Falling For My Ex's Uncle - Chapter 358: Chapter 358

Without hesitation, I shook my head and replied, "It wasn't necessary."
Marvin fixed his gaze on me, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "So, have you never truly regarded your so-called husband as important, or are you simply indifferent to the people around him?"
I countered sharply, "Why can't it be me? I have enough confidence to trust my judgment."
Marvin smirked, a hint of mockery in his expression. After a brief pause, he continued, "With your judgment? Especially when it comes to men, it's far from impressive. Otherwise, how did you end up wasting your best years on a worthless man?"
Hearing Marvin's words, my expression darkened instantly. Annoyed, I retorted, "No matter what, I'm still better than you. At least I dare to face failure. And you? Don't think that being a cop gives you an excuse to avoid relationships and marriage. Let's be honest—you're just making excuses because you're too afraid to face reality."
Marvin chuckled, his expression carefree and indifferent. "Alright, fine. You win. I'm avoiding reality and dodging responsibility—happy now?" He shrugged casually. "But I'm not a kid anymore. That little provocation of yours? Doesn't work on me."
I sighed helplessly, laced with sarcasm. "You haven't changed a bit since childhood—still a coward." Shaking my head, I continued, "I thought putting on a uniform would make a difference, but at the core, you're still the same as ever."
Marvin's smile faded, his expression turning complicated as he looked at me with a hint of exasperation. "How does that make me a coward? Choosing not to get married and only dating—that's being afraid? I know myself well enough not to waste a woman's time. That's called responsibility; ever heard of it?"
He paused, his gaze locking onto mine before he countered, "How about you? Watching your husband walk into a hotel with another woman—are you completely unfazed?"
"And what about you? You say marriage comes with responsibility, but doesn't a relationship require the same? You're still living in the shadow of your mother's influence, never willing to step out of it.
Deep down, you're convinced you can't bring happiness to anyone, afraid you might end up even worse than your father. That's why you're retreating—because you're scared."
"You're right. I don't make much as a cop, and any day on duty could be my last. So why would I drag someone else into that?"
I laughed faintly and said, "By your logic, does that mean no cop should ever get married or have kids? No wonder your mom didn't want you to continue being a cop."
"So what about you?" Marvin shot me a glance before posing a sharp question. "I don't believe you have no feelings for Alex, considering he once saved your life.
And you returned to the Parks family to protect your child, seeking their shelter. But here's the real question: if you had to choose between the child and yourself, you'd pick the child without hesitation. But do you truly believe Alex would choose you?"
"Love isn't about pursuing a particular outcome. Sometimes, the process itself is more important than the result," I said, locking eyes with Marvin and leaving the rest unsaid.
Life was about trying, whether you gain or lose. Ultimately, it was all an experience that gradually strengthened a once-fragile heart. It was only through repeated trials and hardships that we forged an unbreakable heart.
Marvin lowered his head and chuckled, "Laurel, aren't you even the slightest bit curious about what your so-called husband is up to?"
"I've already said, there's no need."
"What do you mean, 'no need'?" Marvin pressed, not letting it go. He turned his head to stare at me, his eyes filled with confusion.
I smiled faintly and teased, "Why can't you just find a girlfriend properly? Look at you—those girls interested in you get scared when they see your indifferent attitude. Who would want to see you again?"
Marvin skillfully started the car, shrugging nonchalantly. "Alright, alright. Looks like you're more anxious than anyone else. I'm just worried your so-called husband might get his heart stolen by someone else."
"I'm more curious about how Abigail liked you." I raised an eyebrow, my curiosity growing even more intense.
Marvin couldn't help but complain, "Sure, I may not be as rich and handsome as your husband, but I'm not exactly ugly, right? Plus, I've no messy rumors or scandals. It's perfectly normal for someone to like me—there's no need to make such a big deal."
"If it were anyone else, I might not find it strange, but it's Abigail?" I frowned, looking out the car window. The once clear sky was now suddenly overshadowed by dark clouds.
At that moment, the car in front suddenly came to a stop. Marvin rolled down the window, leaning out to take a quick look. His tone laced with urgency, he said, "There's a traffic jam ahead."
I reached out and adjusted the seat, settling into a more comfortable position. "How about you sit in the back?" Marvin asked.
"Can I even sit in the back?" I slightly closed my eyes, then couldn't help but ask, "Why are you still driving this old car? You should get a new one by now."
"What's wrong with an old car? It's just a means of transportation; as long as it works, that's all that matters." Marvin said, reaching into the back seat to grab two bottles of water. He opened one and handed it to me.
I took it, tilting my head back to drink a gulp, but I felt a strange sense of pressure in my chest. Suddenly, I realized Marvin didn't quite resemble his parents.
He wasn't as competitive and calculating as Yvonne, nor as carefree and charming as Michael, but he always left a trail of affection behind. Perhaps those painful childhood memories had left him with so many concerns, shaping the introverted and complex personality he had developed.
Marvin, seemingly trying to suppress his craving for a cigarette, finished the entire bottle. The car ahead remained utterly still, not moving an inch.
I gently furrowed my brows, took another small sip, and muttered, "I wonder if something happened up ahead?"
"Could it be? Did they get into an accident?" Marvin questioned just as his phone rang. At that exact moment, the phone in my bag also started ringing.
Marvin froze for a moment, clearly taken aback. He picked up his phone, glanced at the screen, and gave me a subtle look. I opened my bag and pulled out my phone, and when I saw that the caller was Alex, I couldn't help but be surprised.
As I hesitated about answering, Marvin had already ended his call and gave me a slight nod, signaling me to pick up. "Laurel, where are you?" came Alex's deep voice from the other end of the line.
I paused for a moment, a bit surprised. Alex never really asked where I was. "I'm outside. What about you?" I replied.
There was a brief silence on Alex's end. "I'm at the office. Are you alone outside?" he asked.