His 181St Second (Laverne and Marina) novel Chapter 72

**Chapter 72**

As they stepped out of the hospital, Daron made a point of requesting a wheelchair for Marina.

“I can walk just fine,” Marina protested, her tone a mix of annoyance and embarrassment.

She forced a smile, feeling as though the staff viewed her as someone incapable of managing her own mobility.

‘Seriously, it’s not that big of a deal,’ she chastised herself internally.

Daron maintained a composed demeanor, his voice steady and measured. “There’s a step at the entrance. Are you really sure you can handle it without looking down?”

Marina fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in.

Leaning closer, Daron lowered his voice, a teasing lilt evident. “You’re not thinking of using this as another excuse to leap into my arms, are you?”

Despite his quiet tone, the nearby medical staff couldn’t help but overhear, exchanging amused glances and smirks.

Marina felt her cheeks heat up. Biting her lip, she let out a resigned sigh and finally settled into the wheelchair.

With a gentle grip, Daron took hold of the handles and began to wheel her out of the hospital, the wheels rolling smoothly over the polished floor.

Upon reaching the car, Marina attempted to rise from the wheelchair too quickly, and a sharp jolt of pain shot through her neck.

Daron opened the passenger door for her, his expression one of patient concern.

Marina cradled her neck protectively as she climbed into the car, moving slowly and awkwardly, each motion careful to avoid exacerbating her discomfort.

Daron didn’t rush her; he stood by, waiting patiently. When she finally settled into the seat, he leaned in, poking his head through the open door.

Marina’s heart raced unexpectedly, and she instinctively pressed her back against the seat, feeling the rush of blood in her ears.

“W-What are you doing?” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Daron’s striking eyes glimmered with mischief, a hint of a playful smirk dancing on his lips as he leaned even closer.

“What do you think?” he replied, his tone light yet charged with an unspoken tension.

Marina felt a wave of unease wash over her.

“Mr. Zamora… please, stop joking around,” she urged, trying to maintain her composure.

Daron raised an eyebrow, inching closer still. Marina held his gaze, her eyes wide and alert, a mixture of curiosity and wariness reflecting in them.

Then, with a soft click, the seatbelt snapped into place.

Marina blinked in surprise, only to find Daron smirking at her, his eyes sparkling with playful intent.

“So, Ms. Finley, what was racing through that mind of yours just now?” he asked, his grin widening.

Marina shook her head, attempting to dismiss his question. “Nothing, really,” she replied, though internally, she was calculating the best way to defend herself if he attempted something unexpected.

Daron caught sight of her hand gripping a power bank tucked away in the side compartment, clearly ready to spring into action if needed.

“Oh, really?” he remarked, an amused eyebrow raised.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, Marina loosened her hold on the power bank, a sheepish smile creeping onto her face.

“Uh-huh,” she said, her voice wavering.

Daron let out a dismissive snort, turning his attention back to the road, allowing the moment to pass.

Marina maintained her awkward smile, recognizing that perhaps she had been a tad too suspicious of him.

As Daron settled into the driver’s seat and started the car, they pulled away from the hospital.

Not long into the drive, Marina’s stomach let out a loud growl, breaking the silence of the small car.

She smiled awkwardly, feeling the need to fill the sudden void.

Daron, however, continued driving, his expression neutral, not acknowledging her at all.

Marina knew she had to say something to ease the tension. “Mr. Zamora, did you happen to review the preliminary proposal I sent?” she ventured.

He glanced over, responding simply, “No.”

Marina shot back, “Don’t play coy. I saw the notification; you’ve already read it.”

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