Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2681

“This is a gift from my grandmother,” Eugene insisted. “A token of her affection. It’s meant for you.”

“Her affection is for her granddaughter-in-law,” Sylvia replied gently. “For someone in the Winters family. So I can’t accept it. You should keep it. Keep it for your future wife.”

“Sylvia…” Eugene tried to persuade her again.

“You said you understood me,” Sylvia interrupted. “So please, don’t try to convince me.”

Eugene sighed in resignation. “Sylvia, you don’t have to draw such a clear line with everyone. Even if we’re not lovers, sometimes friends owing each other a little something is what brings them closer.”

Sylvia considered his words. “I’ll try to be better about that in the future.”

Her earnest expression made him smile, and the fondness he felt for her only grew, deepening his sense of loss. “Sylvia, will we still be friends?”

“Of course, we’re friends,” she said with a smile. “Unless you’re going to hold a grudge and cut me off?”

“Never,” Eugene said immediately. “I will only ever be grateful to you.”

And full of regret.

“Then it’s settled,” Sylvia said.

A waiter arrived with their food, putting a temporary end to their conversation.

Sylvia picked up her silver spoon. “Let’s eat. I’ve been so busy catching up on work, I haven’t had a proper meal in days.”

Eugene frowned. “Why are you working so hard? You can’t earn all the money in the world.”

“Working hard isn’t always about the money,” Sylvia said, taking a sip of seafood soup, her expression soft. “It’s just… once I get busy, I don’t want to stop.”

“You still need to take care of your health,” he reminded her. “You know what the doctor said.”

Eugene smiled with her. “Then resist. I won’t tell anyone we broke up. Let that guy stew in his jealousy for a few more days. People always cherish what they can’t have.”

That man isn’t like other people, Sylvia thought.

But she didn’t say anything. She just smiled, opened the door, and walked out.

...

The evening breeze was cool, the city lights painting the night sky. Sylvia walked down the bustling street, a hint of crimson on her lips, her expression a mask of cool detachment that seemed to separate her from the vibrant chaos around her.

Starting today, she was not an extension of anyone else. She was not tied to anyone.

She was just Sylvia.