Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2016

Estelle chuckled, her laughter as clear and comforting as a warm summer breeze. "I might like the idea, but I'm sure I don't make it sound as enticing as you do."

Jonathan's smile deepened as he rose to his feet, pulling her into his embrace with a firm hug. "How can you be so adorable?"

Wrapped in his arms, Estelle glanced down at the ring in her hand. The hefty diamond sparkled like a tiny sun under the light, its crown setting befitting her slender finger perfectly, as if it had been crafted by the heavens just for her.

Letting her go for a moment, Jonathan took the ring and gently slid it onto her left ring finger. "I know you'll have to take it off before tomorrow, but after that, I'll put it back on myself," he promised, kissing her hand softly. He looked up at her with adoration in his eyes. "My queen!"

The manor was silent under the moonlit sky, roses blooming in the soft glow, the world around them seemingly holding its breath, as if they were the only two souls in existence.

"There's a certain kind of fortune in meeting you, Jonathan," Estelle said, her eyes shimmering with tender light. "It feels like the kind of luck you save up for several lifetimes."

"I'm so lucky to meet you too," he whispered back, pulling her close.

Estelle's heart swelled with joy—a joy that felt complete and all-encompassing.

"Mr. Lamont, can we have your homemade cake now?" she asked, leaning against his shoulder with a playful smile.

"Mmm, make a wish first," Jonathan said as he set her down in a chair and brought the cake to her, lighting the candle on top.

Estelle blew out the candle without hesitation. "Didn't you just make a wish for me?"

A wish to never leave his side—that was her heart's true desire.

Seeing her so forthright, Jonathan chuckled, "That's both a wish and a promise!"

He turned to slice the cake when suddenly, the candlelight flickered. Estelle turned towards the dimming light and heard urgent voices calling her name.

"Stella!"

"Stella, wake up! Our mission isn't over yet!"

"Stella, how can you indulge in pleasure and forget us?"

It was Wolf, Shadow, and the others—their voices filled with anxiety and haste.

She was covered in a cold sweat, yet her forehead felt icy. Jonathan looked at her, alarmed. "What's wrong?"

Estelle shook her head, trying to dispel her confusion. "Nothing!"

"Darling!"

Jonathan's worry was evident. "Tell me, what just happened?"

Estelle met his deep, searching eyes, and for a fleeting moment, she considered asking him whether the world around her was truly real.

Was he real?

But her sense of reason warned her not to ask. If she did, Jonathan would surely sense something was amiss.

They were set to part ways for their missions tomorrow; she couldn't afford to distract him with her worries.