Since he put it that way, Marina didn't refuse. She checked the time. "Let's go now, then!"
Nocturne looked absolutely thrilled. "Thank you, Sia!"
Marina waved it off casually. "Don't mention it!"
They drove to his place, stopping on the way so Marina could pick up a bouquet of flowers and some pastries as a courtesy gift.
Nocturne led the way in his car. It wasn't until they pulled into the ultra-exclusive Goldspice Lane that Marina realized his family was extraordinarily wealthy.
They parked outside a sprawling, traditional garden-style estate. As Nocturne led her inside, a maid greeted him with a respectful bow. "Welcome back, young master."
The grounds were a masterpiece of pavilions, rockeries, and winding paths. After crossing a lush floral courtyard, the space opened up to reveal a majestic three-story mansion.
Stepping into the grand living room, Nocturne called out happily, "Mom, look who I brought over!"
A woman stepped out from behind a carved wooden screen. Dressed in a tailored silk dress, she looked remarkably youthful, possessing a graceful, slender figure. With delicate brows and luminous skin, she didn't have a striking, aggressive beauty, but she radiated the elegant, gentle charm of classic sophistication.
She looked Marina up and down with a soft smile. "Zu's friend? You are absolutely gorgeous."
Nocturne gave Marina a sheepish look. "My nickname at home is Zu."
Marina nodded and greeted her politely. "It's wonderful to meet you, Ms. Croft."
"Mom, this is my friend, Sia," Nocturne introduced.
Rowena warmly invited Marina to sit, gesturing for the maids to serve tea and pastries. She smiled, a meaningful glint in her eyes. "Zu talks about you all the time. He says you're brilliant and incredibly talented. You're also the very first girl he's ever brought home."
Marina immediately clarified, "Nocturne and I met through our manga. We're creative partners."
Rowena nodded with a soft smile. "I understand."
Marina looked at the woman's smile. A strange sensation prickled at the back of her mind, though she couldn't put her finger on what felt off.
Nocturne quickly chimed in. "Mom, don't overthink it. Sia heard you were feeling under the weather, so she came to visit and keep you company."

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Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
May we please have updates. Thank you...
It's time for Carson and Marina to commit further than the engagement. Looking forward to the updates....
Thank you for the updates....
Thank you for the updates. I thoroughly enjoy your writing....
May we please have updates... I'm curious to know how Marina saved Carson....
Time for Carson andarina to comit. Thank you for the updates....
Things are looking up for Xavier and Norah. Thank you for the updates....
Woohoo! This was sooooo good. Thank you for the updates....
This was classic updates. Thank you so much...
May we please have updates. Thank you...