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)
May we have more updates please....
Thank you so much for the updates today. Now that Yvonne knows that Gonzalez has established who's really in charge of the Hansen house hold she and her mother are treading carefully. It will be interesting to see how Jenny will get the information to see if Adrian is paying for Norah....
With Adrian last comment, he's gonna get whipped and wonder what happened. Thank you so so much for the updates....
May we please have more updates. Thank you....
I would like for Norah to secretly have her memory restored and not tell anyone just to observe how everyone is trying to keep mess going....
Janice and Adrian don't want Norah to be with Xavier....
Thank you for the updates. You do keep us in suspense....
Curious as to how, what, when and where Norah will get her memory back of Xavier....
I'm so glad that Gonzalez was able to get Luke, Oliver and all others who wanted to challenge himas the CEO straight. Interesting how Xavier made reference to a girlfriend concerning his gift to Norah, but never did this before her accident. I'm grateful for the updates. Thank you...
I had a lot of catching up to do..oh buoy, what twist and turns. Loved every bit of it, thank you for keep updating the novel. Hoping for more love along the way....