Emily's eyes brimmed with tears, her heart swelling with emotion as she choked out, "Thank you, thank you for speaking to me like this today."
Mrs. James chuckled, "So, what do you think? Ready to tie the knot with Charlie?"
Emily, smiling through her tears, replied, "I've never been against it."
Mrs. James playfully scolded, "I knew it. Charlie has dug a hole and got me to push for the wedding."
Emily softly laughed, dabbing her eyes, and then looked up sincerely at Mrs. James, "Auntie, I do want to marry Charlie, but not just yet. I'm acutely aware of the differences between us, and I hope to one day feel like I've accomplished enough to stand by his side as an equal!"
Mrs. James pondered for a moment, "You're already perfect in my eyes."
Emily shook her head, "I can't compare with Charlie in terms of family background, and that's an unchangeable fact. But I do hope to achieve something in other areas to bridge the gap between us."
Mrs. James smiled gently, "I understand where you're coming from."
"So, Charlie's plan has fallen through today," she continued with a soft laugh.
"No!" Emily's gaze was clear, "Your words today have given me so much confidence, making me feel closer to Charlie and brave enough to dream about our future together!"
Mrs. James, with a serene smile, said, "Then I'll not rush you. In my heart, you're already part of the James family."
Emily earnestly responded, "Thank you!"
Mrs. James embraced Emily gently, whispering, "It's a good quality to be prudent in love and independent in finances. I'm happy for Charlie. But don't overburden yourself; it's also important to rely on your partner at times, speaking from experience."
Emily couldn't help but laugh, "I'll remember that!"
Releasing her, Mrs. James said, "Charlie and Kya are in the garden. Go find them. After the reception, we'll all head home together."
Emily's eyes shone brightly, "Okay!"
Mrs. James squeezed her hand and stood up to leave.
Freddy, clad in a designer suit, looking dapper, smirked, "Our family was invited too. Why wouldn't I be here?"
Marina, preferring not to engage, stepped away.
"Marina!" Freddy blocked her path, his gaze suddenly filled with passion, "I've missed you. Have you missed me?"
Marina scoffed, "Have you lost your mind, or did you forget to take your medication?"
Freddy grasped Marina's arm, "Marina, don't be so sharp-tongued. I know you're not like this."
Marina shook off his hand, mocking, "That's because you never really knew me. I've always been like this."
She had once been so enamored with him that she molded herself into the lady she thought he desired. Reflecting on it, she realized how foolish she had been.
Freddy's gaze softened, "Yes, I didn't understand you before, blinded by Cindy. But I realized my mistake, and I know now, you've always been the one for me."

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??...