His 181St Second (Laverne and Marina) novel Chapter 25

**Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt Vale**

**Chapter 25**

Carrie seized the bank card from Lavern, her fingers curling around it tightly, as her voice dripped with an unmistakable disdain. “Once Shawna’s baby arrives, the costs are going to skyrocket. Why waste all that money on her?”

“She’s merely an orphan burdened with an elderly woman; marrying you is already the best thing that could happen to her,” Lavern shot back, his eyes narrowing as he fixed his gaze on Carrie, his silence heavy with unspoken words.

Carrie pressed her lips into a thin line, her mind swirling with irritation as she tucked the card into her pocket, a mix of reluctance and resignation washing over her. “Alright, alright, whatever you say. I’ll reach out to her this afternoon and take her shopping,” she conceded, her tone begrudgingly acquiescent.

After finalizing the contract with Thomas from Cloud Group, Marina decided to grab lunch with him. With Thomas occupied for the remainder of the afternoon, she made her way back home, her thoughts lingering on the day’s events.

She was about to send Garret a quick message to get an update on the contract regarding her Ross Group shares when her phone rang, cutting through her concentration. It was Carrie.

Ever since Lavern had sent Carrie back to their rural hometown, she had held Marina responsible for the decision. Over the years, Carrie had disregarded every text Marina sent her, from festive holiday greetings to heartfelt birthday wishes.

Even when they announced their engagement, Carrie’s response had been a complete withdrawal; she would let them handle the details, merely showing up for the celebration.

For someone who had been so utterly silent for such a long time to suddenly reach out? That was nothing short of peculiar.

Marina answered, her tone calm and composed. “Carrie.”

Carrie bristled at the way Marina addressed her, her voice dripping with insincere warmth. “You and Lavern are getting hitched soon, so it’s time for you to start calling me Mom.”

Marina replied coolly, “The wedding isn’t official yet, and I haven’t received the funds for the name change. So for now, it’s still Carrie.”

Carrie was momentarily at a loss for words. Stuck under Lavern’s thumb, she forced herself to swallow her irritation.

“The big day is just around the corner for you and Lavern. Let’s pick out something nice before then. I’m in the city today; I might as well get it done now,” she suggested, her voice a mix of eagerness and urgency.

Marina could almost hear Carrie grinding her teeth through the phone, the tension palpable.

Over the years, Marina had showered Carrie with gifts, only to receive nothing in return. But with her impending departure on the horizon, she thought, ‘Why not take advantage of the situation?’

“Sure, that works for me; I’m free today. Where are you? I can swing by and pick you up,” Marina offered, her voice light.

Carrie replied, “I’m at a friend’s place right now. No need for that; just meet me at the mall.”

Marina hadn’t been serious about the pickup anyway, so she agreed without a second thought.

Arriving at the mall first, Marina found herself waiting, the air filled with anticipation. She decided to step into a nearby gold store, her eyes scanning the glittering displays, captivated by the various styles that caught her fancy.

By the time Carrie finally burst through the door, Marina had already selected the most extravagant pieces available—a full set of five gleaming items that sparkled under the store lights.

Carrie’s eyes widened, and she nearly swooned at the sight of the total price. “Marina, you’ll be starting a family with Lavern right after the wedding. Gold prices are through the roof these days; why not choose something more symbolic and save the extra cash for later?”

Marina shot back, her voice firm and unwavering, “These are meant to be showcased to all the guests at the ceremony. Lavern hates losing face. If we skimp out or choose something too small, it’ll be embarrassing for him, won’t it?”

Carrie fell silent, casting a disgruntled look at the sales clerk, who had been watching their exchange with keen interest.

The clerk quickly picked up on the situation, sensing that Carrie was the one footing the bill. With a soothing smile, she offered, “We also have gold-plated silver options. They look just like the real deal; no one would ever know. Perfect for maintaining appearances without breaking the bank.”

Carrie nodded eagerly, her eyes lighting up. “Yes, that sounds perfect!”

The sales clerk beamed. “I’ll grab a few for you to check out right now.”

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