Estelle rested her forehead against his chest, a smirk playing on her lips. "Back then, we had just met, and there were things I couldn't say. You can't hold that against me!"
Jonathan was unimpressed. "And what if you had told me?"
Looking up, Estelle replied, "If I had, you would have started keeping your guard up around me from that moment on."
Jonathan gazed deeply at her, silent for a moment before saying in a low voice, "Didn't you realize that I had already fallen for you by then?"
Estelle recalled the incident at the estate. "Because of me, you fought Baldrick Anderson?"
He had come back that day, clothes stained with wine. The next day, Baldrick called in sick, and she knew they must have come to blows.
Hints of the truth had slipped through in conversations with Winnie.
"Yes!" Jonathan's gaze darkened with the falling dusk, even his tone was cool. "He said something I couldn't stand, and at that moment, I wanted to... finish him off!"
From that point on, he realized he couldn't bear anyone even imagining things about her.
They had agreed at the start that if either developed feelings for someone else, they could end their arrangement. But just the mere mention from Baldrick was unbearable for him.
Jonathan then asked, "Regarding the issue with Macy, did you ever suspect I was using you?"
Estelle's eyes were calm. "No, even though Winnie warned me, I trusted you."
"Why?" Jonathan's gaze fixed on her.
Wrapping her arms around his waist, Estelle said, "You said you fell for me back then, but I had liked you even before that. The person I like is always worth my trust!"
Jonathan felt a warmth spread through his chest, holding her tight. "Thank you, Ella!"
She had no idea how grateful he was that she had come into his life!
In the distance, servants were setting up dinner on the lawn, and groups of guests were already heading over. Estelle got up. "We should head over too. After all, you're the host; you can't be late!"
Jonathan smiled softly. "I'm the host, aren't you too?"
Estelle raised an eyebrow. "Yes, I'm the lady of the house!"
Magdalen, seated between Morrison Langston and Estelle, made a gesture to Estelle while Morrison and Jonathan were engaged in conversation. "Where's my drink?"
Estelle picked up a bottle of cider from the table and poured her half a glass. "Only this much."
Magdalen was delighted, just about to clink glasses with Estelle when Morrison turned his head. "What are you drinking?"
"Juice," Magdalen said, bluffing without batting an eye.
Morrison said, "Let me have a sip then."
Magdalen, "...”
With a bright smile, she said, "Mr. Langston, it's really just juice. If you don't believe me, ask Ella!"
"What are you afraid of then?"
"Who says I'm afraid?"

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Thank you for the updates of Emily and Charlie. It seem that Orval may knows of Amelia and may be helping Emily get around her,...
Waiting for updates..thank you...
More updates please. Thank you...
This was so exciting, from the demise of Evelyn and her departure; to Sylvia’s and Gabriel’ confession of their love, commitment and marriage to one another. Thank you for the updates…I’m loving it!...
Wow...Victory dance 💃💃 finally what we have all been waiting for. Just love the way it is progressing. Cant wait for more and more updates...
Thank you for the updates..♥️...
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...