren't many days left until the wedding. You should head back now. As for Tessa..." She smiled, her tone gentle but with a hint of mockery. "After what happened to her today, her reputation's basically in shambles. She probably needs your comfort more than ever. And isn't her stomach still acting up? The way she dressed today, I bet she caught another chill." Dominic reached out but caught nothing but air. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, but listening to her, he convinced himself she was making sense. He nodded, saying, "Margaery, you've really grown up. You actually care about your sister now." "I was just too young and foolish before," Margaery said. She sneered inwardly, "That's why I used to put you people on a pedestal Dominic felt even more pleased, already thinking that once things were settled at the Clan Court, he'd go ask Marcus for a favor. If Margaery could keep up this generous and virtuous act, he could have her manage the household in the Hadley family, freeing up Tessa to focus on her health and maybe give him a child or two. He could enjoy the blessings of having both women-a pretty sweet deal, all things considered. So he said, "Margaery, once you're part of the Hadley family, I promise you won't be treated unfairly. Even if Tessa gives birth, the child will be raised as yours. Your status will never be shaken" Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!