Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2694

“We first met during the summer of my sophomore year,” Emily reminisced with a smile. “Every time you went out, you’d park your scooter in front of the dessert shop, and you’d always come in for a treat when you returned.”

“The other staff used to whisper that you were some college student Jonathan was keeping. I told them that couldn’t be true. Your eyes were so clear, so pure. You weren’t the kind of girl to be someone’s mistress. I trusted my gut.”

Emily’s eyes grew distant with memory. “I just assumed you worked at Villa del Sol, like me, picking up part-time shifts. I never, ever imagined you were the owner.”

“It was a complicated time for Jonathan and me,” Estelle said softly. “That’s why I didn’t tell anyone.”

“I understand,” Emily nodded, her eyes glistening with emotion. “So many years have passed, and we’ve been through so much. The fact that we’re all still together… I feel so incredibly lucky.”

Back then, Estelle had always been the quiet girl in the corner of the dessert shop, her cool demeanor keeping most people at a distance. But Emily knew better. Beneath that icy exterior, Estelle was a radiant little star, and anyone lucky enough to be near her was warmed by her light.

Estelle felt a wave of emotion too and gently hugged her. “No matter how many years go by, we’ll always be together. I’m getting married, and you and Charlie are next.”

Emily’s smile was bright. “Okay.”

Today, with her hair in a bun, Emily’s face was open and sunny, looking just as she had all those years ago. And the way they felt about each other hadn’t changed one bit.

From his seat, Charlie glanced back and nudged Jonathan. “What are your wife and my wife talking about? Why are they hugging?”

Jonathan followed his gaze and frowned slightly. “Emily’s probably complaining to Ella.”

Charlie raised an eyebrow. “Complaining?”

…

The room was dimly lit, and the glowing balloons drifted above like stars. Marina glanced over and saw Carson, his head slightly bowed under the warm yellow light. His skin looked pale, his eyes dark, and he appeared both handsome and deeply sentimental. As his fingers expertly moved over the strings, he looked less like a playboy and more like a devoted romantic.

She picked up her chilled cocktail and took a large gulp.

After the song, a waiter wheeled in a three-tiered cake. Estelle and Jonathan began cutting and distributing slices.

Magdalen, seizing a moment when Norah wasn’t looking, playfully smeared a bit of frosting on her face, firing the first shot of what quickly became an all-out cake war. Marina, trying to defend Norah, got some on Magdalen and was then chased around the room.