Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Chapter 2004

As midnight neared, Jonathan flicked on his phone, watching the minutes tick by. A thought struck him, and he accessed the app connected to Estelle's necklace. Her body temperature and pulse were off.

He frowned slightly. Had she taken the necklace off again?

He'd noticed she often removed it before bed, and when he'd asked her about it, she'd said wearing anything to sleep was uncomfortable.

But even in slumber, he wanted to feel her heartbeat.

After all, she wasn't in his arms tonight.

He sighed lightly, waiting for the clock to strike twelve before sending Estelle a message,

[Honey, happy birthday!]

The next day, as usual, Estelle was woken up by Lambert around nine in the morning.

This time, it took her longer than usual to come around, and when she did, her eyes were clouded with confusion.

"Rella?" Lambert looked at her, concerned.

Estelle turned to him, her gaze flickering, "Lambert?"

He nodded immediately, "It's me."

She seemed puzzled, "What are you doing here? What happened to me?"

Lambert's heart skipped a beat, his expression softened, and his voice was gentler, "You were having a nightmare. I just woke you up!"

"Really?" Estelle lifted a weary hand to her forehead. She used to remember her nightmares clearly upon waking, but today, she couldn't recall a thing. All she felt was exhaustion and a desire to keep sleeping. Lambert handed her a warm washcloth, "Wash your face, it'll feel better. Did you take the detox potion I gave you?"

She nodded, "I did."

"Why didn't it work?" Lambert frowned deeply, murmuring to himself. Not only had it not worked, but it seemed her condition was even worse.

He had consulted Lynn, who said the potion was developed by a Dr. Bill, and since Lambert hadn't been fully involved, he couldn't concoct an antidote. "It's okay!" Estelle shook her head.

"I will find a cure for you!" Lambert declared firmly.

Estelle was nonchalant, "Please leave, I'd like to take a bath."

"Sure, come down for breakfast after your bath." Lambert got up, his eyes casually flicking to her phone, and he asked with an easy smile, "Is it your birthday today?" "Hm?" Estelle looked up.

Lambert pointed to her phone, "I just saw the reminder on your phone. It's your birthday, isn't it?"

Estelle realized suddenly that it was indeed the 29th!

Lambert said with enthusiasm, "Why didn't you mention it earlier? I would have prepared a gift!"

Estelle chuckled, "Another ten-carat diamond?"

His eyes deepened, "If you like, I can do a hundred carats!"

Estelle scoffed, "Does your family own a diamond mine or something?"

Lambert nodded, "Actually, yes!"

Estelle was speechless.

Suddenly, Lambert leaned in, full of excitement, "I own two diamond mines abroad. Be my girlfriend, and I'll gift you one. How about it?"

Estelle replied calmly, "No need, thanks!"

Lambert looked at her meaningfully, "If you're playing hard to get, you must be a master at it. So skilled that I can't detect even a hint. But if you truly don't care, now I'm even more intrigued!" "Don't be!" Estelle tossed the washcloth at him, "Curiosity will harm you!"

Lambert laughed, "It won't!"

He turned and headed for the door, pausing to look back, "If that potion isn't working, stop using it. I'll speak to Lynn, see if he can come up with a new detox concoction." This time, Estelle simply said, "Thanks!"