Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2411

In the cozy gazebo in the backyard, with a crackling firepit in the center, Sophia and Estelle settled down, warming themselves by the flames as they slipped into conversation.

Sophia hesitated, the words catching in her throat before she finally let them out, "Mr. Gilder, well, he told me he likes me."

Estelle paused, a surprised smile spreading across her face. "He finally confessed!"

Sophia looked at her, astounded. "You knew?"

Nodding, Estelle responded, "Yeah, when you had just come back, at one of our get-togethers, Jason told me himself."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Sophia's expression was one of utter disbelief.

Estelle explained, "Jason asked me not to say anything. Plus, back then, you were still with Robin. He didn't want to add to your stress."

Sophia bit her lip, a mix of emotions swirling within. "And here I was, thinking he had eyes for you."

Raising an eyebrow, Estelle chuckled, "Now, that's a wild thought."

Letting out a sigh, Sophia confessed, "The thought of Mr. Gilder liking me seems just as wild."

"What's going through your mind?" Estelle probed gently.

Hugging her knees, Sophia shook her head. "I don't know. It's so unexpected. I never pictured a romantic angle to our relationship. I always thought what we had was purely platonic."

Estelle couldn't help but laugh at her friend's naivety, though her tone remained serious. "Jason is head over heels for you!"

Sophia's eyes softened as she met Estelle’s gaze, then dropped them back to the dancing flames.

"Is that why you came back early?" Estelle asked quietly.

After a moment, Sophia considered the possibility of leaving her job to avoid causing Jason further pain if she couldn't return his feelings.

Estelle suggested giving it more thought, praising Jason's qualities and questioning Sophia's lack of interest.

Lost in thought, Sophia didn't respond.

Eventually, she expressed her confusion and hesitation to leap into a new relationship so soon after her breakup with Robin.

"Give yourself some time to think it over," Estelle advised.

Agreeing, Sophia changed the subject, asking about Estelle's wedding plans.

Estelle smiled, revealing the date, April 29th, chosen to coincide with Jonathan's birthday—a detail she'd thoughtfully considered.