Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3482

Marina knew this would likely be the last time they ever met in private.

Kai's gaze darkened. He looked as though he had a million things to say, but no idea where to begin.

After a prolonged silence, Kai finally spoke. "Are you quitting because of him? You said you didn't love him, so why give up something you're so passionate about for his sake?"

Marina felt a crushing sense of helplessness, like history was repeating itself. Once before, she had sacrificed her manga for the sake of her family's obligations. Now, she was doing it again.

She said softly, "These are two completely different things."

Kai's lips curled into a self-deprecating smile. "And yet, you still chose him."

Marina looked away. "Given our current situations, it's impossible for us to keep working together."

"Does that mean we can't even be friends anymore?" Kai asked, a bitter edge to his voice.

Marina hesitated for a second before giving a slight nod.

Kai turned his gaze to the window, unable to hide the raw pain in his eyes. He spoke slowly, the words heavy with resentment. "Why do I always have to lose to him? Is it just because I'm an illegitimate son? I didn't ask to be born this way. If I had a choice, I'd rather never have been born at all than be forced to live as the bastard who always has to hide in the dark."

"My status has always been beneath his. When we were kids, I wasn't allowed at the main Foster estate. Even later, when I was finally let in, I wasn't allowed to eat at the same table as the elders and Mrs. Foster."

"Even the generational name that should have been mine was stripped away!"

"I've worked so hard my entire life. When Carson was out partying and playing games, I was pulling all-nighters studying. When we grew up and he was busy playing the field, I was breaking my back earning revenue for the company. Whatever he can do, I've tried to do better. But what does all that effort even mean? I can't even stand on equal footing with him!"

"And now, he's even taking away my chance to create art with you!"

"What did I do wrong?"

"Why is the world so unfair to me?"

Upon returning to her apartment, Marina collapsed onto the bed and fell into a deep sleep. She had barely rested all week, and exhaustion pulled her under the moment her head hit the pillow.

She slept soundly, plunging into a long, chaotic dream. She dreamed of meeting Nocturne in the tea house again. She didn't know who he was; he was still just a stranger to her.

Then Carson appeared, bringing another girl with him. He stared at her with cold, furious eyes, accusing her of betrayal.

Nocturne and Carson started arguing. Nocturne claimed Carson had set a trap and that they had no real relation to each other.

The scene spiraled into chaos. Marina tried to step forward to break up the fight, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't reach them. She couldn't utter a single word, leaving her panicking in silence.

The sheer anxiety of the dream finally jolted her awake.

Opening her eyes, she saw that it was completely dark outside. She had slept through the entire afternoon.

She dragged herself to the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face, before checking her phone. It was on silent and flooded with missed calls and unread messages.