His 181St Second (Laverne and Marina) novel Chapter 73

**Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt Vale**
**Chapter 73**

As they entered the restaurant, a suave waiter greeted them with a warm smile and guided them toward a secluded dining suite, away from the bustling crowd.

Marina took a moment to absorb her surroundings, her eyes dancing around the elegantly decorated space. Each visit to Silkwind Kitchen seemed to unveil a new layer of opulence, and tonight was no exception. The soft glow of ambient lighting and the intricate table settings made her heart flutter with anticipation.

The waiter presented two identical menus, gracefully handing one to Marina and the other to Daron, who accepted it with a nod.

A pang of disappointment struck Marina as she recalled the garlic spare ribs her sister had ordered for her during lunch—an indulgence she had missed out on. Just as she was about to voice her craving, Daron’s rich voice filled the air, interrupting her thoughts.

“Garlic spare ribs, millet crispy rice porridge, beef in sour soup, spicy shredded beef…” he listed off, each dish rolling off his tongue effortlessly.

Marina felt a rush of warmth as he named her favorite dishes, each one a cherished memory from previous meals.

Once he concluded his order, he folded the menu and handed it back to the waiter, who accepted it with a friendly smile. Noticing Marina still clutching her menu, the waiter inquired politely, “Miss, would you like to add anything?”

Marina shook her head, the corners of her mouth lifting into a small smile. “No, thank you.”

A wave of relief washed over her; Daron had already ordered everything she loved.

The waiter nodded, his demeanor cheerful. “Alright, I’ll be right back with your order,” he said before disappearing into the kitchen.

Once they were alone in the cozy private room, the atmosphere shifted slightly, and Marina felt the weight of silence settle around them.

Breaking the stillness, she ventured, “I never imagined we would share such similar tastes, Mr. Zamora. Every dish you ordered is one I’ve been craving. I suppose I owe my good fortune today to you,” she said, her voice light, but her heart raced with unspoken thoughts.

Daron placed a glass of water precisely where she could easily reach it, his movements deliberate.

“Is it really just a few dishes that get you this excited? You must have had quite a rough time in Sicester,” he remarked, his tone teasing yet probing.

Marina found herself momentarily at a loss for words, caught off guard by his observation.

Daron took a slow sip from his glass, his gaze steady on her. “If things were so difficult for you, why return? Is there someone you simply can’t let go of?”

Marina’s hand, which had just lifted her glass, froze mid-air.

“Let go of…” she began, her instinct to retort flaring up, but she quickly reined it in.

After all, she needed something from him; provoking his ire was not an option.

She softened her tone, striving for calmness. “I’ve moved on. There’s nothing I’m still hung up on. I returned to Sicester because it’s here that I can truly make a difference by working with you, Mr. Zamora. With so many talented individuals around you, I have to carve out my own niche and leverage my strengths to keep pace,” she explained, her determination shining through.

Daron raised an eyebrow, his dark eyes scrutinizing her with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

Marina met his gaze unwaveringly, refusing to back down.

“Mr. Zamora, you don’t genuinely believe I’m indecisive when it comes to relationships, do you?” she challenged, her voice steady.

Daron remained silent, but his lack of response spoke volumes.

Sitting up straighter, she lifted her chin defiantly. “Mr. Zamora, I don’t let personal feelings interfere with my work. Just give me a chance, and I’ll prove it,” she declared, her sincerity evident in her expression.

Daron regarded her for a moment, then unhurriedly set his glass down, as if weighing her words.

At that moment, the waiter returned, bringing with him a parade of beautifully plated dishes that filled the air with tantalizing aromas.

Marina couldn’t shake the feeling of disappointment that lingered since Daron had remained silent.

“Place those in front of her,” Daron instructed the waiter, his tone firm yet kind.

The waiter quickly complied, shifting the plates from Daron’s side to Marina’s.

Marina felt a wave of melancholy wash over her, her appetite waning as she sat there, fork untouched.

Noticing her stillness, Daron leaned in slightly and asked quietly, “Aren’t you hungry?”

Marina pressed her lips together, a hint of frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “I can’t eat with all this on my mind,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

With a playful smile, Daron picked up a piece of spare rib with his fork and extended it toward her.

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