Manley said with a casual grin, "Looks like I'm your shadow today!"
Estelle replied with a blank stare.
Her phone suddenly buzzed in her purse. It was a text from Emily and Amiee. They had arrived and were asking where she was.
Heading downstairs, Estelle muttered, "I'm off to meet my friends. You can hang around somewhere else."
"I'm here to stick with you today. Wherever you go, I go!" Manley followed her with hands tucked in his jean pockets and a roguish twinkle in his hazel eyes, every inch the charming rascal.
Estelle ignored him, continuing her stride down the stairs.
Behind them, Lance cracked open his eyes, shooting a malevolent glare at Manley's retreating figure.
Estelle reached the garden, where Emily had already whisked Kya away to the second floor for a costume change, and Amiee was chatting with Magdalen.
Magdalen's smile widened when she saw Manley. "Couldn't resist the call of the wild, huh?"
Manley chuckled. "Why waste a single moment when I've finally got my chance?"
"Jonathan's not here. Seize the day!" Magdalen encouraged with a laugh.
Manley shot back a dazzling smile. "His presence, or lack thereof, doesn't change how I feel about our Estelle."
Magdalen sighed dramatically. "I bow down to no one, but you, you've got game!"
Manley winked. "Can't help it. When you're head over heels, it shows!"
Estelle couldn't take it anymore. Turning to Magdalen, she said, "Aren't you supposed to be busy today? Forgot you're here for a reason or think you're just here to chitchat?"
Magdalen grinned smugly. "Today, I'm the queen bee. I do what I want!"
Magdalen squeezed her hand. "No rush. Let's check on Kya first."
Reaching the second floor, they found Kya looking like a little princess, with Charlie standing by, beaming with pride.
"Magdalen!" Kya ran towards Magdalen, eyes wide with delight. "Is it true? Are you marrying a prince in a castle?"
Magdalen lifted her into a hug. "Yes, darling, I'm marrying my prince, and you're here to witness it!"
"That's amazing!" Kya clapped her hands, her little tiara shimmering, her smile infectious.
Charlie scooped Kya into his arms and said to Emily, "The Carsons have arrived. I'll go check on them. You and Estelle keep Ms. Sampson company."
"It's not an intrusion," Emily reassured, as Charlie pecked her cheek. "Call me if you need anything."

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Thank you for the updates....
Carson kick Giselle to the curb as a gentleman. He never fails to explain himself to Marina and he always rises to the occasion to come to her rescue. Now that he's assured her that he won't do as his father had done. The ice is breaking. Thank you for the updates....
May we have updates please. Thank you...
Carson can be jealous too. More updates please and thank you for the updates....
More updates please....
Oooowweeee! This THREW ME COMPLETELY for a loop. Thank you for the updates....
May we please have updates. Thank you...
It's time for Carson and Marina to commit further than the engagement. Looking forward to the updates....
Thank you for the updates....
Thank you for the updates. I thoroughly enjoy your writing....