Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Chapter 2008

"Knock, knock, knock!"

The rapping on the door startled Estelle, who swung around with a raspy voice, "Who's there?"

"Your potential boyfriend!" Lambert's voice came through the door.

Estelle inhaled deeply, realizing she had tensed up more than necessary. She ripped up her sketch, tossing the shreds into the wastebasket, and stood up to answer the door. Wait a second.

What did Lambert just say?

Her potential boyfriend?

What!

Estelle tried to suppress her rising anger, reminding herself that she might be leaving Citadel soon and decided it wasn't worth the fight.

She opened the door to see Lambert in a crisp white shirt and sleek black suit. His collar was casually unbuttoned, revealing an enticing glimpse of his collarbone-adding a touch of roguish charm to his aristocratic demeanor.

He tilted his head, looking at Estelle with his deep brown eyes slightly squinted, "Where did you run off to just now?"

Estelle replied coolly, "I've told you, as long as your safety is ensured, my business is none of your concern."

A slight smile tugged at Lambert's lips, a hint of resignation in his smile. He reached out to grab her hand, "Come on, let's have some fun!"

Estelle stepped back, "Keep your hands to yourself. I'm sure you wouldn't like to share a hospital room with that guy from the bar the other night."

Lambert retracted his hand, laughing, "You're no fun. What's there to like about you?"

"Maybe that none of your girlfriends has ever had the guts to punch you!" Estelle started down the stairs.

Lambert followed, "Do you think I like the whole 'playing hard to get' game? No, you're underestimating me. I've seen all types."

Estelle glanced at him sideways, "Proud of that, are you?"

Lambert was silent.

He was indeed proud, but admitting it now would be like signing his own death warrant in front of Estelle.

He quickly changed the subject, "Shall we hit the bar?"

"I'm off to grab some lunch," Estelle said.

"I told the staff not to bother with lunch today." Lambert, undeterred, tugged at Estelle's arm, "Come on, let's grab a drink at the bar instead."

Estelle frowned and shook off his hand but still followed him out.

They reached the bar and saw Jonathan and Sylvia stepping out of their car.

"Darling, happy birthday!" Sylvia greeted Estelle with a warm smile, handing her a gift.

Estelle instinctively looked at Jonathan, thinking he must have tipped off Sylvia.

Behind his golden fox mask, Jonathan's lips were pressed in a subtle smile, his eyes focused and intense.

"It was me who informed Alvis and Ms. Beverly about your birthday and invited them to celebrate with you," Lambert said cheerily. "Aren't you thrilled?"

Jonathan suddenly spoke up, "Perhaps she'll be even more delighted with the evening's festivities."

"More plans for tonight?" Lambert asked, intrigued.

Jonathan's voice was steady and magnetic, "As long as Rella is happy, the night will be special."

Lambert shot a cryptic look at Alvis. Was he really planning a birthday celebration for Rella?

But Alvis didn't strike him as the type to indulge in such leisurely pleasures.

Was it for Rella's sake, or to charm Beverly?

Estelle's cheeks burned, and she quickly turned to Sylvia, "Let's head upstairs!"

"Absolutely!" Sylvia linked arms with Estelle, whispering curiously, "The word 'delighted,' is that some secret code between you and Alvis? What does it mean?" Estelle, her ears even redder, was at a loss for words.