His 181St Second (Laverne and Marina) novel Chapter 57

**Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt**

**Chapter 57**

Carrie’s declaration detonated in the air like a bomb, leaving the room engulfed in a stunned silence. The atmosphere was thick with disbelief, and everyone’s gaze turned towards Marina, their eyes filled with suspicion and scrutiny, as if searching for any hint of the truth in her demeanor.

“If you doubt my words, I can share the video later, and you all will see just how shameless she is when she’s with other men,” Carrie stated, her tone icy and unyielding.

In that moment, the tension in the room escalated. Carrie felt liberated from any restraint, the gloves were off. “Lavern, she’s airing all this out in front of the guests just to publicly sever ties with you. If you allow her to gain the upper hand today, she’ll continue to walk all over you. She…” Carrie began, her voice rising with indignation.

But before she could complete her thought, Lavern spun around, his fury palpable as he seized Shawna, who had been cowering behind the Ross family members.

“Was it you who urged my mother to get in touch with Hyman?” Lavern demanded, his eyes ablaze with a fury that suggested he could unleash a storm right then and there.

“No! I swear, it wasn’t me!” Shawna exclaimed, her voice quivering as she desperately shook her head, trying to distance herself from the accusation.

“Lavern, please! Let me go! I’m carrying your child. You can’t treat me like this!” Shawna pleaded, her voice cracking under the weight of panic as she tried to shield herself behind the Ross family, her face a portrait of fear.

Shawna continued to retreat, trying to escape the confrontation, but Carrie rushed in, her maternal instincts kicking in, worried that Lavern’s wrath might put the baby in jeopardy.

“Lavern, have you completely lost your mind? You’re treating Shawna like this over a woman who’s already been disgraced? She’s carrying our family’s first grandson!” Carrie shouted, her voice rising in desperation.

With Carrie’s intervention, Shawna was eventually pulled away from Lavern’s grasp. Yet, just as she attempted to flee, a sharp jolt of pain shot through her scalp; Lavern had clutched her hair, yanking her head back so forcefully that she was forced to arch her back in discomfort.

Carrie, frantic and desperate, tried to pry Lavern’s hand away, her heart racing as she sought to protect Shawna from further harm.

However, Lavern brushed her off with an ease that left Carrie feeling powerless. Meanwhile, Marina stood off to the side, a sly smile playing on her lips, observing the chaos unfold as if she were enjoying a front-row seat at a grotesque circus.

The Ross family had thrived off Lavern’s success for years, riding the coattails of his accomplishments. When one member of the family ascends, the rest bask in the glow of that success. Nobody wanted Lavern to lose his composure and ruin everything today.

An elderly and respected member of the Ross family approached Lavern, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Lavern, take a breath. What’s done is done, and what is meant to be is already out in the open. Look around at all these guests; you still need to maintain your dignity in this crowd. Don’t make a scene and humiliate yourself in front of everyone,” the elder advised, his voice steady and calm.

“We’ll take your mother and Shawna back with us for now,” the elder added, trying to diffuse the situation.

Lavern’s chest heaved with suppressed rage, but ultimately, he relented, letting go of Shawna.

Shawna crumpled to the floor, her legs giving way beneath her, but the Ross family quickly rushed to her aid, lifting her back up.

Marina, witnessing their retreat, allowed a mocking smile to curl her lips. “The arena’s just been set up, and the fight hasn’t even reached its climax yet. Why are you all backing out so soon? Is this truly all you can muster?” she taunted, her voice dripping with derision.

Carrie halted mid-stride, her eyes narrowing as she shot Marina a venomous glare, her fury boiling over.

Seeing Marina’s interference ruin her carefully laid plans, Carrie felt a surge of indignation. But this time, she was sharper, her mind racing to turn the tide.

Noticing the crowd whispering amongst themselves, she took a deep breath and began to slander Marina’s name, flinging accusations with fervor. “Don’t let her pretty face fool you! Yes, Lavern may have strayed, but this woman is no saint! Just last night, she was in bed with multiple men! She’s been playing the field for ages, and I have the videos to prove it, should anyone be interested!” Carrie snapped, her voice rising above the murmurs.

The gossip around them intensified, whispers growing louder.

“In this circle, everyone has their flings on the side. But airing your dirty laundry in public? That’s just distasteful,” someone remarked quietly.

“Exactly! If she’s cheating too, how can she expect her husband to remain faithful?” another voice chimed in, adding fuel to the fire.

“Did you hear? That woman outside is pregnant. She probably tried to use her pregnancy to manipulate the situation, and Ms. Finley is just retaliating. Who would have thought Mrs. Ross actually has evidence?” someone else whispered, their intrigue palpable.

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