Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2998

During the day, Emily followed Orval as he toured properties, learning the ins and outs of the business from him. After returning home, she stayed up late writing reports. Each night, she would go over everything she had learned during the day and then return to reworking the designs for Sterling Properties.

Charlie, meanwhile, felt increasingly neglected—bordering on gloomy, even a bit melancholy.

He often stood in the doorway of the study late at night, his expression tinged with quiet reproach. “Honey, there’s a difference between working hard and working yourself into the ground.”

Emily looked up to see him leaning against the doorframe, his tall figure casting a dim shadow. His handsome features were partly lost in the low light, but his deep eyes were filled with concern and resignation.

She smiled. “I just had an idea I need to sketch out quickly, or I’ll forget it by tomorrow. You go get some sleep.”

Charlie sighed. “It’s been three days since we’ve had any time together.”

The lamplight painted a soft, shifting halo across Emily’s gentle face, her slightly flushed features caught between light and shadow, making her look pure and a little innocent.

She bit her rosy lip lightly. “Just ten more minutes, then I’ll go shower.”

Charlie finally smiled. “Mom had some ready-to-eat bird’s nest soup delivered. It’s in the fridge—I’ll heat it up for you, so you can have it after your shower.”

Emily nodded, though she couldn't help but think, How would I have time to eat after my shower?

But she knew that Charlie needed to feel involved, something to occupy himself so that ten minutes wouldn’t feel endless.

...

On Thursday, Orval had other matters to deal with, so Emily went to see several properties on her own.

The sun was blazing. Emily sat in a small gazebo in the park, looking through documents. The heat had sapped her appetite, so she pulled a packaged roll from her bag, unwrapped it, and called it lunch.

Sitting cross-legged on the bench, she nibbled on the bread while jotting down notes and sketches on paper.

After hanging up, Emily packed away her half-eaten bread and notes, left the park, and took a cab to Betty’s café.

By the time she arrived, it was already one o’clock. The café was quiet; Betty was chatting with another female employee.

Betty waved and walked over as soon as she saw Emily enter.

Once seated, the server brought coffee and pastries. Betty introduced the drinks: “These beans are single-origin from Aurelia. I blended them myself—the sweetness stands out more, and there’s a hint of berry fermentation. Give it a try.”

Charlie loved coffee and often brewed it for Emily. Influenced by him, Emily had picked up a few things about coffee, even if she wasn’t as much of an enthusiast as Betty.

After a bit of coffee talk, Betty smiled and asked, “How’s work going?”

Emily gave a playful shrug. “It’s busy, but I can’t complain—I actually enjoy it.”