Marina frowned. "Why? They're supposed to be evaluating the art, not the artist!"
"It's a direct mandate from the head organizer," Wyndham explained. "I don't get it either, which is why I keep badgering you. Being featured alongside master comic artists is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You know that better than anyone!"
Marina tilted her head back to stare up at the night sky. The conflict tore at her chest, a physical ache threatening to rip her in two. She had never been faced with such an agonizing choice.
Laughter drifted over from the party. She turned her head. Through the faint, silvery mist of the evening, she could see Carson's gaze resting steadily on her.
Once a choice was made, it had to be seen through. Flip-flopping now would only cause more collateral damage.
"I'm sorry."
With that final apology, she hung up.
She drew in a deep breath of the crisp night air, waiting until her racing pulse steadied before heading back to the table.
A thick wool blanket draped over her chair, keeping the seat warm despite her absence. Carson poured her a mug of hot cocoa and handed it over. "Everything okay?"
She had already said no; there was no point in complicating things further. Shaking her head, she offered a light smile. "It's nothing."
Carson gave a brief nod, enveloping her hand in his to warm her chilled fingers.
Making casual conversation, Colby asked what line of work Carson was in. "Management, I suppose," Carson replied with a smooth smile.
"Hey, we're in the same boat!" Colby declared instantly.
He launched into a breakdown of his college major and his personal critique of modern corporate management philosophies. To be fair, he was knowledgeable and had some solid, independent theories.

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Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Another twist, Phoebe will try and hook up with Kai Foster. Thank you for the updates....
Thank you for the updates....
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....