Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2994

The report was finished quickly—in less than half an hour. Emily double-checked it before sending it to Adelaide's inbox.

She stretched, then texted Charlie: [Charlie, I'm done for the day. Waiting for you.]

Charlie replied almost immediately: [Be there soon.]

While waiting for him, Emily jotted down a few more thoughts from her site inspection earlier that day.

When Charlie arrived downstairs, he called her. Emily shut down her computer, grabbed her bag, and jogged lightly to catch the elevator.

When she got into the car, her round cheeks were flushed, and her big eyes looked even darker and brighter than usual. “Three minutes—pretty fast, right?”

Charlie couldn't resist the urge to reach out and gently pinch her cheek. “Tired? I asked Ms. Simmons to feed Kya dinner so I could take you out for a nice meal.”

Emily shook her head. “Let’s save that for the weekend. I miss Kya!”

Charlie’s handsome eyes softened with affection. He stroked her cheek again before starting the car and heading home.

Emily had pulled an all-nighter the night before, and with a day spent running around the site, the moment she relaxed, exhaustion washed over her. She barely made it into the car before drifting off to sleep, head resting against the seat.

Charlie took his suit jacket from the back seat and draped it gently over her. Watching her sleeping face, he frowned with concern.

When they reached the Royal Mansion, Emily was still sound asleep. Charlie waited a moment, then got out, walked to the passenger side, opened the door, and lifted her into his arms. When she stirred, he soothingly whispered, “Shhh, keep sleeping. I’ll carry you up.”

Emily nestled into his shoulder and closed her eyes again.

Back upstairs, as he opened the door, Ms. Simmons was about to speak, but Charlie quietly said, “Emily’s asleep—I’ll take her to the bedroom first.”

Ms. Simmons nodded and stepped aside.

Charlie—tall and lean with long legs—carried Emily steadily to the bedroom, gently setting her down on the bed.

Emily didn’t wake.

Kya nodded, sweet and serious.

Charlie opened the picture book and read her a story, his voice low, warm, and soothing.

By the end of the story, Kya was dozing off, head resting on Charlie's shoulder.

He picked her up and carried her to bed.

Kya was still so little that neither parent wanted her to sleep alone. So, they had a child’s bed set up in the master bedroom. Fortunately, the master was spacious, so it didn't feel crowded—in fact, it only made the room feel cozier.

Charlie tucked Kya in and only left after she was fully asleep.

When he turned around, he saw that Emily must have woken up at some point. She was nestled in the soft pillows, half her gentle face visible as she gazed at him sleepily.

Charlie walked over, sat on the bed beside her, and gently brushed her loose hair away from her face. “You’re awake?”