Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt Vale 10 Summary
In “Winds Carry Lost Promises,” Marina finds herself in a hospital, grappling with the reality of her situation as she undergoes medical examinations. The doctor, while professional, inadvertently highlights her isolation by asking about her family, only to learn that she has no one in Sicester. This revelation deepens Marina’s vulnerability, as she clutches the medical paperwork tightly, feeling exposed and alone. Her emotional state is further complicated when Daron, a man with an aura of authority, unexpectedly enters her life, pushing her wheelchair and teasing her about her earlier claims of independence. This encounter stirs feelings of embarrassment and discomfort within her, as she realizes her words have reached him.
As Marina navigates the hospital corridors, she is met with the familiar face of Garret, who appears curious yet hesitant to engage in conversation. The tension between them is palpable, as Marina struggles with her emotions and the weight of her situation. Just then, Lavern, her fiancé, enters the scene, and his concern for her well-being contrasts sharply with her suspicions about his sincerity. Their interaction is fraught with unspoken tension, as Marina questions his presence at the hospital and the authenticity of his concern, sensing a lie beneath his calm demeanor.
The chapter escalates when Lavern’s casual admission of his own health scare adds to the complexity of their relationship. Marina feels a mix of anger and betrayal, as she grapples with the implications of their impending wedding amidst her injury. The urgency of her medical condition juxtaposes with Lavern’s suggestion to postpone their wedding, leaving her feeling trapped in a cycle of uncertainty and fear. Meanwhile, Daron and Garret’s conversation hints at deeper family dynamics and unspoken histories, adding layers to the narrative as they observe Marina’s struggle from a distance.
Overall, the chapter is a poignant exploration of vulnerability, isolation, and the complexities of relationships. Marina’s emotional turmoil is palpable as she confronts her circumstances, while the interactions with Daron, Garret, and Lavern reveal the intricate web of connections and expectations that define her life. The hospital setting serves as a backdrop for these revelations, amplifying the feelings of anxiety and anticipation that permeate the narrative.
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**Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt Vale**
At the hospital, after the doctor had conducted his preliminary examination, he carefully assisted Marina into a wheelchair, his movements precise and professional. He then handed her a stack of paperwork filled with medical orders.
“Make sure your family pays downstairs,” he instructed, his tone brisk yet reassuring. “Once that’s sorted, they can take you straight up to the second floor for your tests. After those are completed, return here, and I’ll guide you through the next steps of your diagnosis.”
Marina remained seated on the hospital bed, her fingers tightly clutching the forms as if they were a lifeline, her expression vacant.
The doctor’s brow furrowed slightly as he asked, “Where’s your family?”
“Sorry, I don’t have anyone in Sicester,” she replied, her eyes cast downward, her damp hair framing her face like a curtain. Her voice was hoarse, tinged with a vulnerability that made her feel exposed.
Out of nowhere, a firm grip seized the handles of her wheelchair, and she felt herself being propelled toward the elevator.
Marina turned her head, confusion swirling in her mind, her gaze locking onto a pair of deep, piercing eyes that seemed to hold an entire universe of unspoken thoughts.
Daron glanced at her briefly, his silence speaking volumes. One hand deftly maneuvered the wheelchair while the other held his phone to his ear, engaged in a conversation that seemed urgent.
He was dressed in a sleek black overcoat that draped elegantly over a tailored, dark gray suit, which accentuated his tall, lean frame, giving him an aura of authority that was hard to ignore.
Catching her stare, he casually tucked his phone into the pocket of his coat, a gesture that radiated confidence and control, as if he were accustomed to commanding attention without uttering a single word.
Marina’s lips parted in surprise, her eyes widening in a mix of shock and discomfort. “Mr. Zamora, what are you doing here?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Daron remained silent for a moment, his intense gaze skimming the surroundings before returning to her. A heartbeat later, he draped his oversized black overcoat over her head, a teasing smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. “So this is what Ms. Finley meant by thriving in Sicester, surrounded by a pack of minions at your disposal?”
Marina pulled the coat off her head, her face momentarily stiffening at the unexpected comment.
