Following Marina's suggestion, the two of them found a street food market at the night bazaar. Even though it was winter, the open-air stalls were bustling with life, the air thick with the vibrant, messy warmth of the city.
Next to the outdoor tables, someone was belting out karaoke. The rich, savory scent of barbecue filled the air, completely chasing away the bleak chill of the winter night.
They found a table and took a seat. Marina ordered their food and turned to Carson. "Do you want anything to drink? Their house-brewed beer is actually really good."
Carson glanced around. "Do you come here often?"
Flipping through the menu, Marina replied, "This place has been around forever. Whenever I came back during college, I'd always make a stop here."
She added with a hint of regret, "J City is cracking down on these outdoor markets right now. Pretty soon, scenes like this will just be a memory."
Carson leaned back in his chair. "City ordinances change all the time. Don't be too pessimistic."
Marina asked what he wanted to eat. Although Carson had already had dinner, he ordered a few things just to keep her company and not ruin the mood.
While they waited for their food, Marina smiled. "The flavor here is incredible, honestly better than the chefs at five-star hotels. You'll see once you try it."
Carson nodded. "If they've managed to stay open this long in a place like this, the food has to be decent."
They kept up an easy conversation until the skewers arrived. Marina handed a skewer of meat to Carson, her eyes shining with anticipation. "Hurry, try it."
Carson took a bite, smiling as he nodded. "The meat is very tender. Great flavor."
Marina let out a bright laugh. She was genuinely starving and eagerly dug into her food. She even had her own custom way of eating it—placing a blistered, juicy roasted green pepper onto a piece of bread, adding a skewer of tender lamb, and rolling it all up before taking a massive bite. The explosion of flavor was out of this world.
Carson loved this about Marina. She ate with unapologetic enthusiasm, completely free of any pretentious rich-girl baggage. It made whoever was eating with her enjoy their own meal that much more, instantly putting them in a great mood.
The two of them talked between bites, eventually shifting to sit side by side as they chatted and drank their beers.


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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....