Chapter 247
Marina looked away from the distance and turned to head into the Finley family.
X72%
235 vouchers.
She opened the front door and had barely stepped inside when she saw Elnora coming out of the guard room.
Marina paused, a flicker of confusion flashing in her eyes.
“Elnora?” Marina called out.
If Elnora had been in the guard room, she should’ve seen Marina standing outside just now.
There was really no point in calling me, Marina thought, feeling a bit puzzled.
Elnora nodded and walked toward the living room.
Marina followed after her, asking, “So, who’s the guy I’m supposed to meet tomorrow?”
Elnora said flatly, “Waylon Crosby. Ever heard of him?”
Marina shook her head.
She didn’t recognize the name at all.
Elnora said in a flat tone, “He’s been studying abroad and has some family ties with the Taylor Family. He just got back this year.
“He’s easy to get along with, but honestly, he’s almost too honest. We’ll see how things go.
“His family background isn’t as impressive as Larry’s, but you never liked Larry anyway.”
Marina nodded.
“Whatever you think is best. I trust your judgment,” she said.
Elnora started up the stairs, but paused at Marina’s words. She looked at her from the top step and said calmly, “I’m not all- seeing. I can get things wrong too. In the end, it’s your call.”
Marina nodded. “I’ll give it some serious thought.”
Elnora withdrew her gaze and walked into the living room, her voice cool.
“I’m heading to Port City tomorrow. Might be a while before I’m back. If you need anything, just call Anya,” she said.
Marina nodded.
She knew that now that Elnora was married, she couldn’t always be around in Vrufield anymore.
Elnora had a new role now. She was Mrs. Campbell, the lady of the Campbell family.
The Campbell family was old money in Port City, and word was, they had a ton of rules.
“Don’t worry about me. I’m not a kid anymore. What trouble could I possibly get into?” Marina said.
“But you, going to the Campbell family all alone? That’s what I’m worried about. What if…” Marina started.
She took a deep breath, forcing herself to swallow back those ominous words.
1/4
09:29 Mon, Feb 9 –
Chapter 247
72%
33 vouchers
“The Campbell family is crazy about Elnora. There’s no way they mess with her, Marina reassured herself. Besides, Elnora’s not the type to get pushed around.
Before heading to her room, Elnora reached out and gave Marina’s hair a gentle ruffle, her voice calm. “I’m fine, you don’t need to worry about me.
“What you should be thinking about right now is what it is you really want, and whether you’re truly ready to stick with this path all the way, no matter what.”
Marina’s face froze for a moment. She got exactly what Elnora was hinting at.
She nervously bit her lip, just as she was about to reply, but Elnora put a finger to her lips in a hush gesture.
“No need to tell me,” Elnora said. “Just make sure your heart’s on board.”
Elnora then turned and disappeared into her room.
Marina stood there, lost in thought for a while, her head hanging low, before finally turning and heading into her own room.
Once again, sleep eluded her that night.
Lying in bed, her head was filled with a jumble of chaotic thoughts.
Early the next morning, Marina was up before dawn. She got ready and headed downstairs, where Gauri was already waiting with an egg and a glass of milk.
“Ms. Marina, make sure you don’t head out on an empty stomach. You’re always leaving so early, I worry you don’t have time to eat,” Gauri said.
Gauri had gotten up extra early just to make sure Marina had breakfast.
That was how Elnora wrecked her stomach back in the day, always too busy to eat properly.
Gauri was determined not to let Marina end up with stomach problems on her watch, like Elnora did back then.
Marina’s eyes were full of gratitude. “Thank
you,
Gauri.”
She downed the milk in one go, grabbed the egg, and headed out the door.
When Marina arrived at Daron’s place, he was already up.
She punched in the code and walked into the living room, only to bump right into Daron at the entrance, who was just about to head out.
“Mr. Zamora, are you going for a morning run?” Marina asked.
Daron was dressed in workout gear.
She remembered how, back in Sicester, he’d be out running at this exact hour, just like clockwork.
“The guy’s got discipline that’s almost scary, Marina thought.
Honestly, Marina felt like she was half–zombie these days. After work, all she wanted was to flop onto the couch and turn into a potato.
“Yeah,” Daron replied coolly, glancing toward the dining table. “The Finley family estate sent over some oatmeal. Help yourself if you want.”
09:29 Mon, Feb 9 GO
Chapter 247
72%
Marina replied softly, “I already had breakfast before I left home.
Daron didn’t bother to reply. He just walked out.
Marina pursed her lips and looked out the floor–to–ceiling window. From here, she could see Daron warming up in the yard.
After a quick warm–up, he jogged out of the yard.
Marina couldn’t help but think, ‘Seriously, how does he have so much energy?‘
A guy like him really needs someone who’s like a ray of sunshine bubbly, bright, always lighting up the room,‘ Marina thought. ‘And honestly, that’s just not who I am!
Marina looked away, headed upstairs, and stepped into the walk–in closet.
Daron’s clothes from yesterday were still hanging on the rack. She walked over, took them down, bagged them up, and called the dry cleaner for a pickup.
After that, she set out his clothes for today.
Daron’s morning run took about an hour.
Marina had finished getting everything ready, but Daron still wasn’t back yet.
Standing in front of the bookshelf, Marina spotted a book on jewelry design she’d spent ages looking for but could never find. Surprise flickered in her eyes, and she grabbed it right away from the shelf.
When Daron got back, he saw Marina standing in front of the bookshelf, completely absorbed in her book.
Her gentle demeanor and the way she focused so intently made her impossible to look away from.
Without even realizing it, he slowed his steps, and even his movements were quieter than usual as he bent down to change his shoes.
Marina heard the sound, turned, and saw Daron had come back. She glanced at the book in her hands and spoke up, “I didn’t know you were into jewelry design.”
Daron’s eyes landed on the book and he replied coolly, “Not sure whose it is. If you want it, it’s yours.”
Marina put the book back on the shelf, a faint smile on her lips.
“Thanks, but I hardly ever read these kinds of books these days. Plus, it’s probably someone else’s. If the owner comes looking for it and I’ve already taken it, it wouldn’t feel right,” she said.
Back when she was seventeen or eighteen, she was really passionate about jewelry and fashion design.
If she had any free time at home, she’d always end up sketching something, just for the fun of it.
Thinking back now, it seemed like fate just kept her away from everything she was passionate about when she was younger. Whether it was the career she dreamed of, or the person she had feelings for, none of it ever seemed to be within reach.
Daron glanced at the book Marina had just put back, his tone easy and offhand.
“Whoever owns it must be a real airhead, probably never gonna find it, ever,” he said.
Marina suddenly felt like he was low–key roasting her, but when she glanced over, Daron wasn’t even looking at her.
He slipped on his slippers and headed upstairs without even sparing her a second glance.
09:29 Mon, Feb 9 GO
Chapter 247
“I’m taking a shower. Grab my bathrobe for me,” he said.
Marina stood tall, feeling quietly proud of how on top of things he was.
“I’ve already put your bathrobe in the bathroom,” she replied.
Daron raised an eyebrow and gave her a look that left her guessing.
AD
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.