Those were the audacious claims she had made to Elnora, defiantly asserting her decision to stay in Sicester and turn her back on the Finley family inheritance. She never imagined those words would reach him.
Embarrassment washed over her like a wave, her cheeks flushing a fiery red as she ducked her head, desperate to hide her mortification.
Perhaps sensing the weight of the silence, Daron tossed out another casual remark, “Where are all those minions of yours now?”
She lowered her gaze even further, feeling the heat of humiliation rise within her.
The elevator chimed as it reached the second floor, where a throng of people lined the corridors outside every examination room, a bustling hive of anxiety and anticipation.
Daron expertly maneuvered her into the hallway, his phone buzzing incessantly with work-related calls, a stark reminder of the world outside this sterile environment.
Just then, Garret appeared, holding the payment receipt, and only then did Daron step aside, seeking a quieter corner to continue his conversation.
Marina accepted the slip from Garret, murmuring her thanks, her voice barely audible.
Garret waved it off with a polite gesture, but his curious glances kept drifting in her direction, as if he had a multitude of questions swirling in his mind but couldn’t quite find the words to voice them.
Feeling utterly exposed, Marina had no desire to engage in conversation, inwardly pleading with him to remain silent.
The two of them lapsed into an awkward, strained silence, each lost in their own thoughts, the air thick with unspoken tension.
**Chapter 10**
At that moment, Lavern emerged from the ultrasound room, his head buried in a test report, his expression serious.
Marina looked up, a chill running through her as she crushed the form in her hand, the paper crinkling under her grip. Instinctively, she reached for her phone and called out to Lavern.
He glanced at his screen, his brow furrowing immediately as he registered her name.
Shawna leaned in closer, her voice a soft whisper, “You should pick up. What if Marina has something important to say?”
Lavern’s frown softened, and he answered, “I’m swamped at the office right now. What’s going on?”
Marina tightened her grip on her phone, her tone cool and cutting. “I had no idea that the Ross Group relocated its offices to the hospital.”
Though her voice was low, it carried down the hallway, causing Garret to discreetly step aside, avoiding Lavern’s line of sight.
Lavern stiffened, a flicker of guilt crossing his features as he processed her words.
Shawna, sensing the tension, took a small step back, creating space between her and Lavern. With her hands folded in front of her, she said deferentially, “Marina, please don’t misunderstand. Mr. Ross…”
Marina didn’t spare her a glance, her eyes laser-focused on Lavern.
Seeing her in the wheelchair, Lavern shook off his surprise and hurried over, concern etched across his face as he took in her hospital gown and still-damp hair.
“Are you okay? What happened?” he asked, his voice laced with genuine worry.
Marina studied his expression, knowing deep down that his concern might just be another fabrication, but she couldn’t resist asking, “What are you doing here?”
“I felt some chest pains at the office earlier, so I came in for a quick check. I didn’t want to stress you out, so I kept it to myself,” he explained, the excuse rolling off his tongue with an unsettling ease, his demeanor too calm to be genuine.
The lie landed heavily in her stomach, a bitter chuckle escaping her lips as she fell silent, the weight of his words suffocating.
Just then, the doctor called Marina’s name from the examination room.
Lavern casually took hold of the wheelchair handles, wheeling her into the room with a sense of urgency.
As the door began to close behind them, Marina caught sight of Daron returning from his call, standing in the hallway nearby, his demeanor detached and aloof.
She quickly averted her gaze, feeling a wave of shame wash over her. The thought of anyone familiar with her family’s history witnessing her in such a vulnerable state was unbearable.
Whatever their reasons for helping her, it only deepened her sense of exposure and embarrassment.
With the exam room door clicking shut, Daron turned his attention toward the elevators.
Garret hurried to catch up, a hint of disbelief in his voice. “We’re really just bailing like this?”
Daron’s expression hardened, a steely resolve settling over him. “What else is there to do?”
As Daron’s distant cousin, Garret had heard whispers of the old rumor—how Daron had been cast aside by Marina. Yet the Zamora family never discussed such matters, leaving him in the dark about the full story.
