Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt Vale 68

Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt Vale 68 Summary

In Chapter 68 of “Winds Carry Lost Promises,” Marina grapples with a mix of determination and anxiety as she prepares to confront challenges ahead. Her conversation with Elnora reveals her growth and resolve, contrasting with her previous self who would have sought reassurance. Marina’s determination is palpable as she decides to approach Daron, a figure of authority, despite his indifference. She attempts to engage him with a lighthearted invitation to lunch, but he barely acknowledges her, leaving her feeling invisible yet undeterred.

As Marina tries to impress Daron, she offers him a takeout bag as a gesture of gratitude, hoping to win him over. Daron’s reaction is unexpected; he accepts the bag but does not engage further, leaving Marina in a state of disbelief and frustration. The moment is filled with tension as she grapples with her emotions, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment. Daron’s indifference stings, especially as she yearns for his acknowledgment and kindness, contrasting her genuine intentions with his cold demeanor.

After Daron leaves, Marina’s frustration escalates as she finds herself in a difficult situation, hungry and feeling rejected. A kind stranger offers her food, which she reluctantly accepts, highlighting her vulnerability and the stark contrast between her situation and Daron’s. This moment underscores her feelings of helplessness and longing, as she recalls the delicious garlic spare ribs from her favorite restaurant, emphasizing her emotional state.

The chapter takes a dramatic turn when Marina receives a call from Lavern, her estranged partner, who expresses regret over past actions. His plea for reconciliation falls flat as Marina remains cold and sarcastic, illustrating her emotional distance and the impact of their tumultuous relationship. The conversation reveals Lavern’s desperation and vulnerability, but Marina’s response indicates her resolve to move on, suggesting a significant shift in her character and priorities. Overall, the chapter encapsulates Marina’s internal struggle, her determination to assert herself, and the complexities of her relationships, setting the stage for her journey ahead.

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**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.

Marina attempted to follow, but the receptionist quickly blocked her path.

“Sorry, miss, please don’t make this any harder for us,” she said, her tone apologetic yet firm.

Marina stood momentarily speechless, frustration bubbling within her.

‘Seriously, who’s getting the short end of the stick here? It’s obviously me!’ she fumed internally.

‘Does Daron even grasp the concept that if you take someone’s food, you’re supposed to show a little kindness?’ she grumbled to herself.

She refused to walk away defeated. With the receptionist’s eyes on her, Marina walked back into the lobby, her head held high as if she owned the place.

The receptionist, clearly perplexed by Daron’s indifference towards Marina, chose not to challenge her.

Marina’s stomach growled again, and after gulping down a few glasses of water, she could hear the cartoonish sounds of her hunger echoing in her belly with every movement.

‘Ugh, this is miserable,’ she thought, her mood darkening.

She hadn’t felt this low since Ross Group finally established itself in Sicester.

In a corner, another girl, resembling Marina in her own anxiousness, rummaged through her bag and pulled out two steamed buns. After a moment of hesitation, she handed one to Marina.

“Here, eat something so you’re not starving,” the girl said kindly.

Marina was about to politely decline, but before she could, the girl pressed the bun into her hand.

“Go on, eat. We’ve still got a long day ahead,” she insisted.

“Thanks,” Marina replied, finally relenting and accepting the offering, feeling a mix of gratitude and helplessness.

She took a small bite of the bun and listened quietly to the chatter around her.

The bun was so dry it nearly lodged in her throat. The thought of Daron in his office, indulging in those mouthwatering garlic spare ribs while she was left gnawing on a plain bun, felt like a cruel twist of fate.

It was clear he didn’t want her at Zamora Group, yet he had the audacity to snatch her takeout.

‘Seriously, could he be any more infuriating?’ Marina seethed internally.

She had cursed him in her mind, wishing for him to suffer the consequences of his actions, but it did little to ease her frustration.

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.

Conclusion

In this pivotal chapter, Marina stands at a crossroads, embodying the emotional turmoil of a woman who has finally begun to assert herself after years of feeling overshadowed and overlooked. Her determination to confront Daron, despite his indifference, marks a significant shift in her character. The moment she offers him her takeout, a gesture meant to bridge the gap between them, symbolizes her desire to be seen and valued. Yet, Daron’s acceptance of the gift without acknowledgment leaves her feeling more isolated than ever, highlighting the painful reality that sometimes, even acts of kindness can be met with indifference. Marina’s internal struggle is palpable; she grapples with feelings of helplessness and frustration, yet her resolve to remain composed reflects her growth. The unexpected kindness from a stranger offers a momentary reprieve, reinforcing the idea that support can come from the most unlikely places.

As the chapter concludes, Marina’s confrontation with Lavern serves as a stark reminder of her past, juxtaposing her newfound strength against the weight of her former life. Lavern’s desperate attempt to reconnect only fuels her resolve to move forward, illustrating how far she has come from the girl who once sought validation from others. Her biting sarcasm in response to his pleas signals a shift in power dynamics; she is no longer the one left vulnerable and uncertain. Instead, she stands firm in her choices, refusing to be swayed by empty promises. The chapter closes with Marina firmly rooted in her identity, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead, embodying the winds that carry lost promises but also the potential for new beginnings.

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

In the upcoming chapter, readers can expect to dive deeper into Marina’s tumultuous emotional landscape as she grapples with the fallout from her encounter with Daron and the unexpected call from Lavern. The stakes are rising, and Marina finds herself at a crossroads, torn between her ambitions at the Zamora Group and the unresolved feelings tied to her past with Lavern. As she navigates this emotional minefield, the tension will mount, and her determination to secure her place at Zamora will be tested like never before. Will she find the strength to confront her past while forging ahead with her future?

Moreover, the dynamics between Marina and Daron are set to evolve in intriguing ways. With Daron’s unexpected acceptance of her takeout, a flicker of potential connection sparks amidst the tension. Readers will be left wondering whether this small gesture will lead to a deeper understanding or further complications in their relationship. Will Marina’s boldness pay off, or will Daron continue to keep her at arm’s length? As the countdown to the welcome banquet looms closer, Marina must navigate her feelings for Daron and the haunting presence of Lavern, all while striving to keep her composure in the face of adversity. Expect revelations, confrontations, and perhaps even a surprising twist that could change the course of Marina’s journey forever.