Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2630

“You’re good at rationalizing,” Gabriel remarked.

“Of course,” Sylvia said, gazing at a pine tree in the distance. “And what he said was actually quite profound.”

“What was?” Gabriel turned to her. “That bit about the moon in the water?”

The reminder was all it took. Sylvia’s defenses crumbled, and a radiant smile bloomed on her face, her captivating eyes sparkling like stars.

Once her laughter subsided, she held out her hand. “Can I have it back?”

“What?” he asked.

“The talisman. The two-hundred-dollar talisman that’s supposed to bring me clarity,” she said.

Gabriel pulled it from his pocket and handed it back. “Planning to frame it when you get home?”

Ignoring his sarcasm, Sylvia carefully folded the talisman, tucked it into her pocket, and turned to him with a coy smile. “None of your business.”

Gabriel stared at her for a moment before turning away, a faint smile touching his lips where she couldn't see.

After a short wait, Jonas and the others emerged. Jonas was holding a parcel wrapped in oil paper that looked rather old-fashioned.

“The shrine makes its own fried biscuits. Anyone want one?” he asked.

“When did you buy those? I didn’t see them,” Jenny said, surprised.

“Right as I was leaving. They looked pretty good.” Jonas offered one to Sylvia.

It was essentially a savory doughnut, fried in sesame oil. It didn’t look particularly fresh and was quite greasy, so she shook her head.

“They’re fried in oil blessed by the community’s offerings. Eating them brings good fortune,” Jonas explained. “Try it. It should taste okay.”

“Good fortune? You got scammed, didn’t you?” Jenny teased.

Jonas held it out persistently, so Sylvia took one. “How much was it?”

“A hundred dollars,” Jonas replied.

The moon on the water, the flower in the mirror.

Was he referring to her past choices or her current situation? Which part was the dream?

And from which dream was she supposed to wake?

The rest of the hike went smoothly. By the time they reached Cloud Mount, the sun was just beginning to set.

The evening sky was a breathtaking masterpiece, with clouds layered in shades of pale yellow, brilliant gold, and fiery orange, stretching across half the horizon. It was a sight so spectacular it left them speechless.

The five of them stood on the summit, awestruck by the magnificent view, their hearts swelling with an emotion too profound for words.

The golden-red light painted Sylvia’s stunning features, and in that moment, she was struck by how small a person was, and how utterly insignificant things like love and hate seemed in comparison.

Jenny, Jonas, and Una set up their easels and began to capture the glorious scene on canvas.

Sylvia and Gabriel wandered around the summit, taking in the views. Every angle offered a unique and stunning vista.