Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Chapter 1984

Lambert's expression shifted subtly as he glanced at Estelle, then turned and asked, "What's the trouble?"

"The bio lab on the first floor of the castle has been trashed, and the guards there spotted a figure resembling Estelle," Huff reported, his voice steady and without inflection.

"A resembling figure?" Lambert stepped protectively in front of Estelle and scoffed, "Quite the jokester, aren't we, Mr. Huff? Why don't you take a look around the pub and see how many folks resemble Rella? And what makes you so sure it was her? Besides, you can tell Raiden that Rella was with me all night long, never left my side!"

Huff inquired, "Are you certain Estelle was with you the entire time?"

Without hesitation, Lambert nodded, "Absolutely!"

Huff returned the nod, "Well, that settles it then. Sorry for the intrusion."

With that, he turned and walked away with his entourage.

Lambert found Huff's demeanor odd and watched his retreating figure. Suddenly, something clicked, and he turned to Estelle, "We were together all night, right?"

She nodded, "Yes, we were."

Lambert chuckled softly, "Let's head back."

Estelle agreed with a nod, and they left the pub together.

Back at the villa, as Estelle began to ascend the stairs, Lambert called out, "Rella!"

She turned, meeting his solemn gaze, "What is it?"

Lambert's eyes, deep and probing, moved closer, his curiosity piqued, "Who are you, really?"

Estelle's gaze remained calm, "Estelle."

Lambert smiled wryly, "Alright then. Doesn't matter who you are, I don't really care either way."

"Hm?" Estelle didn't catch his drift.

"Be my girlfriend!" Lambert blurted out, "I think I've fallen for you!"

His confession was sudden, but Estelle remained unmoved, her expression unchanged, "I'm flattered, but I don't like you!"

With that, she continued her ascent.

"Rella, no, Estelle!" Lambert strode up, blocking her path, looking down at her, "I'm not joking. I really like you. You're nothing like the other girls I've dated."

He couldn't fathom why he'd fallen for this girl, who, despite her beauty, was as cold as ice, nothing like the adorable girlfriends of his past.

For years, the only woman who ever truly captured his heart was his goddess. No other girl had ever come close.

But this time was different!

When he betrayed her, the thought of her suffering kept him up at night. He had even risked a confrontation with Raiden to rescue her.

Initially, he told himself it was guilt, but then he realized it wasn't. He ached when she had nightmares, worried about her well-being, and found his eyes constantly following her.

He thought she, like his goddess, had found a way into his heart.

Estelle, seeing the seriousness in his eyes, finally showed a hint of surprise and shook her head softly, "Whether you're sincere or not, I don't like you, and it's impossible for us to be together!" "Why is it impossible?" Lambert frowned, then had a realization, "Are you worried about the difference in our social standing?"

He sighed, "True, my family has chosen a bride for an arranged marriage, but I won't love her. I'll love you. I can give you everything you want, except the identity as my wife."

"My father would allow our relationship because he's lived the same way. As long as you and my wife never meet, there would be no conflict."

"I won't have other women. I promise you that! After my wife and I produce an heir, I can even stop sharing a bed with her-"

"Shut up!" Estelle cut him off sharply, her gaze icy, "You're seriously deluded!"

"You don't believe me?" Lambert asked earnestly.

Estelle shook her head, "It's not about trust. I'm in love with someone else, deeply in love."

Lambert raised an eyebrow, "The one you said is better than me?"

"Yes!" Estelle nodded without hesitation.