Rita's Unseen Destiny.

 Carlson smiled, looking pleased with himself. Thanks, Laura, I figured I should make an effort for Jennifer's special day.

 Laura nodded, still eyeing out at Carlson's outfit with interest. "You certainly have made an effort," she said, that suit looks like it cost a fortune. And that watch. Is a Rolex?

 Carlson nodded, looking a bit sheepish. " Yeah, it is. I have been doing okay financially lately. "

 Laura raised an eyebrow. " Okay financially?" She repeated. " Carlson, that watch alone must have cost thousands of dollars. And the suit you must have spent a small fortune on." 

 Carlson shrugged, looking uncomfortable. " I just wanted to look nice for the wedding, okay?"

 Laura smiled, teasing him. " Okay, Carlson. But I am still curious. How did you manage to afford all of this?"

 Carlson hesitated, looking around the room nervously." I have just been careful with my finances, okay?"

 Laura laughed. " Careful with your finances? She repeated. "Carlson, you have not told me the kind of job you do. You don't exactly get paid a fortune." 

 Carlson sighed, looking defeated. " Okay, fine. I will tell you. But you have to promise not to tell anyone else."

 Laura's curiosity was piqued. " I promise," she said, now tell me. How did you afford that expensive suite and watch?" 

 Carlson hesitated, looking around the room nervously. He didn't want to reveal his true identity as a wealthy and successful business executive, so he decided to keep up the chart.

 "I work hard, Laura, "he said, trying to sound as humble as possible. " I keep myself updated with the latest technology and trends. I am always looking for ways to improve my skills and knowledge." 

 Laura looked at him skeptically. " That's impressive, Carlson, "she said. But it still doesn't explain how you can afford that expensive suit and watch." 

 Carlson shrugged, trying to play it cool. " Like I said, I work hard. I have been lucky enough to have some successful investments and business ventures. And I have learned to be smart with my money." 

 Laura raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. But she didn't push the issue further. Instead, she smiled and said, "well, whatever your secret is, Carlson, it's clearly working for you. You look amazing today."

 Carlson smiled back, feeling relieved that Laura hadn't pressed him for more information. " Thanks Laura," he said, "you look stunning yourself."

 Laura laughed and playfully rolled her eyes. "Thanks Carlson. But let's get going. We do not want to be late for Jennifer's wedding." 

 Carlson nodded, and together they headed out the door, ready to celebrate Jennifer's special day.

 As Laura and Carlson walked into the reception, they were immediately noticed by Dave and Nina, who were standing by the bar. Dave's eyes narrowed as he watched Laura laugh and chat with Carlson, a man he had never seen before.

 "Who is that? " Dave asked Nina, his voice low and even.

 Nina followed his gaze and raised an eyebrow. I have no idea," she said. " But it looks like Laura is having a good time. "

 Dave's jealousy grew as he watched Laura and Carlson together. He couldn't help but wonder who this guy was and what his relationship was with Laura.

 Was she cheating on him before he proposed to Nina? The thought made Dave's blood boil, and he felt a surge of anger towards Laura.

 Nina, sensing Dave's tension, put a hand on his arm. Hey, what's wrong? She asked. Dave shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. " Nothing," he said. "I just don't know who that guy is, and it's bothering me. "

 Nina nodded understandingly. " Let's go find out, "she said, taking Dave's hand and leading him towards Laura and Carlson.

 As they approached, Laura looked up and smiled. "Hey, guys! Come meet Carlson." 

 Dave's eyes narrowed as Laura took Carlson's hands. "This is Carlson, my new boyfriend," she said, beaming with happiness.

 Dave felt a surge of jealousy at Laura's words. He had thought that they had a connection, that she might feel the same way about him. But now, it seemed that she had moved on to someone else.

 Nina, sensing Dave's tension, put a hand on his arm." Congratulations, Laura," she said, smiling. "You two make a lovely couple." 

 Laura smiled, seemingly oblivious to Dave's jealousy. "Thanks, Nina. We are really happy.

 Dave forced a smile on his face, trying to hide his true feelings. " Yeah, congratulations, "he said, his voice tight.

 Carlson, sensing the tension, smiled politely. " Thanks Dave. It's nice to meet you.

 Just as Dave was introducing himself to Carlson, the accommodation at the entrance caught everyone's attention. Mister Jenkins, Laura's uncle, had arrived, and he was beaming with a warm smile. 

 As he made his way towards them, he greeted Carlson with a firm handshake. Carlson, how is Sha Industries doing? He asked, his eyes twinkling with interest. 

 Everyone's eyes widened in surprise, and Laura's gaze snapped towards Carlson, her eyes narrowing in shock. " Uncle, what are you saying? She started to ask, but Mister Jenkins cut her off. 

 Laura, darling, I see you have met Carlson, "he said, his smile growing wider. " I have been doing business with him for a while now, and I must say he is a brilliant C.E.O."

 Carlson smiled graciously, shaking Mister Jenkins' hand. "" Thank you, Mister Jenkins. It is a pleasure to meet you again. "

 Laura's eyes darted back and forth between Carlson and her uncle, her mind racing with questions. What was going on ? How did her uncle know Carlson?

 Mister Jenkins chuckled as if reading Laura's mind. Laura, I think I have surprised you. Let me explain that Carlson here is the C.E.O of Sha industries, and we have been discussing a potential partnership."

 Laura's eyes widened in shock, and she turned to Carlson, her voice barely above a whisper. You are the C.E.O of Sha industries?" 

 Carlson nodded, his smile still plastered on his face. " Guilty as charged," he said.

 Mister Jenkins clapped Carlson on the back. "Well, I will let you two get back to your evening. Just remember Carlson. I am still waiting for feedback on our proposal. 

 Carlson nodded, his smile faltering for a moment. I will get right on it, Mister Jenkins. Thank you for reminding me."