Mrs. Gilder and Jasmine were sitting off to the side, chatting and watching the couple next to them enjoy the evening's festivities, unable to suppress their smiles.
Sophia's phone was lighting up non-stop with New Year's greetings and even a few messages from Robin, but this time, she couldn't even muster the interest to glance at them.
Suddenly, her ringtone cut through the noise, and Sophia excused herself to answer the call outside.
It was from a close friend studying abroad. As soon as the call connected, her friend's cheerful voice rang out, "Babe, Happy New Year's Eve."
Sophia chuckled, "Did you make it back home?"
"Nope, got tied up with a project. I'll head back after the New Year!" Crystal laughed. "So, you and Robin celebrating the New Year together? Is the wedding soon? Can I make it back in time?"
A shadow crossed Sophia's face, and she looked down. "We broke up."
"What?" Her friend’s voice was incredulous. "You two split up?"
Crystal knew about the years Sophia had spent chasing after Robin.
She had thought that after all the ups and downs, their relationship would be rock solid. It was hard to believe that after so many years of unrequited love, things had ended in less than a year.
"It's true," Sophia sighed deeply.
"What happened?" Crystal pressed.
"It's nothing, just... we realized we weren't compatible," Sophia said softly.
She didn't want to disclose what Robin had done. After all, she had spent her entire youth pining for him and didn't want to tarnish his image in others' eyes.
"Well, as long as you're moving on," Crystal said cheerfully. "Honestly, I always thought you and Mr. Gilder would make a great pair. He's always been so nice to you, and not to mention, quite the looker. If it were me, I'd have made my move a long time ago!"
Yet, often, couples who overcome countless obstacles to be together find themselves parting ways in no time.
Everything is interconnected. Her relationship with Robin was like a firework. The years spent chasing him were like the climb before the burst, and the moment they got together was the explosion—beautiful but fleeting.
She fell for Robin over an idea, a shadow crafted in her own mind, more than the person himself.
The real him, from the start, had been a series of disappointments. She had tried to be understanding, knowing no one is perfect.
But today's revelations had hit her hard, snapping her out of her reverie.
Jason came over, draping a cozy sweater over her shoulders, and asked, "Who was on the phone?"
Sophia turned with a smile, "Don't worry, I've already blocked Robin's number. It was a friend from abroad."

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??...