Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Chapter 1863

Jonathan felt a bubble of laughter from Ella, and without hesitation, he rose and swept her into his embrace, his broad chest providing a comforting haven for her to lean against. His deep and resonant voice rumbled close to her ear. "Ella, I really am one lucky guy."

"Mm?" Estelle looked up into his eyes.

His narrow gaze was intense as he looked back at her. "Just really lucky, that's all."

The corners of Estelle's lips curved upward. "Me too."

A feather-light sensation seemed to dance across Jonathan's heart. He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, then to the tip of her pert nose, each touch tender and lingering.

After Xavier left, he made his way toward the parking lot. From a distance, he could hear the familiar sound of approaching voices.

"Adrian Chambers, hurry up, or the cake will melt!"

Norah Lamont's voice, with its characteristic sweet lilt and playful tone, carried across the air.

Adrian caught up with long strides and took the cake from her hands with a blend of exasperation and indulgence in his voice. "With everything available right here, why did you bother to make a special trip for a cake."

"You don't understand, the way they make ice cream cake here is one of a kind in all of J City," Norah laughed. "I had to reserve it ten days in advance for Magdalen."

"Alright, as long as you're happy!"

As they drew closer, the streetlight illuminated Norah's figure; upon seeing Gabriel, Norah paused abruptly.

Xavier's gaze fell on the girl opposite him, realizing it had been a month since they last saw each other.

Norah was wrapped in a pink coat, her delicate features framed by a soft pink and white knitted scarf. Her dark eyes shone against her porcelain skin, and the night lights lent an ethereal quality to her beauty. Adrian exclaimed in surprise, "Mr. Flemmings, you're here too?"

Xavier nodded casually, "Just stopped by for the celebration."

"Why leave so early? The banquet's still on!"

"Giving a toast to the happy couple is enough for me. I got things to take care of at my shop."

"We'll have to visit your place sometime," Adrian said with a bright laugh, only to notice the strange look on Norah's face. He nudged her gently with his arm. "What's up? Don't you want to say hello to the boss?"

Norah, with her lips pursed and head bowed, didn't seem inclined to speak to Xavier.

With his eyes cooled slightly, Xavier smiled and said, "It's cold out there. You two better head inside."

"See you, Mr. Flemmings!" Adrian's farewell was cheerful and friendly.

Xavier nodded and strode toward his car.

As they passed each other, Norah's body involuntarily stiffened, as if the chill that suddenly rose was about to pierce through her.

Adrian walked ahead a few steps and, seeing that Norah hadn't followed, looked back at her. "Come on, what's on your mind?"

Norah snapped out of her reverie and hurried after Adrian.

Glancing back, she watched as the man's tall figure receded into the darkness and became a blur, with his shadow elongated by the streetlight, taking on a forlorn and cold aspect.

A sudden pang of pain struck her heart.

Adrian asked, "Are you still going to help out at Mr. Flemmings' shop this weekend?"

Norah shifted her gaze from the man's fading silhouette, and shook her head. "I quit."

She had also muted the group chat at the shop. Damian and Zachary had called her separately, asking what was wrong, but she simply said she was too busy with work to come by anymore.