Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3640

Marina paused for a moment before replying, "You told me before not to waste my time in a loveless relationship. I realized you were absolutely right, so I ended it."

Erin gasped sharply. "So this is all my fault?"

Marina burst into laughter. "No, I just finally came to my senses!"

Erin's eyes darted around. "What exactly happened to make you 'come to your senses' so suddenly?"

Marina kept her eyes on the road. The colorful neon lights washed over her face, alternating between bright flashes and deep shadows. "Sometimes, people just wake up one day," she said softly.

Erin looked slightly disappointed. "I actually thought Carson treated you really well. I figured if you two stayed together long enough, you'd eventually catch feelings."

Marina's eyelashes fluttered, her tone flat. "He treats everyone well."

Hearing the edge in Marina's voice, Erin seemed to understand. She nodded. "Alright. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters."

Marina shot her a sideways glance and smirked. "I'm happy when you're here!"

Erin grinned widely at her. "See how in sync we are? I knew you were going through a rough patch, so I came to keep you company!"

Marina scoffed playfully. "Didn't you say you were just bored out of your mind?"

Erin was speechless.

She let out an awkward laugh. "Some things are better left unsaid, okay? Get it?"

Marina raised an eyebrow. "Got it!"

They found an elegant restaurant and chatted over their meal.

They were in the historic district, surrounded by traditional architecture. As night fell, the streets were illuminated by endless strings of red lanterns, winding like a massive, glowing dragon, both gorgeous and dazzling.

Despite the freezing weather, the streets were packed. Plenty of young people and college students were wandering around in traditional clothing, and the holiday spirit was already palpable.

As they were wrapping up dinner, Marina went to the restroom. When she came out, a waiter was waiting for her with a polite smile. "Ms. Evert? Ms. Yeats is over at the Cloud Pavilion listening to the opera. She asked me to bring you over."

There was a traditional opera performance happening at the teahouse across the street. The melodious singing drifted over on the wind. Erin had found it fascinating and wanted to go, but since it was getting late, Marina had told her they'd go tomorrow. Apparently, she had gone by herself anyway.

"There's a connecting corridor to the Cloud Pavilion," the waiter said. "I can show you the way."

"Thank you," Marina replied, following the waiter toward the stairs leading to the opposite building.

There was a long enclosed bridge connecting the two structures. To get to it, they had to pass through a dimly lit hallway. The moment Marina stepped inside, her instincts screamed that something was wrong. Before she could turn around, a sharp pain struck the back of her neck. Her vision went black, and she collapsed.

Two men immediately stepped out of the shadows. They hoisted Marina over their shoulders and quickly carried her down the back stairs and out the rear exit.

*

Kai had originally planned to stay out for the night, but he suddenly received a frantic call from Rowena, demanding he come home immediately.