Wings of Broken Time by Alina Das 53
Wings of Broken Time by Alina Das 53 Summary
In this tense chapter, Valeria teasingly warns Haskell about the potential embarrassment if the Judson family calls off the wedding, causing Draven to react with a mix of anger and affection. Despite Draven’s attempts to keep the mood light, Haskell’s demeanor shifts sharply, revealing his harsh view of Valeria as merely an adopted daughter who has overstepped her bounds.
Haskell’s cold attitude leads to an immediate punishment when he orders Crispin to discipline Valeria. Crispin slaps her across the cheek, leaving her stunned and hurt. Haskell coldly reminds Valeria that she is just an orphan Draven brought into the family and implies that her place is far beneath the Palmers. This humiliating moment exposes the deep conflict between Valeria and Haskell, highlighting the power dynamics and resentment within the household.
Draven tries to downplay the severity of the situation, urging Haskell to treat Valeria with more kindness, but Haskell remains unyielding, comparing Valeria to a dog that only barks when allowed. Valeria is left feeling humiliated and angry but too afraid to speak back. Draven sternly warns her not to joke in front of Haskell again, reinforcing the strict hierarchy she must navigate.
As Haskell leaves with Crispin, they exchange bitter remarks about Valeria’s ingratitude and audacity, especially given the delays in announcing the heir due to Haskell’s condition. The chapter ends with a heavy atmosphere of control, resentment, and suppressed defiance, setting the stage for ongoing tension within the Palmer family.
“Valeria, what on earth are you saying?” Draven’s voice dropped to a low growl, though the anger he pretended was more theatrical than real.
Valeria quickly covered her mouth with her hand, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Oh, Haskell, I didn’t mean to offend. I’m just worried about what might happen to your future. If the Judson family really decides to call off the wedding, it would be a huge embarrassment—not just for you, but for all of us.”
“Valeria!” Draven’s warning came again, sharper this time, though still lacking true bite.
Unfazed, she stuck out her tongue in a teasing gesture, then put on a mock expression of regret. “Alright, alright, I’ll stop now.”
Draven exhaled with a mixture of affection and exasperation. “Man, we’ve spoiled Valeria way too much. She’s getting more and more out of hand.”
He expected Haskell to laugh it off like usual, but this time, although Haskell’s face still bore a smile, his words cut through the air with unexpected severity. “You’re right. Since my accident, Valeria has grown bolder than ever. She speaks without thinking, even having the nerve to question my ability to have children. It’s as if she’s forgotten she’s only an adopted daughter of the Palmer family. She needs to be reminded of her place.”
Draven blinked, caught off guard by Haskell’s harsh tone.
Valeria’s face darkened instantly at being called an adopted daughter who required discipline. Her eyes flashed with hurt and defiance.
“Haskell, I’ll make sure she learns her lesson…” Draven began, but Haskell interrupted before he could finish.
“No need to wait. Do it now, Crispin.”
Though Haskell’s voice was calm, there was a chilling edge beneath the surface.
“Understood, sir.”
Crispin released the wheelchair’s handles and strode over to Valeria. Without warning, he struck her across the cheek with a sharp slap.
“Ah!” Valeria gasped, staggering backward before collapsing to the floor. She pressed her hand to her burning skin, staring up at Crispin in stunned disbelief.
Haskell looked down at her with an unsettlingly serene smile. “Valeria, just because you’ve been called a Palmer for some time doesn’t mean you truly belong. Remember, you’re nothing more than an orphan Draven brought home from the orphanage. If I hadn’t taken pity on you and let you stay, you’d still be fighting for scraps alongside the other children.”
Draven’s eyes narrowed, a cold spark flickering briefly before fading as he forced a smile. “You used to be so fond of Valeria, Haskell. You always spoiled her. This was just a little joke. Why take it so seriously now?”
Haskell’s smile didn’t waver. “It’s only a joke if I find it amusing. If not, it’s not a joke at all. Think of it like the dog I keep. It only barks when I allow it.”
Valeria’s eyes widened, burning with humiliation and pain. She shot a fierce glare at Haskell, her heart pounding with rage and bitterness, but she swallowed her words, too afraid to speak.
Draven looked at her with a stern expression. “Did you hear that, Valeria? Don’t ever make jokes like that in front of our brother again.”
Still clutching her cheek, Valeria was too shocked and hurt to reply. She simply nodded in silent agreement.
“Good,” Haskell said softly. “You know you were wrong. Don’t do it again.”
With a wave of his hand, Crispin turned the wheelchair around and began pushing Haskell toward the back garden.
Once they were out of earshot, Crispin muttered under his breath, “That ungrateful girl. If it weren’t for your mercy, sir, would an orphan like her be living like a lady in the Palmer household? And now, with Zoltan delaying the announcement of the heir because of your condition, she dares to mock you?”
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.
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