“I knew you were the best!” Manley cooed, about to hug Estelle again.
This time, Estelle didn’t indulge him, pushing him away. “Alright, don’t push your luck. Go back to sleep.”
Only then did Manley stand up. “As you wish. I’ll go to bed. I have to get up early tomorrow to see you in your wedding dress.”
Estelle also stood. “Manley, let this be the end of it. Love yourself, find a good girl, and love her well.”
Manley stood with his back to her, his figure seemingly frozen in the night. After a moment, he turned back and gave her a radiant smile. “Don’t try to push me off on someone else just to ease your own guilt.”
Estelle’s eyes were clear. “It’s not guilt. I just… my heart aches for you.”
Manley’s gaze was deep and profound, the lamplight casting a soft glow in his eyes. “Estelle, by coming here tonight, I’ve already let everything go. I just wanted to see you get married. Don’t feel sorry for me. We may not have lasted a lifetime as lovers, but we can definitely be friends for a lifetime. So, I’m actually very happy.”
Estelle slowly nodded. “Okay.”
Manley held out his arms to her. “One more hug.”
Estelle took a step toward him.
With that single step, Manley’s vision blurred again. He embraced her, tilting his head back slightly. “I won’t say things like ‘If he ever hurts you, I’ll always be here,’ because I would rather stand behind you forever than ever see you get hurt.”
Estelle’s voice caught. “I know.”
Manley gently stroked her long hair. “You have to be happy. It’s the only way my letting Jonathan have you will have been worth it.”
Estelle looked down at their two shadows on the ground and slowly nodded.
“I will be.”
Manley didn’t hold her for long. He soon let go and said goodbye as he always did, “Go get some sleep. See you tomorrow.”

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Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Just smiling and smiling and smiling reading the proceedings of this story. Loving it to the max...
Excited for all the events leading up to Jonathan getting his bride. Thank you for the updates....
Beautiful how everything is flowing together. Thank you for the updates....
Appreciate the storyline and direction.. Nothing seems rushed and patiently focusing on each and every character of the story, leaving no stone unturned. Even more intresting to read by the day...
And the plot thickens…thank you for the updates....
Ooooo, thank you thank you thank you for continuing to update the novel 🤩...
Ooooo, thank you thank you thank you for continuing to update the novel 🤩...
No updates??...
Now Xavier needs to get with Nora and Gabriel needs to get with Sylvia....
Thank you for the update. You are a blessing to your readers....