From a Wrong Turn to Mr. Right novel Chapter 394

Olivia Bennett and Ethan Carter’s wedding had kept Elaine Carter busy from morning till night.

By the time she finally sat down to rest, evening had fallen.

The guests had all gone home; those left behind were just family and a few close friends, including the Bakers, who had always been close to the Carters.

Naomi Barton was chatting with Adelina Lane and Beatty near the fireplace. Meanwhile, Carlson Baker—who’d been Ethan’s best man—had spent the day shielding Ethan from a cascade of toasts. With his head spinning a little from the champagne, he excused himself when his phone rang and wandered out to the garden gazebo.

The night air was cool, and the breeze sobered Carlson up a bit. After ending the call, he decided not to head back inside just yet and lowered himself onto a bench, closing his eyes to enjoy the quiet.

Elaine found him like that—a handsome figure leaning back against the railing, eyes closed, looking for all the world as if he’d dozed off. Even at rest, his features were striking, and tonight, dressed to the nines, he looked every bit the dashing gentleman. Elaine had seen plenty of good-looking men in show business, but even she had to admit, Carlson Baker was a cut above the rest.

She strolled over, a teasing smile on her lips. “What’s this? Worn out already?”

Carlson didn’t need to open his eyes to recognize the voice. The corner of his mouth twitched up as he cracked one eye open, taking in the sight of her. “Me? Worn out? You must have the wrong guy.”

His gaze was soft and amused, but there was a trace of haze in his eyes, the kind that comes after a few too many drinks.

Elaine just leaned against a nearby pillar, playing along. “Sure. You’re invincible, right? Nothing ever slows you down.”

He pressed his middle finger to his temple and gave her a look. “You could at least pretend to care.”

“I could,” Elaine answered with a quick nod. “How convincing do you want me to be?”

He dropped his hand and propped his elbow on the railing, looking at her with a crooked smile. Aileen’s expression was mischievous, like a fox who’d just gotten away with something. Carlson had seen her shine in front of cameras, all poise and confidence, but it was only at home that she dropped the act and let her true self show—a girl raised like a princess, who’d chosen to carve her own path in the unpredictable world of showbiz. It was her determination these past two years that made him realize just how much she’d grown up.

Carlson’s gaze flickered, his eyes momentarily lost in the night before he looked back at her. “Never mind. Don't trouble yourself. You’ve had a long day—I won’t make you waste what little energy you have left on me.”

“I’m not tired,” Elaine said, moving over to the small table nearby.

There were still a few glasses set out for guests, though the water inside had long since lost its warmth. She didn’t care, poured herself a glass, and took a sip. The coolness soothed her throat. “Honestly, I didn’t do much today. And don’t worry—no matter how tired I am, I always have enough energy to deal with you.”

She cupped the glass carefully in both hands, as if it were something precious.

Carlson let out a quiet laugh. “Then I should thank you.”

“You could,” Elaine replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

He smirked, exhaling in mock defeat. “On second thought, I’ll pass.”

Elaine puffed out her cheeks and traced her finger around the rim of her glass. Suddenly, she looked at him with mock concern. “Want some water?”

He realized then how parched he was, and nodded. “Yeah, I could use a glass.”

Elaine poured one and handed it to him. Carlson downed the cold water in a single gulp, the chill clearing the lingering fog from his mind.

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