Sophia stood hesitantly outside Jason's door, her hand frozen mid-air, about to knock. The deep, masculine response from inside made her heart race.
"Just breathe," Sophia murmured to herself, trying to muster some courage. It was Jason who had feelings for her, not the other way around. And wasn't it him who had kissed her that day? If anyone should feel nervous, it should be him, not her.
"Don't be afraid!" She whispered to herself, aiming for a sense of nonchalance.
But the sleepless nights had taken their toll, leaving dark circles under her eyes. Would Jason notice? And if he pressed her for answers, what would she say? Mentioning Robin might only make things worse.
Lost in thought, Sophia was startled when the door suddenly swung open. Jason stood there, an unreadable expression in his eyes. "What are you doing, waiting for me to open the door for you?"
Her face flushed with irritation. "Oh, I wouldn't dare expect Mr. Gilder to open the door for me. I'm not that important."
Jason retorted, "Maybe not important, but certainly feisty!"
Sophia just glared at him as he turned and walked back into his office, telling her to close the door behind her. The brief exchange seemed to ease her nerves, though she still avoided making eye contact. "Did you need to see me about something?"
Jason, seated behind his desk, spoke matter-of-factly. "Mrs. Jasmine sent some things for you. Pick them up from my place tonight."
"My mom sent something for me?" Sophia's curiosity was piqued.
"You'll see when you get there."
Jason's voice was tinged with sorrow as he held her closer. "You might as well stab me in the heart. It would hurt less than this torment."
Sophia struggled in his embrace, her tears flowing freely. "You were the one who didn't want to be friends!"
"So, if we're not dating, we're nothing? Was your friendship all just a strategy?"
"I valued our relationship like family, you know how much it meant to me!"
At her last words, Jason's mix of heartache and frustration turned into a bitter laugh, a laugh filled with both sadness and resignation.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
This is so beautiful and captivating to envision. Thank you for your updates....
Thank you for bringing in all the past elements to bring continuity to Jonathan and Stella love journey. I loved it....
Just smiling and smiling and smiling reading the proceedings of this story. Loving it to the max...
Excited for all the events leading up to Jonathan getting his bride. Thank you for the updates....
Beautiful how everything is flowing together. Thank you for the updates....
Appreciate the storyline and direction.. Nothing seems rushed and patiently focusing on each and every character of the story, leaving no stone unturned. Even more intresting to read by the day...
And the plot thickens…thank you for the updates....
Ooooo, thank you thank you thank you for continuing to update the novel 🤩...
Ooooo, thank you thank you thank you for continuing to update the novel 🤩...
No updates??...