Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Chapter 1971

"Honey, wake up!"

"Ah!"

Estelle let out a soft cry, her eyes snapping open in panic as she stared bewildered at the man before her.

Jonathan immediately wrapped his arms around her, murmuring reassurances, "Bad dream? I'm here, I'm here!"

Estelle's breathing steadied against his chest as she quickly calmed down, glancing outside at the still dark night and asked with a hoarse voice of surprise, "Jonathan? What are you doing here?" And what was he wearing?

Jonathan looked up, his fingers gently caressing her face, concern evident in his eyes, "What kind of nightmare had you in such a fright?"

Estelle gazed back at him, slowly shaking her head, "It's okay, I'm awake now."

She examined his attire, uncertain, "Did you come to give me a present?"

Jonathan smiled, "Yes, Merry Christmas!"

"I don't want presents." Estelle placed her hand tenderly on his cheek.

"What do you want, then?" Jonathan's dark eyes were like pools of ink.

"You," Estelle's voice was soft, leaning in to press her lips against his inviting, reddened ones.

Jonathan turned the tables, pinning her wrists to the bed, leaning down to kiss her passionately. Estelle arched up to meet him, her desire for more insatiable.

In the end, Jonathan gave himself to Estelle, no gift comparing to the happiness he could bring her.

Of course, he received just as much in return.

Giving was mutual.

Before dawn, Jonathan left, and Estelle, though exhausted, didn't sleep again.

After a shower, she returned to bed and found Jonathan's gift.

It was a necklace with a pendant shaped like a vintage watch dial, a black onyx base with diamond numerals. When the dial spun, it chimed a soft melody. Estelle admired it for a moment, then flipped it over to see the initials engraved on the back, "EJ.”

What amused her was the way their initials were arranged, his following hers.

Estelle adored the gift for its delicate, classical beauty that wasn't too conspicuous.

She wore the necklace, tucking it inside her shirt, feeling the cool dial warm against her skin.

Her phone lit up with a notification. She saw a message from Jonathan:

A display showed a temperature, 98.6°F, and a number that jumped like a heartbeat.

She quickly realized, her eyes widening in astonishment as she touched the pendant at her neck.

The pendant could sense her body temperature and heartbeat, then transmit the data to Jonathan's phone.

Wow!

It could really do that!

Truly an extraordinary gift.

Estelle texted back, [Very unique, thank you!]

Jonathan replied promptly, [Once it's on, you're not allowed to take it off.]

Estelle chuckled, [Too bad, I didn't prepare a gift for you.]

[To me, your heartbeat and warmth are the best gifts I could receive.]

Estelle raised an eyebrow, [Jonathan, you've got quite the sweet talk!]

[Do you like it?]

[I love it!]

She typed slowly, [Though I didn't prepare a gift, I already have something in mind that I want to give you.] Jonathan shot back instantly, [What?]