Time seemed to stretch into eternity before the doorbell rang. She made her way to the door, opening it to find a familiar figure that made her heart skip a beat.
Jason stood there, wrapped in a long coat, a chill emanating from him as if he carried the winter breeze on his shoulders. His deep-set eyes were hidden behind glasses, his demeanor unreadable yet carrying a hint of concern and restraint.
Tears welled up in Sophia's eyes as she choked out, "What are you doing here?"
Stepping inside, Jason held up a thermos, "Have you eaten anything?"
"Just a little."
"Go wash your face, then come and eat," Jason said, heading toward the dining area.
"I just washed my face," Sophia replied, following him.
"Go wash it again, and no more tears!" Jason insisted with gentle firmness.
Obediently, Sophia went to freshen up.
By the time she returned, Jason had laid out a feast of her favorite dishes. The comforting smell of the food seemed to soothe her turmoil, even if only slightly.
"Forget everything else for now. Eat," Jason handed her the utensils, adding, "Someone once told me, no matter what's going on, eating is the most important thing."
Sophia managed a weak smile and began to eat, despite feeling a tightness in her chest. She ate slowly, mindful not to waste any food.
Jason watched her from across the table, his heart aching as he saw her struggle to hold back tears.
After Sophia finished eating, Jason handed her a tissue and took the dishes to the kitchen. His voice was soft but firm, "Clean up, then tell me what happened."
Sophia watched him busy in the kitchen, then settled back on the couch, feeling slightly less burdened by her troubles.
Jason returned with a cup of calming tea, offering it to her, "Tell me everything."
Holding the warm cup, Sophia felt a bit more at ease as she recounted the day's events to Jason.
Jason's expression darkened, his aura turning cold as he suddenly stood up to leave.
Sophia dragged him back to the couch, her eyes brimming with tears, "Resorting to fights is what children do."
"Should a parent just stand by when their child is bullied?" Jason countered.
"I can't rely on you for everything. Let me handle this," Sophia insisted softly.
"And how do you plan to do that?" Jason asked.
"With everything that's happened, breaking up is the only option," Sophia said, her voice filled with a mix of anger and resignation.
Jason's expression darkened, but he remained silent.
Sitting beside him, Sophia looked down, "Is it true that in love, the one who falls first is always taken for granted?"
A self-mocking smile touched Jason's lips as he nodded, "Yes."

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Estelle and Jonathan re enters the plot. Cant wait to read more of them...
Awaiting updates..thank you...
May we please have updates. Thank you...
My heart is swooning. Thank you for the updates...
Thank you for the updates, this climax is building. I love it....
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Thank you for the updates. Please continue uploading the regular updates...
This is so exciting to have all the updates. Thank you so much....
Updates please...
Gabriel would look at the camera footage and do his own investigation about what happened as well as nothing when Sylvia arrived and with whom she arrived....