Disappointed at the missed opportunity for gossip, Garret pouted, grumbling, “So why did we even come to the hospital?”
Daron’s gaze lingered on the closed door for a moment before he turned away, his mind racing. To get Elnora in my debt? Was the risk worth skipping that important meeting?
The Finley family was already on the verge of collapse; a favor from Elnora might not hold much value in the grand scheme of things.
Garret, unconvinced, continued to probe for the truth, but Daron met his inquiries with a cool, level stare. “You must be bored out of your mind. We’ve got that Claset project coming up; want me to assign you to it?”
Garret’s expression froze momentarily before he plastered on a forced grin. “Daron, cut me some slack.”
Nearby, Shawna clutched her pregnancy report, her face pale as she lingered, having absorbed every word exchanged between Garret and Daron. The implication that Marina was already on familiar terms with them suggested her background was far from the nobody status her social circle had painted.
Meanwhile, Lavern bombarded the doctor with questions regarding Marina’s condition. Upon learning it was a fracture that necessitated admission, he sprang into action, sorting out the paperwork with an urgency that drew envious glances from the nurses’ station.
With everything in order, he settled by her bedside, his voice dripping with concern as he broached a sensitive topic. “Marina, our wedding is right around the corner, and now this injury has you laid up. What do you think about postponing the date?”
Conclusion
As the whirlwind of emotions cascaded around her, Marina sat in the sterile confines of the examination room, grappling with the weight of her circumstances. The unexpected arrival of Daron had thrown her into a tumult of confusion and embarrassment, while Lavern’s insistent concern felt like a double-edged sword. His proposition to postpone their wedding loomed over her like a dark cloud, mingling with the anxiety of her medical situation. In that moment, she was acutely aware of the fragility of her reality, where the promises she had made to herself seemed to unravel before her eyes. The stark contrast between her aspirations of independence and the comforting yet suffocating presence of those who cared for her highlighted the internal conflict she faced.
As the door clicked shut behind her, sealing her off from the world outside, Marina understood that her journey was not solely about confronting her physical ailment but also about navigating the intricate web of relationships that had shaped her life. The sense of exposure she felt was not just about her vulnerability in the hospital; it was about the layers of her identity that were being peeled away. With every glance exchanged and every word spoken, she began to realize that the winds carrying lost promises might also carry the seeds of newfound strength. The path ahead was uncertain, but in that uncertainty lay the potential for growth and healing—both physically and emotionally. As she prepared to face the challenges ahead, Marina felt a flicker of determination ignite within her, ready to embrace whatever lay beyond the closed door.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
In the next chapter of *Winds Carry Lost Promises*, readers can expect to delve deeper into the tangled web of relationships that surround Marina as she grapples with her unexpected injury and the implications it has on her life. As Lavern’s suggestion to postpone their wedding hangs heavily in the air, Marina is forced to confront not only her physical vulnerability but also the emotional turmoil that comes with it. Will she choose to put her own needs first, or will the expectations of those around her push her into a decision she isn’t ready to make? The tension between her desire for independence and the weight of familial obligations promises to create a riveting conflict.
Moreover, Daron’s enigmatic presence looms large, and his motivations remain shrouded in mystery. As he navigates his own complex feelings towards Marina and the unexpected reunion, readers will be left questioning his true intentions. Is he genuinely concerned for her well-being, or is there a deeper agenda at play? The chapter will also explore Garret’s growing curiosity about the Zamora family dynamics, hinting at potential revelations that could alter the course of Marina’s journey. As secrets begin to unravel, the stakes rise, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation that could change everything for Marina.
With the hospital setting as a backdrop, the atmosphere will be charged with anticipation as Marina faces not only her medical challenges but also the emotional reckoning that awaits her. Will she find the strength to reclaim her narrative amidst the chaos, or will the winds of fate carry her further into the depths of lost promises? The next chapter is poised to be a compelling exploration of resilience, identity, and the power of choice, leaving readers eager to uncover the next twist in Marina’s tumultuous story.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
