Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Chapter 1886

In the evening, Jonathan and Estelle connected over a video call.

Following a wintry shower in C City, Estelle had finished dinner and spent some time chatting with her grandfather by the fireplace. When she stepped out, Wade had prepared a cloak and an umbrella for her. Holding the umbrella, she made her way to the backyard while picking up Jonathan's call.

Fresh out of the shower, Jonathan emerged from the bathroom and saw Estelle, clad in her cloak, crossing the courtyard under the night rain. His eyes deepened with affection, and he chuckled, "It feels like we're in different worlds."

Caught off guard, Estelle touched the cloak and replied with a warm smile, "Grandpa insists on making me a few cloaks every winter. He says they're warmer."

"Then I'll make you one every year too." Jonathan declared.

Estelle laughed and glanced at Jonathan's background, recognizing the Royal Mansion. She frowned slightly, "Didn't I tell you to stay at the Lamont family home?" "This place reminds me of you," Jonathan replied with a charming, lazy smile, his freshly washed hair falling casually over his forehead.

Estelle settled on a bench under the porch, continuing to chat with Jonathan. Above her, Coco the parrot squawked cheerfully, "Ella, Ella."

"Shh." Estelle placed her finger to her lips, gesturing for silence, and looked up at Coco, "Quiet down, let me have a peaceful conversation with Jonathan." Coco flapped its wings, calling out even louder, "Jonathan, Jonathan."

Estelle glared at the bird, "You're not allowed to shout."

But Coco, contrary as ever, only squawked more joyfully.

On the other end, Jonathan watched with a twinkle in his eye as Estelle argued with Coco. He got up and went to the wardrobe to fetch his pajamas. After a brief spat with Coco, Estelle turned just in time to see Jonathan taking out a little box she had tucked away in the corner of the closet.

Holding the box, Jonathan looked at Estelle with a meaningful tone, "You kept it?"

Estelle gave an embarrassed laugh, "I just didn't know where to throw it."

Seeing Jonathan about to open the box, she quickly interjected, "Don't look."

Jonathan smiled faintly and set the box aside, "Let's keep it then. We can save all the future ones too-maybe dedicate a whole room to them."

Estelle stood up, heading to her own room, "I'm going to hang up. I need to take a bath and go to bed."

"Don't hang up," Jonathan leaned against the headboard, his eyes intense and exquisite in the dim light, "Just find a spot for your phone in the bathroom and do your thing."

Estelle rolled her eyes at him, placed the phone behind a vase, and began looking for her pajamas.

Jonathan was left staring at the magnified crackled pattern on the vase, speechless.

The next morning, Estelle got up early, joining Jarvis for breakfast and then accompanying him on a walk up the hill.

At lunch, she lovingly served soup to her grandfather, also handing him a spoon and cutlery, looking exceptionally docile.

Jarvis smiled, "Are you buttering me up for something?"

He always knew when her good behavior meant she had a request.

Sitting down, Estelle served Jarvis a piece of roasted sea cucumber and said softly, "I meant to stay with you longer, but this morning I got a call from a fashion show. They've invited me to be a judge." Jarvis's eyes dimmed, but his smile widened, "Go ahead, dear. I don't really need your company, and you've already spent a good few days with me. If you have things to do, get on with them. Why waste your youth keeping an old man company?"

Estelle nodded, "I've booked a flight for this afternoon but I'll come back as soon as I can."

"Don't worry about me. There are plenty of people here to look after me. If I were to hold you back, I'd really be useless." Jarvis snorted, "Be like your brother. It doesn't matter if he doesn't come back for half a year."

Estelle suppressed a laugh, "You sound like you're pouting."

"I'm not pouting. Being independent enough not to worry you kids makes me happy," Jarvis loaded Estelle's plate, "Since you're leaving this afternoon, eat up. A full belly keeps homesickness at bay." Looking at Jarvis, Estelle joked with a sincere gaze, "When I return, maybe my brother will be back too. Perhaps this year, we can celebrate Christmas together."

Jarvis paused, his utensil in hand, and murmured, "Will we?"