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Marina bit down on her lip, fighting back tears, then wrapped her arms tightly around Elnora’s waist and buried her face in Elnora’s embrace.
“I just feel ashamed, that’s all,” Marina whispered.
Even if she had feelings for him, it still broke her heart. She knew deep down she didn’t deserve him ten years ago, and she was even less worthy now.
Besides, she was the one who kicked up all that fuss and called off the engagement herself back then.
“Life never goes as planned. The choices you make at seventeen are never the same as the ones you make at twenty–seven. If you still care about him, then…” Elnora’s voice was soft and gentle.
Marina quickly interrupted her, whispering, “Elnora, he’s just bothered by it right now. Once that feeling fades, it’ll all be like nothing ever happened.”
She took a deep, shaky breath, her voice heavy with defeat. “Maybe after that failed relationship, I feel like I’ve forgotten how to love. I just can’t be as fearless as I once was.”
She used to just dive in headfirst, all because of a little crush.
Elnora’s hand kept softly stroking Marina’s back, trying to calm her when she felt lost.
“Marina, I know you left Vrufield with Mom, so it’s only natural you were influenced by her. But Mom’s opinions aren’t law. She went through a failed marriage, so now she thinks any woman who marries into a richer family is bound to be miserable,” Elnora said gently.
“How much of you being with Lavern was because of Mom and Grandma’s influence? And what did that get you?” Elnora added.
Marina didn’t say a word, just buried her face in Elnora’s arms, quietly crying.
“The real essence of marriage isn’t about marrying rich or marrying poor. It’s all about the kind of person you choose,” Elnora said softly.
“I want you to always remember, if he ever betrayed you or walked away from you, it’s not because you weren’t good enough. It’s his problem–he’s the one who didn’t have the guts or the heart to do right by you. That’s not on you,” Elnora added gently.
Elnora’s voice was gentle, her eyes full of warmth as she looked at Marina quietly sobbing in her arms, like a gentle spring breeze.
But then, her voice suddenly turned serious and steady.
“I used to wish you’d always stay that sweet, dreamy girl. Because even if you ever lost your way, I’d always be there to help you find your way back,” Elnora said.
“But now, I want you to always keep your guard up and never take people at face value. Stay vigilant, even when things seem safe. That way. if life throws vou a curveball, you’ll know how to handle it,” Elnora said.
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She wasn’t sure if her body would still be strong enough to have Marina’s back when she really needed her.
After all, even if her cancer was in remission for now, there was always a risk it could come back in a few years.
She and Daron were old classmates, both raised as heirs to their families‘ legacies, so they could read each other pretty well. But you never know when someone’s true intentions might flip.
Who knew what things would be like a few years from now?
So Elnora hoped Marina could always keep her head clear–able to navigate love without losing herself in it.
Even when it came to someone she’d had a crush on when she was younger, she should still keep her guard
- up.
“Marina, you’re amazing,” Elnora said softly.
“But nothing in this world stays the same forever. I hope you’ll always know when to hold on and when to let go. If you can’t be brave enough to love, then just let yourself be loved for a while,” Elnora added.
Maybe she couldn’t love anymore, but at least she wasn’t giving anyone the chance to hurt her again. Maybe that was for the best.
Men like Daron, raised under strict family discipline and standouts in the world of power and privilege, are unpredictable. Who can say how long his special treatment will last? So she figured she might as well make the most of this attention while it was still fresh.
Love is always elusive and intangible. The only things that truly belonged to her were the real power and wealth she held in her own hands.
Marina wiped away her tears and nodded, her head still buried in Elnora’s arms.
She said, “Elnora, when has anyone’s life ever been free of regrets or flaws? I’ve come to terms with it.”
Early the next morning, when Marina got up, Elnora was already downstairs having breakfast.
As Marina came downstairs, she saw Elnora still dressed in her business suit and was a bit surprised. She asked softly, “Elnora, are you heading to the office?”
Elnora nodded.
“Yeah, I need to head to the office,” Elnora replied.
Marina paused. “But today is…”
Today is Zack’s engagement day.
Elnora glanced at her watch, her eyes calm and composed, just like any other day, no trace of sadness or heartbreak.
“Yeah, once I finish up at work, I’ll head straight to the Clark family’s place,” Elnora said.
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She lowered her arm and looked up. “Are you going with Daron, or…”
Marina bit her lip and said softly, “Daron said he’d come pick me up himself
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Elnora smiled, pulled a business card out of her bag, and set it on the table. “Why not get glammed up you go to the Clark family’s place? You’re probably going to turn a lot of heads today
before
Marina walked over and picked up the card. It was the card of Hans Mirade, a top stylist in the scene, famous for his legendary makeovers for celebrities at all the big parties.
He was actually close friends with Elnora, too,
What really set him apart was that after he got famous, he didn’t hide who he was. He was totally open about being gay on social media,
He had a guy’s eye for style but totally understood what women wanted, which put him in a league of his own compared to regular stylists.
“I’ve already set up an appointment with Hans for you. Just head over whenever you’re ready,” Elnora said.
Marina nodded and slipped the card into her pocket.
Elnora gave her a gentle smile, picked up her briefcase, and stood up to leave.
Marina’s gaze lingered on her, her feet unconsciously following Elnora out into the yard.
When Elnora turned around, she saw Marina following at a leisurely pace behind her.
“Why aren’t you having breakfast inside? What are you doing following me?” Elnora asked.
Marina stopped, opened her mouth to speak, but hesitated.
She was worried Elnora might be feeling down.
But she just didn’t know how to comfort her.
Elnora caught the look in her eyes and gave a wry smile. “I’m really fine, I promise. I’m not upset at all, so don’t worry about me.”
Marina felt her nose sting with emotion.
Elnora added softly, “Once you get to the Clark family’s place, just stick close to Daron. He’s a pro at handling these kinds of events. You don’t have to do anything–he’ll smooth things over for the Finleys.”
“Stick close to him, you’ll learn a lot,” Elnora said.
Marina’s mood was heavy, but she nodded quietly,
With one last look, Elnora turned and left.
Her stride was brisk and as poised as always, but for some reason, Marina just felt a pang of loneliness settle in
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After breakfast, Marina headed out to get her hair and makeup done. As she got in the car, she called Daron.
“Mr. Zamora, I’m heading out now. Is eleven okay for us to meet at the Clark family’s gate?” Marina asked, a little nervous about the big day.
Daron replied almost instantly, his tone casual but direct, “Come on out. I’m already waiting at the Finley family’s gate.”
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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.
