Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2300

After hanging up the phone, Estelle's phone was flooded with New Year's greetings. In several group chats, people were busy sending digital red envelopes.

In one of these digital exchanges, Carson managed to snag $11.10 from a digital gift sent by Marina, then casually sent one worth $131.40 in return...

Scrolling through her unread messages, Estelle noticed that Manley had also sent her a red envelope.

"Happy New Year, Estelle!"

"Knew you weren’t around, I didn’t head back to Jefferson City either."

"This month, I've been to a bunch of places. Carved a hole in the glacier at Snowy Studios and buried a box inside. Of course, I won't tell you what I put in there. If you're curious, you'll have to wait until the glacier melts, the box drifts through the Bering Strait into the Pacific, and eventually washes up on the coast of Jefferson City. What do you think the odds are?"

"I'm still on my world tour, visiting the places we talked about but never got to see together. Don't worry, I’ll make sure to be back for your wedding!"

"Just saw a girl throwing me a flirtatious look. Really, as if someone as outstanding as me would be so easily swayed."

"Anyway, wishing my dearest all the health, success, and happiness in the world. May you have peace and prosperity throughout the year. That's about all the idioms I know. Basically, all the best things in the world for you!"

Estelle felt a bittersweet pang in her chest as she glanced at the time stamp; the message was sent an hour ago. She replied, "Don’t go overboard with the extreme sports. Without me around, you better recognize your limits. Stay safe."

"Are there any locals celebrating the New Year where you are?"

"Sending all the wishes you gave me, right back at you!"

Manley quickly responded, "Why you gotta stab me in the heart like that? I know I'm not as skilled as you, otherwise, I would've swept you off your feet before Jonathan had the chance!"

"We’ve got a small gathering for the New Year, singing and drinking."

"Too lazy to even wish me a 'Happy New Year'?"

Estelle chuckled and texted back, "Happy New Year!"

Manley sent a photo of himself holding up a bottle, "I’ll be there to toast at your wedding."

"Hmm?" Estelle looked up.

Jonathan’s eyes twinkled, "Next year, we might have a little Ella celebrating with us."

Estelle raised an eyebrow, then smiled, "How do you know our first child will be a girl?"

Jonathan hugged her tighter, "It has to be a girl!"

Estelle couldn't help but feel amused by Jonathan's determination for a daughter.

And as for imagining their future child, Estelle found it both curious and oddly surreal. She couldn't quite picture herself pregnant.

Jonathan added, "Not just our daughter, maybe by next year, Gab’s family will be expecting too."

Estelle tilted her head slightly while nestled in his arms, gazing through the half-open window into the house, smiling softly, "That pressure might just fall on Sylvia!"