Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2173

In the cozy warmth of the room, Estelle lay on the bed, her fingers intertwined with his, a dreamy halo in her eyes.

The late afternoon sun was warm and soft, carrying a touch of lazy mystery as it prepared to hand over the sky to twilight.

She was so lost in his kisses that time seemed to dissolve.

Jonathan suddenly sat up, his lips lingering on her ear, his voice husky, "I had a blast as a mercenary, but what about the days spent with me?"

Estelle's gaze cleared slightly, a hidden smile in her eyes, itchy from his kisses, she couldn't help but dodge playfully, "Mr. Lamont, can't your heart be just a tad bigger?"

"Can't!" Jonathan nipped at her collarbone. "Spill it!"

Estelle stared at the ceiling light and murmured, "What do you think?"

"Are you happy?" Jonathan looked down at her intently.

Cradling his face, Estelle was sincere, "The joy you give me is unparalleled!"

That coaxed a slow smile from Jonathan, "I'll work even harder!"

"No need, it's already wonderful!"

"Hard work can make it even better!"

That night

When Sylvia returned home, it was ten at night. She had escaped an afternoon cocktail party and various activities, having made an excuse to leave early.

She flicked on the lights in the foyer, leaning against the wall, her eyes scanning the dim, silent living room, suddenly feeling a wave of ennui.

Pulling out her smartphone, she hovered over a certain contact, tapping to open the chat where she'd invited him for coffee a few days ago.

But in that moment, Sylvia's heart thudded with unspeakable joy as she beheld his form, a feeling that spread from her heart to her brain.

Even the flickering cigarette butt in the dark sparkled like fireworks.

Shedding her coat, dressed in just a light blouse, she slid open the glass door to the balcony and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist.

Gabriel finished his last drag, stubbing out the cigarette in the ashtray on the shelf.

The ashtray hadn't been there before; it appeared the day he arrived, spotless and new.

"I'm so exhausted," Sylvia murmured against his back.

Gabriel's voice, void of emotion, cut through, "Should I leave?"

Startled, Sylvia laughed softly, her eyes half-closed, languid yet tender, "Why would you leave? Can't you stay and help me unwind?"