“Not really,” Sylvia said, her eyes glinting. “You were just a good teacher.”
“Oh?” he arched an eyebrow.
“You’re the one who told me that sometimes the most difficult path is the shortcut,” she explained. “Ever since then, whenever I’m faced with a choice, I remember that before making a decision.”
Gabriel looked down, his distinguished face unreadable, his voice devoid of emotion. “Including your choice to be with Eugene?”
Sylvia’s expression tightened. She walked ahead.
“Including that.”
Jonas ran back to them, holding a handful of green jujubes. He offered them to Sylvia. “I tried one. They’re pretty good.”
Sylvia took two. “Thanks.”
“Don’t mention it!” He grinned, then offered some to Gabriel.
Gabriel simply took one from Sylvia’s hand. “One is enough.”
Soon, Jenny and Una returned. They had found a wild mulberry tree and picked a large bunch, carrying them in a makeshift bowl of sycamore leaves, excited to share.
Jonas wrinkled his nose. “Those things stain your tongue and teeth black. No thanks.”
“Who cares?” Jenny said breezily. “It’s not like anyone here is going to kiss you. Who gives a damn if your teeth are black?”
The group laughed.
After their snack, they rested for a bit before setting off again.
She was always so organized and considerate.
Sylvia glanced in Gabriel’s direction and gave a faint smile. “A little bit of everything. I’m a jack-of-all-trades.”
Jonas’s admiration for her only grew. “You’re amazing.”
They had reached the edge of the purple bamboo forest. While the others rested, Jenny went ahead to scout the path. She came running back a moment later, her eyes shining with excitement. “I found a shrine up ahead!”
“A shrine, out here?” Jonas was skeptical.
“It’s true! Follow me!” Jenny beckoned.
The group followed her through the bamboo grove and across a stone bridge. Sure enough, nestled against the mountainside was a small, ancient-looking shrine.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Waiting for updates..thank you...
More updates please. Thank you...
This was so exciting, from the demise of Evelyn and her departure; to Sylvia’s and Gabriel’ confession of their love, commitment and marriage to one another. Thank you for the updates…I’m loving it!...
Wow...Victory dance 💃💃 finally what we have all been waiting for. Just love the way it is progressing. Cant wait for more and more updates...
Thank you for the updates..♥️...
Estelle and Jonathan re enters the plot. Cant wait to read more of them...
Awaiting updates..thank you...
May we please have updates. Thank you...
My heart is swooning. Thank you for the updates...
Thank you for the updates, this climax is building. I love it....