Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 1811

Estelle sighed in mock exasperation, "Even Jonathan have surrendered!"

Norah threw her head back in laughter, standing up to circle Estelle playfully. "Well, I can't blame him for waving the white flag this time—look at you, absolutely stunning!"

Estelle's eyes caught a glimpse of a men's razor tucked away in the corner of Norah's table. She asked with a gentle smile, "Henson mentioned you've been off lately, caught the love bug have you?"

Norah's eyes darted away, a shadow passing over her usually bright gaze as she looked down. "Off? He's one to talk, always overthinking things! No love life to speak of—if there were, I'd definitely spill the beans to you guys."

"Still working at Xavier's barbecue joint?" Estelle inquired.

Norah nodded, "Skipped this week—swamped with stuff to do!"

"It's been ages since I've been there too. How's Xavier doing?" Estelle prodded.

Norah's lips curled into a faint smile. "He's the same old Xavier."

Estelle's phone buzzed. She fished it out of her purse—it was as if by mentioning him, Xavier had appeared, a message from him lighting up her screen: [Swing by the shop when you're free!]

Estelle arched an eyebrow, typing back a quick [Sure.] before pocketing her phone again.

"I’m going upstairs to find Jonathan. Catch you later, Norah," Estelle said with a grin.

"Yeah, see you!" Norah replied with a delicate laugh.

Once Estelle had left, Norah's smile faded and she slumped onto the table, her mood turning somber.

Estelle climbed up to the third floor and knocked on the door. The study was empty, so she walked straight through to the large French windows overlooking the garden, noting a figure moving on the lawn.

She thought it was Jonathan and was about to take a closer look when suddenly, strong arms wrapped around her from behind, pulling her close. The man's lips found her cheek in a tender kiss.

Estelle tilted her head back, "Jonathan."

"Mhm?" He responded in a low hum.

Estelle picked up the dress she had been wearing, "Hold on, I should return this to your mother."

"Don't bother," Jonathan said, his voice low and intense. "Wear it again for me tonight."

Estelle, not immediately catching his meaning, blushed furiously when she met his smoldering gaze. She turned and walked out, "I'm off then!"

Jonathan chuckled softly, following her. "Take my car. I'll have Millard pick me up later."

"Sure," Estelle agreed.

As they descended the stairs, Jonathan's mother, Cathrine, frowned upon hearing Estelle couldn't stay for lunch. "I had so many outfits I wanted Estelle to try on."

Jonathan smirked, "Which is exactly why you scared her off!"

Estelle shot him a look and explained to Cathrine, "I really do have something important!"