His 181St Second (Laverne and Marina) novel Chapter 27

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

**Chapter 27**

The neighbor stood there, her expression a vivid canvas of disdain, making it abundantly clear that she found him utterly clueless.

“How could you not know about something this significant?” she exclaimed, her voice dripping with incredulity. “What kind of boyfriend are you, anyway? You’re the big shot running a company, yet you couldn’t spare a dime for the funeral? Typical; the wealthier the man, the stingier he tends to be. It’s no surprise Marina’s calling off the wedding; she…”

Marina had orchestrated an entirely different agenda for what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, discreetly informing the neighbors not to attend; the entire event had been scrapped.

Alyssa had always placed immense importance on appearances, and Marina couldn’t bear the thought of people showing up merely to gawk or create a scene, stealing away Alyssa’s peace even in death.

As the neighbor continued her unsolicited tirade, Marina felt a surge of urgency. She dashed out, desperate to intervene before Ana spilled too much to Lavern.

With a swift motion, she flung the door open, stepping into the light with an apologetic look in her eyes. “I’m so sorry for the trouble, Ana. I’ll take care of this myself.”

Ana Mayer nodded, her gaze flickering suspiciously toward Lavern before she added, “If you need anything, just shout.”

Marina offered a brief nod, her mind racing as she watched Ana retreat inside.

Turning her attention back to Lavern, she found him standing there, guilt etched across his features, his expression heavy with regret.

“Marina,” he began, his voice laden with sincerity, “why didn’t you tell me about something this monumental? If you had just said a word, I would have dropped everything, raced back from the next city, and been right by your side.”

Marina held his gaze, her eyes betraying no hint of emotion. “And ruin your good time? You finally managed to squeeze in some rest and relaxation; why would I want to spoil that?”

Lavern’s face paled, a flicker of guilt darting across his features. “Marina, it wasn’t about spending time with Shawna. I was out wining and dining a client’s associate. I brought her along merely to give her some experience.”

She regarded him in silence, her thoughts swirling. “Oh, Mr. Ross has such a compassionate heart, going out of his way for an intern from a partner firm,” she replied, her tone laced with sarcasm.

Lavern choked on her words, momentarily at a loss for a comeback.

Uncertain of how much she truly knew, he treaded carefully, trying to gauge her thoughts. “Marina, we’ve been together all these years; I’ve never crossed any lines. I just hope you can believe in me.”

Her response was a bland “oh,” leaving the conversation hanging in the air.

Lavern felt the weight of unspoken words settle between them. He took a deep breath, studying her face with intense curiosity. Noticing the absence of fury, he exhaled a quiet sigh of relief.

He thought to himself, ‘She must not have the full story; perhaps she’s only caught wind of some loose gossip. If she had solid evidence, she wouldn’t hold back; she’d confront me directly.’

“Marina, I’m truly sorry I wasn’t there when Alyssa passed. I’ve recognized my shortcomings, and I promise to spend every day from now on making it right,” he said earnestly.

Marina met his eyes, a wry smile curling her lips, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside her.

‘His idea of “making it right” involves quietly building a hidden family with another woman and fathering a child who might one day challenge my claim to everything I hold dear?’ she mused bitterly.

Lavern, oblivious to her inner thoughts, overlooked the mockery in her gaze, convinced that his heartfelt apology had made an impact. He stepped closer, arms outstretched, seeking an embrace.

But Marina nimbly evaded him, her expression cooling with each passing moment.

Realizing his arms hung awkwardly at his sides, Lavern spoke up, “Marina, I know you’re still upset, but the wedding is just around the corner. I don’t want you to carry any resentment into it.”

His words rang with sincerity, his eyes reflecting genuine regret and self-reproach.

Marina studied his face for a moment, then drawled, “In that case, perhaps it would be best if we kept our distance during these final days.”

Lavern’s defenses shot up instantly. “Why?”

He wondered, ‘Is it possible she truly doesn’t want to marry me anymore, just like the neighbors claimed?’

Marina nodded, her expression unreadable. “I know. You were in a meeting, and Shawna answered. I told her to relay the news about Grandma’s passing, and she mentioned that Alyssa went peacefully, without pain; it was a blessing.”

Even now, recalling that night brought tears to Marina’s eyes, not out of grievance, but from the sheer disbelief that Alyssa had vanished from her life so suddenly.

Lavern’s eyes widened in shock as he scrambled for his phone, scrolling through the call history. Finding no trace of that night’s call, he realized Shawna must have erased it.

Clenching the phone tightly, veins standing out on the back of his hand, he felt a surge of anxiety.

Marina watched him with a steady gaze, her voice even as she detailed the rest of the night’s events: calling for an ambulance, the medics confirming the death, and managing all the funeral arrangements for Alyssa.

Seeing the hint of redness in her eyes, Lavern felt a suffocating knot form in his chest, guilt and heartache flooding through him. “Marina, I’m so sorry.” This time, the words came from a place of genuine remorse.

Yet Marina merely offered a faint smile, murmuring softly, “It doesn’t matter now.”

As she spoke, her gaze drifted to Alyssa’s portrait, and she added in a low voice, “They say when an elder passes, their spirit lingers in the home they inhabited for a time.

“If you’re truly sorry, why not stay out here in the living room and make your apologies to her? Who knows, perhaps in the stillness of the night, she’ll visit you in your dreams and let you know exactly what she thinks.”

Panic flickered in Lavern’s eyes. “Marina…”

She fixed him with a sharp look. “Are you scared?”

He shook his head vehemently. “Of course not.”

“Good,” Marina replied, her tone final.

With that, she turned on her heel, heading toward the bedroom and locking the door behind her.

Lavern sat frozen in the living room, utterly alone, yet his imagination ran wild, convincing him that unseen eyes were watching from every shadow.