The group had been playing until the early hours of the morning before finally saying their goodbyes and heading home to rest.
As they parted, Sylvia gave Estelle a gentle hug. "Happy New Year, Estelle!"
Estelle, not one to shy away from such affection, hugged her back. "Happy New Year to you too!"
Sylvia released her and handed her a beautifully crafted red envelope. "I've also prepared a little New Year's gift for you. Please, you must accept it."
Estelle smiled, "First, you have to tell me, in what capacity should I accept this? If we're friends, I believe I'm a year older than you, so I shouldn't accept your New Year's gift unless it's something else."
Sylvia chuckled lightly. "Regardless of what our relationship might become, being able to spend New Year's at the Jarvis family's celebration means I should give this to you."
They were both smart enough to read between the lines.
Estelle sensed that Sylvia understood the potential future between her and Sylvia's brother.
This realization weighed somewhat heavily on her.
She accepted the envelope, hugging Sylvia again. "Then I hope I can receive your New Year's gift next year too!"
Sylvia nodded gently. "Of course!"
"Goodnight!" Estelle released her.
"Goodnight!" Sylvia waved lightly, watching Estelle walk towards Jonathan. She then turned to join Gabriel, who was waiting for her.
Behind them, the fireworks had fizzled out, and the sky returned to its original state of darkness and silence.
This didn't mean that the excitement had faded or the stars had cooled; rather, the night sky was simply waiting for its dawn to arrive.
*
Back at Sunset Villa, Sylvia said to Gabriel, "Are you tired? I'm not sleepy at all. Could you stay up with me a little longer?"
She didn't want the night to end so soon, nor did she want to go to sleep.
"No need," Gabriel smiled.
Sylvia's voice was soft. "I haven't prepared a New Year's gift. Would you take me instead?"
A smirk appeared on Gabriel's lips. "Are you sure?"
Her gaze fluttered. "Yes."
Gabriel cupped her face gently, his eyes dark and intense. "Is this you giving me a New Year's gift, or are you asking for one?"
Their eyes locked, Sylvia whispered, "It's for you."
Gabriel's breath hitched, and he leaned down to press a fervent kiss to her lips.
Leaning against a pillar, Sylvia was engulfed by his towering presence. The overwhelming blackness, usually a calming color, now made her heart race more than any fireworks could.
She kissed him back with all the passion she could muster, wanting to give him every ounce of her warmth.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
May we have updates please. Thank you....
Why can't m Xavier just admit that he loves Norah...
Why can't m Xavier just admit that he loves Norah...
Norah took Estelle to tutor her brother. Both of them are around the same age. So why is Janice and Xavier father feel that there's an age gap for Norah and Xavier. L I know they will be together....
Norah isn't a girl, but a twenty -five year old beautiful woman that loves Xavier Fleming/Gonzalez/Hanson....
Update 3103 hasn't been received and it hold pertinent information. Please fix it for us. Thank you....
This is great! I love the updates....
Now Xavier needs to call in the reinforcement, Gabriel and Jonathan to settle this. Thank you for the updates....
May we please have updates. Thank you...
Xavier will always protect Norah he must admit this to himself and Norah. I believe after they return from this , he'll need to approach Norah 's parents and he'll get support from Jonathan and Ella....