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 roomโan 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)
Evelyn will MAFO that Jonathan has someone checking on her and the Winters family. I really do hope her scheme is revealed and she is put out of the Jarvis family. She's jealous and vindictive. Thank you for the updates....
Thank you for the updates. Update 2836 isn't working....
Update 2836 isn't working, please fix it. Thank you as always for the updates....
Is author planning to finally reveal Sylvia's true identity? ๐...
I wish that Gabriel would begin his pursuit of Sylvia. Thank you for the updates....
Update 2812 isn't working, please fix it. Thank you...
Waiting patiently for your updates. Thank you....
This was something that could have never come across my thoughts. That is what i love about this story - no stone unturned!! All the side characters have some story ๐...
This was worth the wait, thank you for the updates....
Waiting for updates.........