Diana's eyes sparkled with concern as she whispered, "Sophia has always been a bit of a princess, temper and all. It might do you good to just humor her a bit, Robin."
Robin scoffed, "Humor her once, and there'll be a next time. It's exactly because of that princess attitude that I can't keep giving in!"
Diana looked apologetic and remained silent.
Robin, visibly frustrated, said, "I'm heading out. Make sure to lock up. If anyone else knocks, just call 911."
Diana bit her lip and asked, "So, will you... keep looking out for me?"
"Of course," Robin replied with a kind smile. "After all, I'm your mentor. How could I not?"
He seemed distracted as he added, "I should head back. You get inside too."
"Okay, take care on your way home. Let me know when you get there," Diana said, her voice laced with concern.
Robin nodded and left with long strides.
Sitting in his car, Robin tried to collect his thoughts. He considered calling Sophia, but then a message from Diana popped up on his phone. [Mentor, maybe give Sophia some time to cool off. If she doesn't forgive you, I can talk to her, try to explain things.]
Robin frowned and texted back, [Don't worry about it. This isn't on you.]
Diana replied, [Just don't beat yourself up over it. I'm already losing sleep over tonight.]
Robin texted, [It's not like that. Sophia might throw a fit now and then, but she's reasonable.]
Diana sent a hopeful, [I wish that's true.]
Putting down his phone, Robin didn't bother calling Sophia. He just drove off.
---
Sophia arrived home, collapsing on the couch in tears.
She had fallen for Robin first, knowing full well that in love, whoever makes the first move often ends up losing. She had braced herself for it.
She didn't mind who put in more effort, didn't care if Robin was too busy and neglected her, or that he wasn't the most attentive.
What she couldn't stand was him treating another girl better than her.
Sophia glanced at her phone, annoyed at herself, "I didn't hear it."
"Just letting you know. Now go wash your face, stop watching!" Estelle said.
"Okay!" Sophia took a deep breath, "I'll go wash my face."
"Good."
After hanging up, Estelle's gaze shifted, and she dialed Jason, "Mentor, I just called Sophia, and she was crying. Something seems off. Do you have time to check on her?"
Jason responded gravely, "I'll head there now."
---
Sophia washed her face and sat back on the couch, waiting for any word from Robin. Even a single call or text explaining himself, showing he still cared, would've been enough to ease her pain.
But there was nothing. Not a call, not a message from Robin.
All her enthusiasm had led to this cold, painful end.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
This is so beautiful and captivating to envision. Thank you for your updates....
Thank you for bringing in all the past elements to bring continuity to Jonathan and Stella love journey. I loved it....
Just smiling and smiling and smiling reading the proceedings of this story. Loving it to the max...
Excited for all the events leading up to Jonathan getting his bride. Thank you for the updates....
Beautiful how everything is flowing together. Thank you for the updates....
Appreciate the storyline and direction.. Nothing seems rushed and patiently focusing on each and every character of the story, leaving no stone unturned. Even more intresting to read by the day...
And the plot thickens…thank you for the updates....
Ooooo, thank you thank you thank you for continuing to update the novel 🤩...
Ooooo, thank you thank you thank you for continuing to update the novel 🤩...
No updates??...