Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3455

"If I had a younger brother, like Phoebe does, I wouldn't have to carry the burden of the family business," Marina said softly. "I could do whatever I wanted and chase my dreams. But I'm an only child. If I don't step up and hold the fort, my parents will get completely crushed by my Uncle Trevor and Aunt Charlotte. They'd have nothing left."

Carson turned to look at her. Her parents were weak and blindly obedient to the wider family hierarchy, which meant she had to be the ruthless one.

And yet, her parents didn't understand her.

They didn't understand why she had to be so fiercely independent, why she couldn't just be soft and compliant like Phoebe.

Carson wiped a drop of alcohol from his lip with his thumb. "Have you ever met this Nocturne guy?"

"No," Marina answered instantly. "And I probably never will."

Carson's smile was sharp. "If you did meet him, and you found out he was young, strikingly handsome, talented, and perfectly aligned with all your interests... would you fall for him?"

Marina scoffed, brushing it off. "Stop joking. First of all, we're not going to meet. Second, I'm not some hopeless romantic who fantasizes about impossible relationships. And third, he's probably older than me. For all I know, he's already married with kids."

Carson stared dead into her eyes. "I'm saying, hypothetically. What if he isn't married? What if he decides to pursue you? What would you do?"

Would she chase her dream, or stay grounded in reality?

It was the exact same dilemma as choosing her art over the family business. Which path would she take this time?

Marina took a huge gulp of her drink and said in a faux-serious tone, "Then I'd really have to think about it."

Suddenly, Carson lunged. He trapped her between the sofa and his arms, his handsome face darkening with a predatory edge. "If you ever dared to leave me," he murmured with a chilling smile, "I'd ruin you. I'd crush your company, throw your parents out on the street, and make sure you lived the rest of your life buried in guilt, never knowing a moment of peace."

Marina gasped, leaning back as far as she could, her eyes wide with shock. After a beat, she lowered her voice. "In that case... can I make one request?"

He looked deeply amused. "Tell me."

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