The beautiful, slightly sorrowful melody captivated everyone in the room. Even Marina fell completely silent, lost in the music.
As the piece progressed, the notes blossomed into something romantic and magnificent, like a love reborn from the ashes.
Drawn in by the song, Marina casually glanced over and found her eyes locking with Carson's. In the flickering candlelight, his gaze was dark, profound, and searing with an intensity that felt as though it could pierce straight through her eyes and into her very soul.
Marina was mesmerized for a breathless moment. Three seconds passed before she managed to tear her gaze away in a slight panic, her heart pounding frantically against her ribs.
When the song ended, the restaurant erupted in enthusiastic applause. Several diners looked over at them, and someone even brought over a red rose from their own table to give to Marina.
"Congratulations! May you always love each other deeply," a young woman told her.
Marina honestly didn't know if she should accept such a blessing.
Carson reached out and took the flower smoothly. "We will. Thank you."
Marina quickly offered her own thanks to the woman.
Carson placed the newly gifted rose into the vase on their table. "Consider it a testament. We really are going to be together forever."
Marina looked at him. "Do you even believe that yourself?"
Carson met her gaze with utter sincerity. "How will we know if we don't try?"
Staring into his deep eyes, Marina felt an undeniable tug at her heart. She looked down at her plate and continued eating, leaving the question unanswered.
*
Later that night, true to his promise to Rhiannon, Carson drove Marina home.
When they pulled up outside the Evert family estate, Marina pushed open the car door. "Thank you for today. Thanks for bailing me out earlier, and for the amazing dinner."
Even his friend George had been an absolute delight.


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Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Carson kick Giselle to the curb as a gentleman. He never fails to explain himself to Marina and he always rises to the occasion to come to her rescue. Now that he's assured her that he won't do as his father had done. The ice is breaking. Thank you for the updates....
May we have updates please. Thank you...
Carson can be jealous too. More updates please and thank you for the updates....
More updates please....
Oooowweeee! This THREW ME COMPLETELY for a loop. Thank you for the updates....
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....