Lambert froze, then whipped his head around to look at Manley. Seeing his serious expression, a pang went through his heart. He said softly, “You must love her even more than I do.”
Manley shot him a glance. “Obviously. You call that love?”
Lambert retorted defensively, “Why isn't it love? I've never liked anyone else besides Estelle.”
Manley ignored his chatter and turned to walk away. He moved toward the light, which enveloped him, blurring his silhouette.
Lambert stared at his retreating back for a moment, then quickly caught up. “Are you running away?”
The black obsidian earring on Manley's earlobe reflected the sunlight with a mesmerizing glint. His expression was indifferent. “Running from what?”
If he had wanted to run, he wouldn't have shown up today.
Lambert casually slung an arm around his shoulder. “Neither of us is running away today. After all, we're the only two people in the world who understand how the other feels. Let’s drink until we drop, what do you say?”
“Get your hand off me,” Manley said, glancing at his arm with disdain, but he didn't refuse the offer. “Fine. You came all this way for Estelle's wedding. I'll be sure to take good care of you on her behalf.”
*
The cake was wheeled out from a candy castle. After the cake cutting, the ceremony was drawing to a close, and the Party at Midnight was about to begin.
Jonathan gently wiped away the smudge of lipstick from Estelle's lips. “Happy wedding day, Mrs. Lamont. I love you.”
Countless flowers rained down from above, the chapel lights shone even brighter, and the guests' applause was filled with blessings and joy. Estelle only had eyes for Jonathan. Her clear eyes were always pure and untainted by the world's chaos, never clouded by wealth or status. They held only him.
Everything about today had moved her. Before this, she hadn't thought a wedding ceremony was all that important. Being legally married and loving each other was enough.
It wasn't until this moment that she realized it was more than just a ceremony. It was an expression of gratitude for life, respect for marriage, and hope for the future.
Surrounded by a sea of blooming flowers, Jonathan led Estelle to stand on a set of steps.
Behind her, a crowd of young women had gathered, jostling for position with their hands raised in eager anticipation. Their admiration for Estelle made them all desperate to catch her bouquet.
Catching the bouquet she tossed seemed like a promise of finding the same happiness she had.
Emily, Marina, Sophia, and even Norah joined the fun, with Magdalen directing them from the side, creating a lively scene.
Charlie watched the girls pushing forward and shook his head faintly. “Why are they crowding the front? Don't they know how strong Estelle is?”
Carson's handsome face broke into a smile. “Come on, let's go for it too!”
Charlie’s eyes lit up. He actually went over with Carson, dragging Jason along with them. They stood behind the group of girls. They weren't the only men trying for the bouquet; there were seven or eight others, all poised and ready.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Thank you for the updates....
I love it, I love it! Thank you for the updates....
Dear author Lucy, may we please have updates. Thank you....
There's a song currently playing via YouTube and TikToc by LowDii "Touch Me Softly" that makes me think of Norah and Xavier (Gonzalez). Please, I'm looking forward to updates. Thank you for your writing....
May we please have updates. Thank you....
As the plot thicken. Adrian is done for and he can't try to control Norah, so he'd probably tattle to Janice who's gone for two weeks. Thank you soooo much for the updates....
These updates were too funny. Thank you so much for the updates....
I forgot to add Amy to the group of pregnant women,since she was the first. Emily and Sylvia better be careful since pregnancy is in the air....
Wow! This is great, both Estelle and Magdalen are pregnant at the same time and I hope that Xavier is Norah neighbor. Thank you for the updates....
Author Lucy you're a blessing. Thank you so my for the updates. I hope that Norah's neighbor is Xavier she gets her memory back....