Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2596

After a gentle piano intro, the strings swelled into a classic melody, and everyone in the room fell quiet.

The lights dimmed. Carson’s eyes grew more serious as he began to sing, his voice soft and heartfelt, as if he were confessing to some girl he loved.

Whenever I hear a melancholy tune

It stirs memories that ache.

Whenever I see the pale moonlight

I remember your face.

I know I shouldn’t think of you,

Shouldn’t let my mind stray—

But I get lost, all the same.

Who makes my heart ache,

Who keeps me up at night?

It’s you.

...

Sylvia’s gaze grew unfocused; without thinking, she turned her head, just as Gabriel glanced her way. Their eyes met for a fleeting moment before both quickly looked away.

After everything that had happened, there was a kind of unspoken understanding between them—one that left a hollow ache.

Inside, the lights flickered, reflecting the chaos in everyone’s hearts.

So many regrets, so many hopes—

Do you know?

I love you.

It’s a faith so clear, so unwavering.

I love you.

After a while, Magdalen suggested a card game. The idea was met with instant enthusiasm—everyone wanted in.

Sylvia laughed. “You’ve all seen how terrible I am at cards. I think I’ll pass this time!”

But Magdalen wouldn’t let her off so easily. Grinning, she grabbed Sylvia’s shoulders and pushed her into a chair. “That’s what partners are for! It’s tradition!”

She turned to Gabriel. “Gabriel, you were Sylvia’s partner last time. Mind helping her out again? You two have some spooky connection—no one else can keep up!”

Sylvia barely got out a “No—” before Gabriel stood and walked over, making her swallow her protest.

He took the seat behind her, and she stiffened, then forced herself to relax inch by inch.

Everyone else paired off too: Estelle had Jonathan as her partner, Magdalen teamed up with Morrison, and even Marina accepted Carson’s help. It really was an old tradition.

Emily didn’t feel like playing cards, so Charlie bowed out too and took Kya to the front of the room to sing children’s songs instead.

*

With so many players, they decided on a game of poker—classic, fast-paced, and sure to get everyone laughing.