His 181St Second (Laverne and Marina) novel Chapter 80

**Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt Vale**
**Chapter 80**

**55 vouchers**

Daron intentionally lowered his voice, ensuring that only Marina could catch the hushed words he was sharing. He was careful, knowing Kara’s keen ears would pick up on any hint of mischief.

Yet, Kara was not oblivious. She noticed the way Marina’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson after Daron’s whispered comment. Almost instinctively, she leaned in closer, her eyes glimmering with intrigue.

“What did Daron say to you?” Kara inquired, her tone laced with playful suspicion.

Marina bit her tongue, feeling the weight of the moment. ‘Ah, so this is what they mean when they say your own words can land you in trouble,’ she thought, a mix of amusement and anxiety swirling within her.

“Nothing,” she replied, attempting to maintain her composure, a sheepish smile tugging at her lips.

But Kara was relentless, her curiosity only intensifying.

“Nothing? Then why are you blushing so much?” Kara pressed, a teasing smile dancing across her face.

Marina pressed her lips together, muttering under her breath, “Who wouldn’t feel flustered when you’re humiliated and can’t even clap back?”

Daron had never missed a chance to settle old scores; he had clung to the bitterness of their broken engagement like a moth to a flame.

Kara nodded knowingly, her expression shifting to one of understanding. “So you were just bottling it up? I thought Daron actually had a thing for you.”

Marina found herself at a loss for words.

‘If he truly cared for me, he wouldn’t have said those hurtful things a decade ago,’ she reflected, a pang of regret mingling with her thoughts.

Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself, trying to push those unsettling feelings aside.

Linking arms with Marina, Kara guided her back toward the private room, their laughter echoing softly in the air.

The food, unfortunately, had grown cold in their absence, prompting Kara to summon the waiter to reheat everything.

While they waited, Kara excused herself for a moment, only to return with a bottle of red wine, waving it like a trophy.

“Romanée-Conti! Finn’s got a whole stash of these at Snowy House,” she announced, her face lighting up with excitement.

Marina chuckled softly, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “Aren’t you afraid he’ll skewer you for this?”

Kara raised an eyebrow, unfazed by the thought. “He has so much wine there; he won’t even notice this one’s gone. Besides, you haven’t been back to Vrufield in ten years. That definitely calls for a good bottle to celebrate!”

“How many decades do we really get in a lifetime, anyway?” Kara continued with a laugh, her spirit infectious.

Handing the bottle to the server, she instructed her to pop it open, the anticipation hanging in the air.

**13:13 Thu, Dec 18**

**Chapter 80**

As Marina settled into her seat, a wave of melancholy washed over her at the mention of those ten long years.

Once the wine and dishes were artfully arranged again, the server wisely excused herself from the room, leaving the two friends to their reunion.

Despite all the drama surrounding Mallory, Kara’s mood remained unshaken, her laughter brightening the atmosphere.

It had been far too long since they had shared a moment like this—just the two of them, indulging in food, wine, and heartfelt conversation.

Kara, buoyed by the wine, found herself drinking a bit more than usual, while Marina, whose tolerance was notably low, decided to keep her friend company.

By the time the bottle was empty, both women were pleasantly tipsy, the world around them swirling with laughter and warmth.

Kara leaned in closer, resting her chin on Marina’s shoulder, her curiosity bubbling to the surface. “Marina, do you ever wish you hadn’t called off your engagement with Daron?”

Marina felt a rush of dizziness, but for a fleeting moment, her attention sharpened on the question.

“No,” she replied firmly, though a heaviness settled in her chest, a reminder of the past.

Kara blinked, her voice dropping to a whisper. “As long as you don’t regret it, that’s what matters. I was just worried you might. I’ve heard that Harris is already looking for someone new for Daron—apparently, someone from the Milner family.”

Marina fell silent for a heartbeat, then offered a faint, indifferent smile. “The Milner family is a solid choice.”

Kara nodded, her enthusiasm rekindled. “Yeah, it would be a formidable alliance. If the Zamora family and the Milner family joined forces, they’d be unstoppable in Vrufield.”

“Back in ancient times, we’d have to bow before a princess from the Milner family,” Kara teased, her voice light and playful. “Good thing you don’t regret it; imagine the effort of fighting a princess for a man. You’d be exhausted!”

Marina merely smiled, allowing the lighthearted banter to wash over her, the earlier buzz fading into a comfortable silence.

As she spoke, she realized that Daron’s car didn’t have a driver inside; the valet had stepped away for a moment.

Kara joined her, and upon hearing Marina’s plea, she quickly chimed in, “Snowy House has valet drivers for guests, Daron. Perhaps we can have one of the valets move your car? My car is right behind; I’ll drive Marina to the hospital right now.”

Daron frowned, casting a cold glance at the valet hurrying over from Snowy House. His gaze turned icy as he looked back at Marina.

“Get in,” he commanded, his voice devoid of warmth.

As soon as the driver returned, Marina wasted no time, opening the back door and sliding inside.

Kara, flustered, squeezed in right after, inadvertently pushing Daron over to the far left seat.

**13:13 Thu, Dec 18**

**Chapter 80**

When Daron’s body bumped against the car door, Kara shot him an apologetic grin, her laughter awkward but genuine.

“Sorry, Daron, I didn’t mean it,” she said, her smile brightening the tense atmosphere.

Daron remained stoic, his expression indifferent as he instructed the driver to move.

Kara, undeterred, reached for Marina’s hand, squeezing it reassuringly. “It’s alright, Marina. Elnora’s probably just worn out.”

Marina nodded stiffly, struggling to steady her breathing. But her trembling hands betrayed her inner turmoil.

Seated beside her, Daron lowered his gaze, his expression darkening as he noticed how tightly she gripped her skirt, anxiety radiating from her.

Before the car had even come to a complete stop, Daron was already reaching for the door. The moment it halted, he exited swiftly, faster than Kara.

Marina followed suit, her heart racing, but as she stumbled out of the car, she nearly twisted her ankle. Fortunately, Daron was there, catching her just in time.

In her frantic state, Marina was too preoccupied with thoughts of Elnora to express her gratitude to Daron. Ignoring the pain in her ankle, she broke into a sprint toward the emergency department, her heart pounding fiercely.

Elnora was all she had left in this world.

‘Elnora can’t be in danger. She just can’t,’ Marina thought, her heart in her throat, desperation clawing at her chest.