Norah couldn't be bothered to leave the house, sighing, "Home's got everything we need, why bother dining out?"
Janice retorted, "Can't blame Henson for nagging you. Look at yourself; you've lost all your spark. Can't even muster the energy to move."
Norah felt a sting at her mom's words, recognizing the truth in them.
Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts about Xavier. His silence in response to her messages left her listless, feeling utterly defeated.
Henson had hit the nail on the head; she had indeed become lovesick!
Janice patted her shoulder, "Change into something nice; it'll lift your spirits. Let's head over to the Spring Hotel, stay the night, maybe two. It'll be a nice break for grandma and grandpa as well."
Norah nodded in agreement, "Alright, I'll go change."
"See you downstairs!"
Henson, too, logged off his game to join the family vacation at their own The Velvet Spring Hotel.
*
Upon learning of the Lamont family's arrival, the hotel management had made elaborate preparations.
A secluded villa was reserved for the Lamont family, surrounded by hot springs, with the temperature and humidity perfectly adjusted, making it an ideal spot for a festive season retreat.
Standing on the balcony, Norah remarked to Henson, "What's the difference between here and home?"
The environment seemed similar, and the hotel was hardly deserted.
"The difference is obvious; it's quieter here, no visitors to disturb us," Henson replied, picking up an air rifle and aiming at a tree across. "Plus, you can enjoy the hot springs."
A loud "bang" and birds scattered from the tree, feathers fluttering down.
Norah teased, "All that practice with Estelle and you're still a terrible shot. Seems even a master can't teach a hopeless student!"
Henson glanced at her coolly, "What do you know?"
Catherine agreed, "Then let's extend our stay."
After exchanging pleasantries, Norah's gaze fell on a man behind Mr. Hanson, leaving her momentarily stunned.
A surge of joy bubbled up inside her, her heart racing.
Geoffrey turned to Xavier, "Gonzalez, it's been a while!"
Xavier had visited the Lamonts before, but without formal introductions, Geoffrey hadn't recognized him as Gonzalez from Citadel.
Xavier greeted them with a polite smile, "Happy holidays!"
His glance swept over Norah, moving away as if she were a stranger.
Geoffrey suggested, "Since we're all here, let's dine together tonight. It'll be more festive!"
The Hanson family agreed, and everyone moved toward the pavilion together.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
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....
I like how you are getting all the different love interest committed, thank you for the updates....
Hoping Manly have his own love story here, atleast a short one...
Emily has finally stood up for herself. Now with Charlie's support, her mother and sister in law will be as quiet as church mice....