Chapter 234
Elnora watched Marina, her eyes rimmed with red but her whole vibe calm and collected. Elnora just stayed quiet for a while.
All these years, Marina always knew how to keep her feelings in check.
It was like she’d built this huge shell around herself. Whenever she felt down, she’d just retreat inside, and when the hurt faded, she’d come out looking like nothing ever happened.
Elnora couldn’t help but wonder if that shell could really hold all that pain she kept inside.
If that shell ever broke, Elnora didn’t even want to think about what would happen.
“Okay,” Elnora said quietly after a long pause.
Daron’s plan didn’t go the way he wanted.
He was hoping Marina would be the first to reach out, try to fix their marriage, and help him regain his pride after she dumped him.
But after all these years, under Kathy’s influence, Marina had lost the confidence and courage she used to have when she was still with the Finley family.
She’d already made up her mind to play it safe and stay out of trouble.
She was basically a ninja turtle now, hiding in her shell for the rest of her life.
“But even if you’re thinking about a quickie marriage, you gotta hold off for three months before making it official,” Elnora said.
After all, she and Daron went to school together. She figured this was her way of returning the favor for when he had her back during the Finley family’s tough times.
As for what happens after that, well, that’s all up to his own luck.
Marina hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
“Okay,” she said softly.
Three months later, she left Zamora Group.
The Finley family’s situation had finally settled down.
Whatever grudge Daron was holding onto had probably faded away by now.
He was way too proud to stoop to anything petty that would make everyone uncomfortable.
*****
That afternoon, Elnora dropped off Marina, who was all dolled up, at the restaurant where she was supposed to meet Larry.
As Marina got out of the car, Elnora checked the time and reminded her, “I won’t be picking you up tonight. I’ve got some things to handle at work. After dinner, let Larry drive you home.
It’ll give you two a chance to talk on the way and get to know each other better. Since you’re meeting with marriage in mind, it’s good to spend some time together and really understand each other.”
Marina nodded gently. “Okay,” she replied.
Elnora gave a small nod and motioned to Anya to drive away,
Marina watched Elnora’s car fade out of sight, then finally stepped into the restaurant.
She showed up a good thirty minutes before the time Elnora and Larry had agreed on.
She thought for sure Larry wouldn’t be there yet, but when she walked into the private room, she saw he was already waiting, already talking to the waiter about what to order.
When Larry saw Marina, he didn’t hesitate to get up, smiling warmly as he came over to greet her.
“Marina, it’s been a long time,” he said.
“Yeah, it really has,” Marina replied.
Larry looked almost exactly like she remembered. Once she put the face to the name, all the memories came flooding back for Marina.
Back in middle school, she and Larry used to sit together in class for a while.
Larry, ever the gentleman, reached out and pulled out a chair for Marina.
“Let’s sit down and talk,” he said.
Marina nodded gently and took her seat.
Larry never lost his smile.
Seeing Marina arrive early for their set–up dinner, Larry thought to himself, ‘She must really care about this meeting. That little gesture made him feel genuinely good inside.
“Elnora told me you’re working at Zamora Group now. I thought you might get here a little later,” Larry said.
Marina sat gracefully and replied politely.
“I had the day off, so I came early. I didn’t expect you to be here even before me,” she said.
Larry smiled. “I just happened to be free today, so I came over.”
“You don’t have anything going on tonight, do you? Wanna go see a movie together?” Larry asked with a friendly grin.
Marina looked a little unsure.
Honestly, she wasn’t feeling great today, and after all those overtime shifts lately, she just wanted to go home and get some real rest. I really need a break, she thought to herself.
Larry caught her hesitation, and his smile faded just a little.
He said, “Marina, we’ve known each other for ages. We’re old classmates, after all. You really don’t have to be so uptight. Just think of this as two friends catching up, not some matchmaking thing.
“I know our families are kind of pushing us, but honestly, I’d rather we make this decision after we’ve both really thought it through. So let’s just get to know each other, no rush.”
While talking, Larry took the water pitcher from the waiter, poured Marina a glass of water, and placed it in front of her.
Do you think I’m making sense, Marina?” he asked.
Marina accepted the glass from him and gave a polite nod. “Thanks.”
“Yeah, you’re right. Marriage isn’t something you can just mess around with,” she replied.
Larry’s smile returned.
“Wanna go catch that movie then?” he asked.
Marina looked up, catching the hope in Larry’s eyes. She pressed her lips together for a moment, but still turned him down.
“Maybe another time,” she said.
Her refusal was direct, no explanation, just straight to the point.
Larry was quiet for a few seconds, then nodded, still gentle.
“Alright,” he said.
“Maybe next time, when you’re not busy,” he added.
Marina murmured a quiet “mm” in response.
Throughout dinner, Larry was the picture of a gentleman, polite, well–mannered, and always considerate toward her.
But for some reason, Marina could faintly sense an underlying urgency in him.
Even though what he said about taking things slow made sense, it was obvious he was in a rush to take their relationship to the next level.
Marina sat quietly, listening as Larry suggested they go for a walk after dinner to help with digestion. He even started naming a few spots, looking at her expectantly, waiting for Marina to make the call.
“Larry…” Marina interrupted.
She almost said what was on her mind, but hesitated and held the words back, biting them down before they could escape.
Larry finally caught the subtle change in Marina’s expression and spoke up right away.
“Sorry, Marina. Am I being too eager to spend time with you? Is it a bit much for you?” he asked, his tone gentle and apologetic.
Marina just stayed quiet, not giving him an answer.
Larry let out an awkward laugh and admitted, “Sorry, Marina. I guess I’m not being totally honest. I say I want to take things. slow, but deep down, I just really want you to get to know me.
“And this date? I actually asked Elnora for it myself. When I heard she was looking for someone to set you up with, I jumped
at the chance.”
As Larry spoke, he looked at Marina with obvious affection, his ears turning red.
“I’ve had a crush on you since middle school,” he said, sounding a little shy but totally genuine.
Marina was stunned, her eyes going wide with disbelief. ‘No way… is he serious?‘ she thought.
When their eyes met, Larry got a little embarrassed and quickly looked away, ducking his head and mumbling. “You really stood out back then, I…”
Marina never realized Larry had had a crush on her all the way back in middle school, so she couldn’t help but jump in and
interrupt him, “Larry, I think… maybe it’s better if we just stay friends.”
She went along with the blind date just to end things with Daron once and for all.
She could accept marrying someone who didn’t love her, but she couldn’t bring herself to marry someone who’d cared about her all along.
‘It just wasn’t fair to Larry,‘ she thought.
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.
