Sylvia's eyes lifted, and her soft smile blossomed like a myriad of flowers caressed by the spring breeze.
Finishing his cigarette, Gabriel strolled back towards the house. As he passed by the neighboring window, he glanced back and, sure enough, there was a man, also clad in a blue sweater, who looked quite young.
With a fleeting glimpse, Gabriel withdrew his gaze and continued on his way.
Upon returning to the attic, as he walked down the corridor, suddenly a wooden door to his right opened. Gabriel looked up, locking eyes with the girl emerging from the room—an expression of surprise met his own deep, probing stare.
Since their first encounter, which had all the trappings of a setup by friends, they hadn't been in touch again. Today was their first unexpected meeting.
Inevitably, it was a small world when they were in the same city.
Sylvia was the first to break the silence. "You haven't left yet?"
She remembered him mentioning he would only be in C City for a day or two.
Gabriel nodded, "Got tied up with some things, decided to stay a bit longer."
Sylvia offered a warm smile, "Mr. Carnes, are you joining friends for dinner?"
"Yes." Gabriel responded curtly, his tone pausing for a beat before he added, "You don't have to be so formal here."
"So, what should I call you?" Sylvia tilted her head slightly, her eyes playfully roving, "Gab?"
She immediately felt the awkwardness of her own words.
Gabriel's brow furrowed slightly, quickly changing the subject, "Here for another round of matchmaking?"
"What?" Sylvia blinked in confusion.
Gabriel realized he had overstepped and, with a cold and serious face, said briskly, "Never mind, I should head off."
"Sylvia, you've got a call." Another man emerged from the half-open door, holding Sylvia's cell phone.
Noticing Gabriel standing by Sylvia, the man greeted him with a cultured smile, "Sylvia, ran into an acquaintance?"
Sylvia paused for a moment, "He runs a small business, overseeing a few employees."
"Oh, a small business owner?" Eugene was surprised, "He doesn't look it. What kind of business?"
"Anything and everything. Whatever makes money," Sylvia said.
"That kind of small business must be doing quite well."
"We should head back," Sylvia suggested with a smile.
Eugene walked ahead to hold the door open for Sylvia. As he waited for her, he asked in bewilderment, "Weren't you headed to the restroom?"
Sylvia's expression stalled, then she laughed, "Changed my mind."
"Then let's go back and continue chatting."
"Sure."

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
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....
So, Norah drew out the big guns with her call to Jonathan for a favor. Thank you for the updates....