Chapter 78 Margaery leaned back against the bedding , quiet and still . 43 Dashnell sat beside her , his long fingers clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white . His anger wasn't obvious , but it was definitely there , simmering beneath the surface . He didn't say a word , just watched her in silence . Margaery lifted her gaze , looking down at Dominic , who was kneeling at her feet . In the fading light , his face was clouded with worry , his still - handsome features marked by exhaustion , and a look of feigned tenderness that he wore like a mask . If she hadn't died so miserably in her past life , she probably would have believed he truly cared about her. Margaery spoke , her pale face devoid of any emotion . " Fine , but I want Clyde's life . " Her tone was steady , with not a hint of warmth in her voice . It was as casual as if she were talking about what to have for dinner . Once she finished , she dropped her gaze and didn't look at him again . Dominic had a lot he wanted to say , but now he couldn't get a single word out . He really hadn't expected Margaery to make such an outrageous demand . In the end , he could only say , " Margaery , that's your brother . If he really dies , all the blame will fall on you . It won't be good for you … " " I don't care . " Margaery said flatly . Margaery lifted her gaze , locking eyes with him . " Can you do it or not ? " Dominic fell silent , unable to answer . ' Of course I can't do it , ' Dominic thought bitterly . Without thinking , he glanced toward the door , where Raul stood . Raul's eyes were red . He hadn't missed a word of what Margaery said ; in fact , he'd heard it all too clearly . Normally , he would have barged in and given Margaery a couple of slaps , just to make her remember to respect her elders and behave herself . But if he did that , he'd be pushing Margaery further away . Pushing her away would be a death sentence for the Chancellor's estate . But Clyde didn't deserve to die . After all , that was his own son . Raul just couldn't bring himself to go that far . It was Dominic who finally broke the silence , his voice trembling . " Margaery , you don't have to ask for Clyde's life . He's already on the brink of death . Just now , someone stabbed him straight through the chest - he's barely hanging on back at the estate . " " Margaery , this is his retribution , " Dominic continued . " Since he's already paying the price , and I've left him to fend for himself , just let it go and come home with me . After all , to forgive is to reclaim your own peace of mind . " 1/4 hu , 21 Aug Chapter 78 ༢ , 43 % Dominic stayed on his knees , shuffling closer to the bed and reaching out , trying to take her hand . " I can't stand seeing you tormented by all this . Let's just let the past be the past , Okay ? " " Very soon , we'll be married , " he added softly . " I promise , once you're with the Hadley family , no one will ever dare to bully you again . If you don't want to see him , then we can go our whole lives without ever seeing him again … " " Please , don't be like this . It really hurts me to see you like this . " Dominic forced out a couple of tears , doing his best to look pitiful . This time , Margaery didn't pull away . She let him take her hand , then finally asked , " Are you sure all these promises of yours . will actually work ? " Dashnell's gaze landed on Dominic's hand . It was as sharp as a blade . But he still didn't say a word . He just shot Margaery a look , choosing to trust her . After all , he'd already promised to let Margaery handle everything with the Chancellor's estate and the Hadley family herself . At Margaery's softened tone , Dominic's heart leaped with joy . " Of course , every word counts ! I swear - if I break my promise , may the heavens smite me ! " As long as Margaery was still willing to marry him , there was nothing he wouldn't do . The Star of Fortune , the divine doctor , the person protected by the Stormshade Hall … all these benefits would end up in Dominic's hands . By then , he'd be the most valuable person in the Hadley family . He'd never have to worry about his brothers or those overbearing side branches walking all over him again . Margaery looked at him and couldn't help but sneer inwardly . " If you marry me , then what about Tessa ? " she asked . She turned to Dominic , laying out her second demand . " Before , I thought I could just put up with her . But now , I've realized that the more I give way , the more people take advantage of me . So , I don't want to give in anymore ." She looked at Dominic , her voice gentle but her gaze laced with sarcasm . " So , what are you going to do about it now ? " Dominic choked , lost for words . Honestly , he still liked Tessa . Compared to Margaery - who used to be all tears and tantrums , and now was so sharp and forceful - he definitely preferred Tessa's sweet , clingy ways . But Margaery had serious backing now . Besides , just a few days ago , Margaery was still gentle and gracious . So once she cooled off , she'd probably go back to being that soft , easygoing woman . Meanwhile , Tessa was starting to turn into the old Margaery - getting jealous , throwing fits , and making a scene . And she didn't have any connections to speak of . 2/4 Chapter 77 Aug Once she ruined Margaery , it would finally be time to take care of those fools in the Wallen family . And as for Dominic , he would belong to her , and her alone . 43 % 38 ) Dominic braved the snowstorm and rushed to the outskirts of the city . It was already dark , and he found himself standing outside Craig's place , hesitating at the door . He still remembered the beating he got here last time . But for Margaery's sake … Getting her was worth the risk . So , swallowing his nerves , he pushed open the gate . " Craig , it's me , Dominic . I'm here to see Margaery … Is she with you ? " As soon as he finished speaking , he noticed Raul kneeling in the courtyard . He froze for a moment . " Raul , why are you kneeling here ? " ' Is Craig really this bold ? He actually made Raul kneel here ? He's the Chancellor ! ' Dominic thought in disbelief . Raul had been kneeling for most of the afternoon , and by now he was completely frozen . When he heard Dominic's voice , he turned around slowly , his voice hoarse as he said , " Margaery's inside . She's awake now . Go on in and see her ." There was a complicated look on his face . Margaery was inside - but so was Dashnell . Raul beckoned Dominic over and leaned in to whisper in his ear , " Dashnell is in there . By all means , break them up . Make sure Dashnell loses interest in Margaery . Do you understand ? " Dominic's face went pale , then turned red . He felt like he was cuckolded . Margaery was supposed to be his fiancée , but now , even while she was badly hurt , she was out here at the outskirts with Dashnell . Dashnell was the King's favorite son , the most spoiled prince in the whole kingdom . And now , he'd actually lowered himself to come to a dump like this . A wave of jealousy surged through Dominic , and some dark thoughts crept in . He stepped inside , knelt down , and said , " Your Highness . " Then he turned to look at Margaery lying on the bed , and deliberately tried to sully her name . " Margaery , even though we haven't married yet , we've already shared a bed . In my heart , I've always considered you my wife . As for what Clyde did to you , I'll make sure you get justice ." What he was really implying was that Margaery was no longer pure . ' Even if Prince Dashnell was desperate , he wouldn't want a woman who's already been with another man , right ? ' Dominic thought to himself . After saying that , Dominic lifted his gaze to Margaery , his voice soft and full of longing as he called her name . " Margaery , will you come home with me ? " 3/4