Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2711

I just have to keep trying. Even a stone will warm up if you hold it long enough.

After psyching herself up for a moment, she texted him back: [Hurry up. When you get here, come straight to the second floor. Tell them you’re a groomsman, and someone will show you to the fitting room.]

A few seconds after she sent the message, he replied with a simple “K.”

It was the most half-hearted response imaginable.

Norah pressed her forehead against the glass in frustration, her eyes innocently pitiful as she watched his back. “Xavier,” she muttered, “I must have robbed you and burned down your house in a past life. That's why I'm here in this one—to pay you back.”

She kept her eyes on him as he finished his cigarette, stood up, and started walking toward the villa. For a second, his gaze seemed to sweep past her window.

She immediately ducked behind the curtains.

*

Xavier came in through a side door and crossed the hall. A member of the staff approached him respectfully. “Sir, can I help you with anything?”

“I'm Xavier Hanson, Mr. Lamont's groomsman,” Xavier said.

The staff member nodded immediately. “Of course, Mr. Hanson. Please, follow me.”

Xavier followed her up to the second floor and down to a dressing room.

The second-floor dressing room wasn't used often. The inner section was lined with wardrobes on three sides, with a square island in the middle. The fourth wall was a full-length mirror, and the overall style was rather dark.

Separated by a screen, the outer section was a sitting area with a sofa and a large vanity table by the window.

The staff member took out the groomsman's suit, laid it on the island, and said politely, “Mr. Hanson, here is your suit. Do you need any help trying it on?”

“I can manage on my own. You may go,” Xavier said coolly.

As the woman walked out, she opened the door and saw Norah. She was about to greet her when Norah raised a finger to her lips in a hushing gesture, then stepped aside to let her pass.

The woman nodded in understanding, opened the door, and left.

“Does it fit well?”

He slowly turned to face the girl behind him, her eyes both playful and hiding a deep, nocturnal allure.

Norah clasped her hands behind her back, feigning composure as she looked him over. “It fits you perfectly. You look great!”

Xavier's gaze was cold. He turned away again. “Are you done looking? If you are, get out so I can change back.”

Finally provoked by his distant attitude, Norah bit her lip and said angrily, “Xavier, are you even a man?”

Xavier glanced back at her. “What did you say?”

“So I kissed you. What's the big deal!” Norah's pretty face was flushed with anger. “You threw me out, you won't answer my calls, you won't text me back—I've put up with all of it. What more do you want? We agreed to be friends. Is this how you treat a friend?”

Xavier's dark eyes watched her, deep and unreadable. After a moment, he spoke.

“Friends? Do you make a habit of kissing your friends?”