Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt Vale 82 Summary
In Chapter 82 of “Winds Carry Lost Promises,” Marina is depicted grappling with her insecurities as she prepares for the day. Standing before the mirror, she feels disheartened by her appearance, remnants of sleepless nights evident in her reflection. Despite her efforts to present herself well, she ultimately decides to embrace her natural self. Meanwhile, her friend Elnora, who is undergoing treatment for her illness, appears unfazed by the gravity of her situation, leading Marina to worry about her well-being and upcoming medical appointments.
As they share breakfast, Marina reminds Elnora of her scheduled IV and chemotherapy, but Elnora’s nonchalant response only heightens Marina’s concern. Their conversation reflects the tension between Elnora’s casual attitude and Marina’s protective instincts. After breakfast, they head to the Zamora Group headquarters, a place that symbolizes the once-strong alliance between their families. Marina’s thoughts are consumed by Elnora’s health, and she struggles to communicate her worries as Elnora dismisses her reminders.
Upon arriving at the Zamora Group, Marina feels a mix of anxiety and anticipation as she navigates her way to Daron’s office. The receptionist’s warm welcome reassures her, but she is soon caught up in the office gossip surrounding Joyce Milner, a woman of privilege and sophistication. The admiration and envy from her colleagues toward Joyce amplify Marina’s feelings of inadequacy and her own struggles in life. As she listens to the chatter, she reflects on the disparities between her reality and Joyce’s seemingly perfect life, particularly in regard to Elnora’s hardships.
Marina’s internal conflict intensifies as she receives a text from Daron, teasing her about being late. This interaction stirs feelings of frustration and comparison, especially as she recalls Daron’s gentlemanly demeanor with Joyce. Despite her attempts to remind herself not to compare, the allure of privilege and ease that surrounds Joyce becomes increasingly hard to ignore. As she prepares to enter Daron’s office, she feels the weight of her circumstances and the daunting challenges that lie ahead for both herself and Elnora, reminding her of the stark differences in their lives.
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**Winds Carry Lost Promises by Asa Holt**
**Chapter 82**
As dawn broke, Marina found herself standing before the mirror, her expression betraying a sense of unease. Even after painstakingly applying her makeup, the reflection staring back at her revealed eyes that appeared slightly puffy, remnants of restless nights etched into her features. She attempted to remedy the situation once more, but a wave of defeat washed over her. With a resigned sigh, she decided to embrace her natural state, imperfections and all. Meanwhile, downstairs in the dining room, Elnora was already seated, quietly savoring her breakfast.
Marina made her way to the table, sliding into a chair across from Elnora, her voice laced with concern. “Remember, the doctor expects you for an IV at 2 PM today, and chemotherapy is scheduled for tomorrow,” she reminded, her tone firm yet gentle.
Elnora merely nodded, a nonchalant “Mm-hmm” escaping her lips as she continued to eat, seemingly unfazed by the gravity of her situation.
Marina, noticing Elnora’s casual demeanor, leaned in closer, her brow furrowing. “I’ll have your assistant keep me updated,” she insisted, worry gnawing at her insides. The last thing she wanted was for Elnora to become preoccupied and overlook the important appointments looming ahead.
With an eyebrow arched in mild challenge, Elnora replied, “Go ahead.”
After they finished breakfast, Marina accepted a ride from Elnora, the two women making their way toward the Zamora Group headquarters. The distance between the Zamora and Finley Group offices was minimal, a testament to the once-strong alliance between their families. In those days, it was a common jest among the locals that the only asset of real value at the Finley Group was its headquarters building. The day it was sold would mark the end of an era, a sentiment that lingered in the air.
Upon arriving at the Zamora Group HQ, Marina stepped out of the car, her mind racing with thoughts of Elnora’s appointment. She opened her mouth to remind Elnora once more, but before she could utter a word, Elnora dismissed the driver with a wave, signaling that she was done with reminders for the day.
Marina sighed but turned away, entering the Zamora Group building. Perhaps Daron had put in a good word for her, as the receptionist welcomed her with a smile, allowing her passage without any hassle. Daron had personally assured her of a position, so she bypassed the HR department and headed straight up to his office.
As she exited the elevator, Marina was greeted by Daron’s secretary, who recognized her immediately. With a warm smile, she approached. “Ms. Finley, Mr. Zamora is currently in a meeting. Would you like to wait at my desk for a bit?” she suggested, her tone professional yet friendly.
Marina nodded appreciatively. “Sure, that sounds great, thank you,” she replied, grateful for the kindness.
The secretary maintained her poised demeanor. “It’s no trouble at all.”
Daron had instructed his secretary to usher Marina directly into his office upon her arrival, but with Joyce already present, it would be inappropriate to interrupt. Thus, she had no choice but to let Marina wait at her desk for the time being.
With a multitude of tasks to attend to, the secretary ensured Marina was settled before returning to her duties.
Marina sat quietly, the layout of the desk allowing her to remain unnoticed by the incoming colleagues.
“Did you see Ms. Milner just now? She was practically born into privilege. Her aura is something else!” one of them exclaimed, excitement bubbling in their voice.
“Absolutely! She stands out in any crowd. I heard rumors that Mr. Zamora and Ms. Milner are about to get engaged; they’ve been spending a lot of time together lately,” another chimed in, eyes sparkling with intrigue.
“I always wondered what kind of woman could truly complement Mr. Zamora, but now that I’ve seen Ms. Milner, if they marry, I can totally see why,” a third added, admiration evident in their tone.
“As if you’d ever have a chance,” teased another voice, prompting laughter and playful banter among the group.
Suddenly, a hush fell over the office, and the atmosphere shifted as everyone returned to their work, though their eyes couldn’t resist sneaking glances toward Daron’s office door. Marina’s gaze followed suit, curiosity piqued.
Out stepped a woman clad in a sleek black suit, her long, dark hair elegantly styled up, accentuating her graceful neck. Her brown eyes sparkled, and her smile revealed perfectly white teeth, radiating an aura of sophistication and poise. Yet, there was an undeniable distance in her demeanor, a subtle barrier that kept others at bay.
It was Joyce Milner, the eldest daughter of the illustrious Milner family. Her lineage boasted a history steeped in modern royalty, with a mother who was the sole daughter of a founding military leader. With such esteemed parents, Joyce was the epitome of high birth.
‘Kara wasn’t exaggerating,’ Marina thought, her mind racing. If royal titles were still in vogue, Joyce would undoubtedly be a princess. She quickly averted her gaze, feeling the weight of her own reality.
Joyce, sensing the attention, turned to the room and offered a warm smile, her voice soft and inviting. “I’ve ordered lunch for everyone from Bayview One Bistro. It should arrive around noon. If it doesn’t suit your tastes, I hope you’ll forgive me,” she said, her every word wrapped in grace.
Every movement she made exuded effortless elegance, her natural charm captivating the entire room. The colleagues rushed to express their gratitude, their admiration palpable.
Bayview One Bistro was a place most of them could only dream of dining at, yet Joyce made it seem as simple as placing a takeout order.
As she stepped into the elevator, Joyce glanced back at Daron, who was about to follow her. With a delicate gesture, she raised her hand to stop him, a playful, flirty air lingering between them without any physical contact.
“Between us, there’s no need for all that. Just get back to work,” she said, her tone light, yet undeniably commanding.
Daron halted, a softer expression crossing his features. “Alright, take care,” he replied, his voice carrying a hint of warmth.
With a casual wave, Joyce pressed the button to close the elevator doors, leaving Daron behind as he turned back toward his office.
Marina remained at her post, momentarily stunned by the exchange. The whispers about Joyce echoed in her ears, a mix of envy and admiration weaving through the office. Everyone seemed captivated by her privileged background and undeniable presence.
If someone like Joyce ever found herself in a reckless situation, she would never have to face the struggles that life threw at her.
Marina couldn’t help but smirk at the thought, ‘If only Elnora had been born into a family like that.’
If Elnora had grown up as a member of the Milner family, she certainly wouldn’t have to work herself to the bone, to the point of illness. Even while battling for her life, she wouldn’t need to scramble to fix the messes left behind by Carter.
Just then, Marina’s phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. She glanced down to see a message from Daron.
[Late on your very first day? Did I hire a superstar or something?]
Marina stared at the screen, an image of Daron’s smug expression flashing in her mind. “Tsk, what a difference a day makes,” she muttered under her breath, frustration bubbling up inside her.
She felt an urge to roll her eyes, wishing she could erase the memory of Daron being the perfect gentleman with Joyce. ‘If you don’t compare, you won’t get hurt,’ she reminded herself, but it was a mantra that felt increasingly difficult to uphold.
With a resigned sigh, Marina stood up from the secretary’s desk and made her way toward Daron’s office. The chatter in the room faded into silence as she moved, an unspoken agreement among her colleagues to hush as she passed.
“Who’s that?” one whispered, curiosity evident.
“No idea,” another replied, their voice low.
Marina felt a prick of discomfort, but she accepted her role as merely a background figure in their narrative. Compared to Joyce, who basked in the spotlight like royalty, perhaps being a side character in their world wasn’t so bad after all. Most people would never even catch a glimpse of individuals like them in their lifetimes.
Shaking off her thoughts, Marina approached Daron’s office and knocked gently on the door. The secretary sidled over, whispering, “Mr. Zamora’s office is quite soundproof.”
She pressed the doorbell on the crystal panel beside the entrance, the screen illuminating to reveal only the office wall, with no sign of Daron visible.
“Mr. Zamora, Ms. Finley is here,” the secretary announced with respect.
Moments later, Daron’s voice came through the screen, detached yet authoritative. “Let her in.” The call ended abruptly.
Marina stared at the screen, feeling a sense of deflation wash over her. ‘So this is what it means to live large. His office is so expansive that even knocking goes unheard,’ she mused.
Meanwhile, she and Elnora were still grappling with the overwhelming debt of the Finley Group. ‘Comparing myself to people like him will only drive me insane,’ she thought, steeling herself for the conversation that lay ahead.
Conclusion
As Marina stood at the threshold of Daron’s office, the weight of her insecurities pressed heavily upon her. The stark contrast between her life and the seemingly effortless existence of Joyce Milner loomed large in her mind, a reminder of the privileges that others enjoyed while she and Elnora were ensnared in a battle for survival. Yet, within that moment of self-doubt, a flicker of resolve ignited in her heart. Embracing her imperfections, she recognized that her worth was not defined by the accolades of others or the grandeur of their lives, but by her relentless spirit and unwavering loyalty to those she loved. The struggle they faced together, the sacrifices made, and the strength drawn from each other formed a bond that transcended societal expectations and superficial comparisons.
Stepping into Daron’s office, Marina took a deep breath, ready to confront the challenges ahead with newfound determination. The journey she and Elnora were on was fraught with uncertainty, but it was also rich with the promise of resilience and hope. As she prepared to engage in a conversation that could shape her future, she understood that her path, though different from Joyce’s, was uniquely hers—filled with trials that would ultimately forge her into a stronger individual. With the winds of change swirling around her, Marina was no longer just a background figure; she was ready to claim her place in the narrative of her own life, one step at a time.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
As the tension mounts between Marina and the world of privilege embodied by Joyce Milner, readers can expect the next chapter to delve deeper into the complexities of their intertwined lives. With Daron’s enigmatic demeanor and the whispers of office gossip swirling around her, Marina finds herself at a crossroads. Will she embrace her own identity, or will the allure of wealth and status cloud her judgment? The stakes are high as Elnora’s health hangs in the balance, and Marina must navigate not only her burgeoning career at the Zamora Group but also the emotional turmoil that comes with it.
Anticipation builds as Marina prepares to confront Daron in his office, a space that symbolizes both opportunity and the daunting expectations of her new role. What will their conversation reveal about their dynamic? Will Daron’s charm extend beyond the surface, or will Marina find herself grappling with insecurities that threaten to overshadow her ambitions? Moreover, the specter of Elnora’s illness looms large, creating a backdrop of urgency that will undoubtedly influence Marina’s decisions. As the chapter unfolds, readers will be drawn into a whirlwind of emotions, alliances, and the ever-present question of what it truly means to succeed in a world defined by privilege and power.
