Wings of Broken Time by Alina Das 68

Wings of Broken Time by Alina Das 68 Summary

That evening, Haskell returned to the Palmer family estate and was immediately summoned by his father, Thatch, to the main hall. Upon entering, he saw Valeria clinging playfully to Thatch’s arm, teasing him about his promise to support her. Thatch responded with a rare softness, assuring Valeria he wouldn’t let her suffer unjustly. Nearby, Draven watched the interaction with a knowing smile, indulging Valeria’s antics. Haskell’s expression hardened slightly as he noticed the scene.

Valeria quickly announced Haskell’s arrival, but the mood shifted when Thatch saw Crispin wheeling Haskell into the room. Thatch informed Haskell about an invitation from the Judson family for a welcome reception, revealing that Honora was not their real daughter and that the true heiress had recently been brought home. The Judsons had also stated that Haskell’s betrothal should now be to the true heiress, not Honora, prompting Thatch to ask Haskell whether he would marry this new heiress or call off the engagement.

Valeria sharply criticized the Judsons, accusing them of disrespecting Haskell because of his disability and suggesting that Honora had simply refused to marry him, so they found a replacement. Her indignation was mixed with a sense of triumph, as she sought another confrontation with Haskell, feeling protected by his father’s presence. Haskell remained calm, seeing through her act, while Draven tried to calm the situation.

When Thatch pressed Haskell for his opinion, Haskell calmly stated that there was no need to cancel the engagement and that he was willing to marry the true Judson heiress. Valeria gasped in shock and insulted the true heiress, calling her a crude herbalist and belittling Haskell’s disability. She declared that the future heir of the Palmer family would be her brother, Draven. Haskell responded steadily, pointing out that Valeria’s words were insulting both him and the Judson heiress. Valeria quickly feigned innocence, claiming Haskell had become overly sensitive since his accident.

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Chapter 68

That evening, the moment Haskell arrived back at the grand Palmer family estate, the butler approached him with a message. His father, Thatch, wished to see him in the main hall without delay.

When Haskell entered the room, he immediately noticed Valeria clinging playfully to Thatch’s arm, her demeanor coy and teasing.

“Dad, you promised you’d stand up for me today,” she murmured with a pout.

Thatch’s eyes softened with a rare warmth reserved for his daughter. “Don’t worry, I won’t let you suffer for no reason,” he assured her gently. Nearby, Draven observed the scene, a knowing smile playing on his lips, equally indulgent of Valeria’s antics.

Haskell’s face hardened just a little, an expression of quiet resolve. Valeria was the first to spot him.

“Dad, Haskell’s back,” she announced brightly.

The smile faded from Thatch’s face as he turned to see Crispin wheeling Haskell into the room. The atmosphere shifted slightly, the air thick with unspoken tension.

“Dad, you wanted to see me?” Haskell broke the silence, his voice steady yet calm.

Thatch nodded, clearing his throat. “Haskell, I received an invitation today. The Judson family is hosting a welcome reception tomorrow night. Apparently, Honora isn’t their real daughter after all—they recently brought home the true heiress.”

Haskell’s reply was measured, “Yes, I heard about that.”

Thatch continued, “Kiernan Judson came by personally this afternoon. He told me your betrothal no longer applies to Honora, but to this true Judson heiress. What are your thoughts, Haskell? Would you marry her, or should we call off the engagement?”

Before Haskell could respond, Valeria interjected sharply. “What a coincidence, isn’t it? Haskell’s legs were crippled just last month, and now the Judsons suddenly discover a ‘true heiress’ and claim Honora’s a fake. Don’t you think Honora just didn’t want to marry him, so they found a replacement? The Judsons are being outrageous! How dare they look down on Haskell just because he’s in a wheelchair!”

Her voice brimmed with indignation, yet her eyes sparkled with a hidden triumph. After the last time Haskell had put her in her place, she was hungry for another confrontation. And now, with his father present, she felt untouchable.

Haskell saw through her act instantly. He drummed his fingers lightly on the armrest of his wheelchair, his gaze calm and unwavering as it swept over Valeria’s victorious expression.

Draven sighed, pretending to be annoyed. “Enough, Valeria. Don’t get so worked up.”

Valeria pouted dramatically. “But Draven, I can’t stand hearing the Judsons insult Haskell like this! It’s better to just cancel the engagement altogether!”

Thatch turned his attention back to Haskell. “What do you think?”

“There’s no need to cancel the engagement,” Haskell replied with a serene smile. “I am willing to marry the true Judson heiress.”

Thatch’s eyes narrowed slightly, suspicion flickering across his face. “Are you certain?”

Valeria gasped, putting on a show of shock. “Haskell, I heard the ‘true heiress’ is just some crude herbalist from a backwater village. She’s nothing compared to Honora. Even if you’re not the man you used to be, you don’t have to stoop to marrying someone like her.”

She deliberately jabbed at his disability, her tone dripping with contempt. “A cripple like you,” she sneered inwardly, “do you still think you’re the celebrated prodigy everyone admired? The future heir of the Palmer family will be my brother, Draven!”

Haskell fixed his gaze on Valeria, steady and unyielding. “Valeria, your words seem to insult both the Judson heiress and me.”

Feigning innocence, she quickly retorted, “Haskell, I didn’t mean that at all! You’ve just become so sensitive since your accident.”

Conclusion

The chapter closes on a tense yet revealing family moment, where underlying tensions and unspoken resentments surface amidst the looming uncertainty of Haskell’s future. Valeria’s sharp words and provocative stance expose her own insecurities and ambitions, while Haskell’s calm resolve highlights his strength and dignity despite his physical challenges. The interplay between them underscores the complex dynamics of pride, vulnerability, and the struggle for acceptance within the Palmer family.

Amidst the swirling doubts and shifting alliances, Haskell’s willingness to embrace the unexpected betrothal offers a quiet but powerful testament to his character. His serene acceptance contrasts with the bitterness around him, suggesting a deeper resilience and a readiness to face whatever comes with grace. The chapter’s emotional undercurrents remind us that true strength is not measured by physical ability but by the courage to move forward with integrity and hope.

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the simmering tensions within the Palmer family, especially as Haskell’s calm resolve faces the sharp barbs of Valeria’s spite. The delicate balance of power and pride will be tested, with emotions running high as old wounds and new provocations collide. Readers can expect the intricate dynamics between father, children, and Draven to unravel further, revealing hidden motives and alliances.

As the looming reception hosted by the Judsons approaches, the question of Haskell’s betrothal hangs heavily in the air, stirring uncertainty and anticipation. Will Haskell’s willingness to accept the true heiress be met with approval or scorn? And how will Valeria’s thinly veiled hostility influence the decisions and relationships within the Palmer household? The next chapter will explore these conflicts with a mix of sharp dialogue and subtle emotional undercurrents, keeping readers eager to uncover the true intentions behind each character’s actions.

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.

The Throne of Thorns Novel Chapter 68

Wings of Broken Time by Alina Das 68