Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3406

"I was really just giving her a ride home that day," Carson explained.

Marina waved it off, entirely unbothered. "You're both consenting adults. It's totally normal. Like I said, you don't need to explain anything to me."

Carson's eyes narrowed slightly, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Speaking from personal experience, Marina?"

"Are you trying to turn this around on me?" she shot back instantly.

He offered a smooth, devastatingly handsome smile. "Don't be so defensive. I'm just making conversation."

Marina offered a polite, tight smile. "I'm afraid we don't have much to converse about, Mr. Foster. We're clearly on completely different paths."

"Oh? And what path are you on?" Carson asked, amused.

She thought for a second. "One that doesn't involve being a complete degenerate, for starters."

He leaned back, his smile turning lazy and predatory. "So I'm a degenerate now?"

Marina took a delicate sip of her cocktail, meeting his gaze. "You're an irredeemable playboy."

Carson threw his head back and laughed out loud.

Before he could reply, Marina's eyes lit up. She stood up and waved excitedly at a girl navigating the crowded bar. "Erin!"

Erin Yeats practically sprinted over, pulling Marina into a bone-crushing hug. "You little vixen! I missed you so much!"

Vixen? An interesting nickname. Carson raised an eyebrow, rising from his seat to approach them.

"Erin, this is my... fiancé, Carson Foster," Marina introduced.

With his striking features and effortless elegance, Carson offered a charming smile. "Ms. Yeats."

"Mr. Foster, nice to meet you!" Erin, usually a wildly energetic girl, noticeably reigned herself in under the weight of his undeniable charisma as she shook his hand.

Noticing the shift in the air, Carson realized his presence might be keeping the two friends from truly letting loose. Having finished prepping the fruit, he wiped his hands gracefully. "I just spotted an acquaintance. I'm going to go say hi. I'll be right back."

"Go ahead," Marina said, relieved.

He gave Erin a polite nod and walked away—smoothly taking Marina's glass of iced beer with him.

The moment he was out of earshot, Erin grabbed Marina's arm, practically vibrating with excitement. "You minx! How did you score a fiancé like that? He is insanely gorgeous, ridiculously tall, and such a perfect gentleman! I'm actually jealous!"

Marina watched Carson's retreating figure. Broad-shouldered, impossibly elegant, and effortlessly striking. Even in a chaotic, loud nightclub, he stood out like a masterpiece.

Too bad it was all just a beautiful facade.

Spearing a piece of lychee with a small fork, Marina popped it into her mouth. The sweet, juicy burst of flavor instantly lifted her mood. She chuckled. "It's just a business engagement, Erin. We signed a contract. I don't love him, and he definitely doesn't love me."

Erin froze, her lips twisting in disbelief. "Yeah, right. That man is definitely into you. Did you see the way he looked at you? It was so soft. And the way he hovered and scolded you about the beer? He's completely whipped."