Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3097

"The rabbit belonged to me anyway! You were using my stuff to feed my own pet—I absolutely cannot take your money!" Mrs. Potts forcefully shoved the cash into Norah's hands.

"And one more thing," Mrs. Potts added, pulling a small potted plant from another basket. It was a beautiful orchid. "This is actually a pretty rare variety. Take it as a souvenir, and come back to the mountains whenever you have free time."

Norah accepted the plant warmly. "Thank you!"

Mrs. Potts waved her hands frantically. "No, we are the ones thanking you!"

After bidding everyone a final farewell, Xavier and Norah started the drive back to J City.

As the car wound through the mountain roads, Norah rolled down the window. With the fresh breeze hitting her face, she smiled brightly. "We really made a killing on this trip!"

Thinking back to his completely sleepless, agonizing night, Xavier let out a soft scoff. She was certainly in a good mood!

Still, he was just relieved it was finally over.

*

By the time they arrived back in J City, it was already late afternoon. The car pulled up to the barbecue restaurant, and Damian rushed out with the rest of the crew to greet them.

Stepping out of the car and walking toward the entrance, Xavier subconsciously reached out and grabbed Norah's hand. After days of being joined at the hip, it had become second nature.

Seeing their intertwined hands, Damian's jaw dropped, a highly amused smirk spreading across his face.

Xavier realized what he was doing and awkwardly let go of her hand. "Get back to work," he commanded coolly.

Norah let out a dramatic sigh. "After playing for a few days, I really don't want to go back to work!"

"The last few days were just an exception," Xavier replied flatly.

Staring at his calm, detached expression, a wave of disappointment washed over her. Still, she clutched her orchid and smiled. "I'm going to go check on Circe and put my orchid in the yard."

As Norah headed toward the back, Damian led the others to unload the trunk. He sidled up to Xavier with a massive grin. "Boss, are you and Norah finally together?"

Xavier lowered his eyes, a heavy tightness settling in his chest. His voice dropped. "Don't worry. I won't be with her."

"That's good to hear," Simon said, clearly relieved. He quickly pivoted to a softer tone. "But you really are at the age where you should settle down. If you didn't like the girls from the blind dates during the holidays, I can have Auntie Hannah arrange a few more for you."

"I know," Xavier replied coldly.

Without waiting for a response, he hung up the phone.

Sitting alone on the balcony, he lit a cigarette. As he exhaled, the thick white smoke plumed into the air. His eyes were as cold and dead as the night sky, completely devoid of emotion. The smoke tangled in the air around him, mirroring the chaotic, unresolved feelings knotted tight in his chest.

...

The next day, Norah returned to work, but she was entirely distracted. Every passing hour made her want to see him more; she wanted to be by his side constantly.

The second she clocked out, she skipped going home and headed straight for the restaurant.