His 181St Second (Laverne and Marina) novel Chapter 68

**Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt**

**Chapter 68**

Marina’s fingers curled tightly around her phone, her expression a mix of determination and anxiety. She took a deep breath, attempting to calm the storm of emotions swirling within her.

“No matter what happens, I’ll see it through,” she declared, her voice steady and resolute, as if she were trying to convince not just Elnora, but herself as well.

Elnora responded with a soft, approving hum, her eyes sparkling with pride. “You’ve really grown up,” she remarked, a hint of nostalgia lacing her words.

If this had been the old Marina, she would have been a bundle of nerves, spiraling into panic and immediately seeking Elnora’s assistance. But today was different; today, she was determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

After hanging up the call, Marina made her way to the front desk to collect her takeout. She had barely grasped the bag when she spotted Daron entering the building, flanked by his entourage. A rush of adrenaline surged through her as she quickly approached them, donning her most attentive and almost overly eager expression.

“Mr. Zamora, have you had lunch yet?” she inquired, her voice bright with feigned cheerfulness.

Daron barely acknowledged her presence, his focus locked on his assistant, who was dutifully reciting the day’s agenda. He walked past her, his face as impassive as stone, leaving Marina feeling momentarily invisible.

Yet, she refused to let it deter her. With a boldness that surprised even herself, she fell into step beside him, heading for the elevator as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

The receptionist, witnessing the unfolding scene, felt a wave of confusion wash over her. She found herself caught in a dilemma—should she intervene or allow the situation to play out?

Marina waited patiently until Daron’s assistant finished his report. Then, with a bright smile that masked her nerves, she spoke again. “Mr. Zamora, how about we grab lunch together?”

Daron came to an abrupt halt, casting a sidelong glance her way. His eyes were dark and inscrutable, leaving her to wonder whether he was annoyed or simply uninterested.

The receptionist, sensing the tension, quickly stepped in. “Sorry, Mr. Zamora, we’ll escort this lady out immediately,” she said, her voice laced with urgency.

Daron remained silent, and the receptionist hesitated, unsure whether to act on her instincts. Marina maintained her smile, determined to keep her composure. If he was aware of their plan, there was no way he would allow her to join the Zamora Group today.

Elnora had organized a welcome banquet for her in just three days. Three days still remained in which to secure her position.

“Stay cool,” Marina reminded herself, her thoughts racing.

Before the receptionist could make a move, Marina quickly thrust the gift bag into Daron’s hands.

“This is a thank-you for driving me home last night. It has nothing to do with my joining Zamora Group. Business is business. Please accept it, Mr. Zamora,” she said, her heart pounding in her chest.

Daron’s expression remained unchanged, but at least he didn’t reject the gift outright. Marina felt a wave of relief wash over her.

His gaze dropped to the takeout bag she still held, and Marina followed his gaze, her heart skipping a beat.

‘Is he actually interested in my takeout? Or is he just testing me?’ she mused.

She was here to impress him, to secure her place, and if that meant winning him over with a small gesture, she would do it without hesitation. After all, what was wrong with a little flattery?

But deep down, she knew Daron would never actually eat her takeout.

Her stomach grumbled loudly, protesting its emptiness, but she still offered him the bag. “Mr. Zamora, you’ve been working nonstop all morning. You must be starving. No matter how busy you get, don’t forget to eat, or your stomach will pay for it,” she urged, her tone earnest.

She braced herself for rejection, expecting him to turn her down flat.

To her astonishment, Daron reached out and grasped the takeout bag.

Marina stared in disbelief as he tightened his grip, the silence stretching between them for several moments.

Noticing her lingering hold, Daron coolly said, “Thanks.”

Marina was momentarily stunned.

‘Wait, this isn’t how I envisioned this encounter at all,’ she thought, caught completely off guard.

Under his intense, unreadable gaze, she slowly released her hold on the bag.

Her heart sank. She wanted to cry, but there were no tears left to shed.

Her eyes flicked to the logo on the takeout box—it was from Silkwind Kitchen, her absolute favorite.

After years away from Vrufield, the one thing she craved most was their garlic spare ribs.

Even with the box still sealed, she could almost taste the rich, savory aroma wafting toward her.

She had only intended to be kind, but she never expected him to accept her offering.

Daron clutched the takeout bag and strode toward the elevator, leaving no room for her to join him.

Just as she was simmering with nowhere to vent her anger, her phone buzzed insistently in her bag. She fished it out and noticed an unfamiliar number from Sicester flashing on the screen.

Marina’s gaze hardened as she stared at the digits. With a swift motion, she swiped to answer and stood up, striding out of the lobby.

“Marina, where did you go?” Lavern’s voice crackled through the phone, filled with urgency.

“What’s it to you?” she retorted coldly, her heart racing.

Lavern sounded worn and weary. “I know you’re mad, but what happened with Hyman really had nothing to do with me. How could I just stand by while someone else hurt you?”

“Can we please talk this through? You can’t just ghost me like this, and now you’ve even sold our marital home.”

He had been cleared of any involvement in Hyman’s issues and, after the investigation concluded, was released. Last night, he had searched every hotel and motel in Sicester, but Marina was nowhere to be found. Exhausted, he returned to Royal View, crashing in the villa still under renovation. But this morning, the new owner confronted him.

The man informed him that Marina had sold the villa to him about two weeks ago.

In that moment, Lavern’s anxiety reached a fever pitch.

He had never truly believed Marina would leave him.

But now that she had sold their shared home, his mind spiraled into a whirlwind of panic and uncertainty.

Marina scoffed derisively.

“Our place? That house was purchased in my name and officially notarized. What does any of that have to do with you? Mr. Ross, you really have a knack for making everything revolve around yourself, don’t you?” she shot back, her voice laced with disdain.

Lavern fell silent, stunned by her words. After a few seconds, he finally spoke, his voice trembling with regret.

“Marina, I’m sorry. I know I hurt you in a way that can’t be undone, and I truly regret it,” he said, vulnerability seeping into his tone.

“I love you, and I can’t lose you. We’ve been together for seven years, not just seven days. Please, give me another chance. I promise I won’t mess up again.”

“I don’t know what I’d do without you. I feel like I’d fall apart,” he added, his voice cracking.

Marina’s expression remained icy, unmoved by his words. Lavern’s apology did nothing to stir her heart; in fact, it almost made her want to laugh at how pitiful he sounded.

“Oh, really? Is there actually something good for me in this?” she replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm.