Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

Chapter 2148

Carson's car coasted through the city streets, the leather seats creaking gently as he turned to the driver. "Hey, drop Marina off first, will ya?"

Marina caught the edge in Carson's voice and offered a light chuckle. "What's got you so riled up? Still steamed about Timothy's stunt?"

Carson laughed at himself, a touch of irony in his tone. "I can't believe I actually introduced that clown to Charlie at the club. Talk about a faux pas."

"Don't sweat it," Marina reassured him. "Charlie's a wise guy; he won't hold it against you."

Carson grumbled, "There's this unspoken rule in our circle—not to drag in outsiders for personal favors. I bumped into Timothy at my uncle's place and he wanted to meet Charlie. Couldn't very well say no in front of my uncle, could I? But at 9th Mansion, Timothy shows his true colors, and man, I was ticked off. To top it off, he goes and hits on Sylvia. Utterly repulsive."

"Well, maybe it's for the best," Marina said. "Now you can see Timothy for who he really is and tell your cousin to kick him to the curb."

Carson scoffed bitterly. "You think she doesn't know what kind of a guy Timothy is? She's got not one, but two sugar boys on the side. She and Timothy are cut from the same cloth."

Marina sighed, a hint of sorrow in her voice. "So, this is the family legacy, huh?"

Carson raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You're quick to call Ms. Foster trash, but as her cousin, you haven't exactly been a role model, have you?" Marina prodded.

Carson snorted. "And what's wrong with me?"

Marina gave him a pointed look. "Need I remind you about Cicely? Or Ms. Frey after that? The list goes on and on."

Carson was unapologetic. "What's wrong with dating? If it doesn't work out, you move on. Not everyone's like you, Marina, clinging to a loser and refusing to let go."

The mention of Freddy stung Marina like a thorn in her side, a topic off-limits to all. Her face clouded over, and she turned to the driver. "Can you pull over up ahead? I need to get out."

Carson frowned, puzzled. "What's the deal? You dish it out but can't take it? Kinda petty, don't you think?"

Marina ignored him, turning her head away.

Carson softened his tone. "What are we doing, arguing like this? I'm sorry, alright? I was out of line. We shouldn't be fighting."

The driver interjected cautiously, "Should I still pull over?"

Neither answered.

Marina closed her eyes for a moment, then turned back with a slight flush of embarrassment. "No need to apologize. You're right, you're free to date whoever you want. I shouldn't use that to mock you."

Carson chuckled, carefree. "Feel free to mock away next time. I won't bite back." This is property © NôvelDrama.Org.

Marina smiled. "Then I'd be bullying you."

Carson replied, "Being bullied by your own lady isn't a bad deal."

Marina's cheeks reddened. "Who's your lady?"

"My fiancée, who else?" Carson teased.

Marina retorted, "Don't forget our arrangement is a sham."

"A sham?" Carson said earnestly. "Was our engagement a sham? The blessing of our parents? I made a public vow to only have eyes for you."

Marina was at a loss for words, flustered.

Carson burst into laughter, his eyes twinkling with mirth as he reveled in the moment.

Marina turned her head, letting him laugh it off.

Eventually, Carson's laughter subsided, and he stopped teasing her. Gazing out at the night, he asked, "What's the point of going home now?"

Marina responded, "Maybe read a book or play some video games."

Carson suggested, "It's still early. If you're not sleepy, why don't we go grab a drink?"

"Drinks?" Marina perked up.

"Yeah, you mentioned owing me a dinner after last time. Let's call it even over a couple of beers."

Marina agreed enthusiastically, "Sounds like a plan."