Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2693

Estelle picked up her phone to continue her game. The man had been exceptionally clingy the past two days, more so than usual. She suspected he was suffering from pre-wedding jitters, so she decided to humor him and go along with whatever he wanted.

That evening, everyone gathered at 9th Mansion. It was unclear whose plus-ones belonged to whom, but in the end, they all ended up in the same room.

Estelle and Jonathan weren't the first to arrive; Carson, Charlie, and the others were already there.

Instead of their usual private room, they were in a small auditorium. At the front was a giant karaoke screen, with a drum kit, guitars, and other instruments on the stage before it. The room was filled with balloons containing colorful, glowing lights that cast a dreamy, hazy glow as they floated in the air. A long table, capable of seating thirty, was laden with an assortment of drinks.

To the left was a food and lounge area with a variety of snacks, the most prominent being a massive box of chocolates. To the right was a collection of props, likely for games and forfeits. There were also dedicated areas for video games and cards. The place was buzzing with energy.

The moment Estelle and Jonathan walked in, Carson, seated behind the drum kit, hit a cymbal. A shower of fresh flower petals rained down on them from above.

Jonathan shielded Estelle and took her hand, leading her further inside. “Can you tone down the theatrics?” he said dryly.

Carson stood up, grinning. “Don’t look at me. The staff at 9th Mansion set it all up. Said it would create atmosphere.”

Charlie approached, holding Kya. He pointed to the table of drinks. “Half of those bottles are from my personal collection, Jonathan. You know what to do.”

“Saving the other half for your own wedding?” Jonathan retorted. “In that case, you’ll be saving them for a few more years.”

“You’re about to be a married man. Try to grow a conscience, will you?” Charlie said with a wry smile. “I postponed my engagement to Emily for your wedding.”

Jonathan raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

“Thank you, my sweetie,” Estelle said, kissing her cheek.

Emily was sitting on the sofa, fiddling with a large box. She looked up and smiled, her dimples showing. “Estelle!” She took something out of the box and placed it on the table. “An early wedding gift for you.”

Estelle gasped. It was a perfect miniature model of Villa del Sol, complete with the mountainside mansion and the famous tree-lined road. A tiny street sign read Maple Street, and next to it was the dessert shop where Emily used to work. Looking closely, she could even see the tiny daisies on the table by the window. The entire model was exquisitely detailed and cleverly designed.

“Did you make this?” Estelle asked, her eyes shining with delight.

Emily’s smile was warm. “I drew the blueprints. Charlie found someone to build the model. Do you like it?”

“I love it!”