Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2015

Jonathan meticulously folded the flour and finely ground nuts into a smooth batter, carefully spooning it into the baking pan before sliding it into the oven.

Clad in a crisp black shirt, his muscular forearms on display, his long fingers deftly maneuvered with a precision that was mesmerizing to watch.

Estelle stood by, finding every angle of him utterly captivating.

In the calm before the storm, she allowed herself a moment of sheer relaxation, her mind fixated solely on the man intent on baking her a cake.

Once the chocolate sauce was ready, Jonathan dipped his finger in it and brought it to Estelle's lips with an indulgent gaze, “A little taste test for my sweet tooth.”

Estelle opened her mouth, her lips wrapping around his finger, savoring it like a lollipop.

Patiently, Jonathan waited until she released his finger, his eyes dark with intensity as he asked, “How's the flavor?”

Before she could respond, he leaned in, eager for his own taste.

Generously, Estelle shared the rich taste of chocolate with him.

As the oven timer dinged, Estelle nudged him, “The cake's ready!”

Jonathan rose slightly, resting his forehead against hers to catch his breath, his voice husky, “Tonight, I want to keep indulging you.”

Estelle’s cheeks flushed crimson, her body going soft, “Go check on it, will you?”

Taking a deep breath, Jonathan stood up to retrieve the cake.

After letting the cake cool a bit, he lavishly spread cream in the middle, Estelle softly suggesting, “Maybe add a bit more?”

He pecked her cheek in response, “Wasn’t it sweet enough just now?”

She gazed at him, silent.

He caressed her soft cheek, “I later understood why you didn’t want to get married before New Year’s. Besides, I hadn’t even proposed yet.”

He presented a meticulously chosen engagement ring, a large diamond crowning the setting, “I picked the raw diamond myself, designed the ring, and it's been burning a hole in my pocket. I don’t know when I fell for you, when you became my everything, but my love for you will last as long as I live. Life without end, my love without bounds. Will you marry me?”

Joy sparkled in Estelle's eyes as she eyed the ring playfully arching a brow.

“What is it?” Jonathan asked.

She took the ring, smiling, “It’s beautiful, but you stole my line!”

Jonathan blinked, “What do you mean?”

Estelle cradled his face, “I designed our wedding bands, intending to propose to you. Well, it seems you’ve beaten me to it, and you’ve already said yes!”

His eyes gleamed, a mixture of surprise and delight, as he asked, “You were going to propose to me?”