Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3074

Seeing him return, Norah's face lit up immediately. "Mr. Flemmings! Dylan said he'd take us up the mountain!"

Dylan turned to Xavier. "The scenery up there is incredible. Since we're free this afternoon, I figured I'd show you guys around."

Seeing how eager Norah was, Xavier didn't have the heart to say no. "Sure."

Dylan led the three of them up the winding mountain path. After about ten minutes, they merged onto the main hiking trail, where the crowd of tourists thickened.

The four of them chatted as they walked. Leila stayed glued to Dylan's side, clinging to his arm with an exaggerated show of affection.

The mountains loomed majestically in the distance, their snow-capped peaks wrapped in a halo of mist. Up close, the rugged cliffs were blanketed in lush, vibrant greenery. The crisp, clean air was instantly rejuvenating.

"It's so beautiful here!" Norah breathed out in awe.

Xavier glanced at her. "I thought you didn't like going out?"

Her company had a team-building retreat scheduled for this weekend, and the destination was definitely far more luxurious than this rural town. Yet, Norah had claimed she preferred staying home.

Norah tilted her head at him. "Don't you get it? Going out depends on my mood, and my mood depends entirely on who I'm with."

Xavier's steps faltered for a fraction of a second before he let out a soft scoff. "Spoiled."

Norah immediately fired back. "How is that spoiled? It's a completely normal psychological need that anyone can relate to."

Xavier ignored her. With his long legs, he naturally walked fast. Norah had to jog slightly to keep up with him. "Tell me the truth, do you prefer hiking with me, or hiking with total strangers?"

Xavier's pace slowed just a beat. He actually seemed to consider the question for a moment before answering her with deadpan seriousness. "Why would I ever go hiking with strangers?"

With that, he sped up again, leaving her behind.

Norah stopped and glared at his broad back, silently fuming.

Both women ended up buying beautifully woven, ethnic-style flower crowns. Norah placed hers on her head and turned to Xavier. "How does it look?"

The vibrant flowers and dangling silver tassels framed her delicate, lively face perfectly. Xavier's pupils dilated slightly at the sight.

He nodded. "It looks good."

Norah's smile grew even more radiant. She stepped closer and held out a bracelet for him—a simple, thin black leather band threaded with a silver charm engraved with auspicious patterns. "The design matches the one on my crown. The vendor said it wards off bad luck and brings good fortune. It's for you."

Xavier looked dismissive. "Since when are you so superstitious?"

"It's not superstition, it's just a symbol of good wishes." Norah grabbed his hand without hesitation, determined to put it on his wrist.

Xavier tried to pull away. "I don't wear jewelry."