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)
Things are looking up for Xavier and Norah. Thank you for the updates....
Woohoo! This was sooooo good. Thank you for the updates....
This was classic updates. Thank you so much...
May we please have updates. Thank you...
I sincerely hope that Gonzalez finds the taped meeting of Hannah and Trevor to throw them under the bus....
How will Gonzalez get back at Hannah, Yvonne and Trevor for the setup and fall from grace....
Adrian needs to safe face and not do this. It will embarrass he and Norah and his family. Thank you for the updates....
This a HOT MESS for them both....
WOW! I didn't see that coming at all for Norah nor Gonzalez, the plot thickens. Thank you for the updates....
Xavier wants to get caught kissing Norah at this point. When will he ask her to call him Xavier and not Gonzalez. Maybe that would bring back her memories. Thank you for the updates....