Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3099

Zachary stood frozen in the dark, utterly bewildered.

Suddenly, the entire room erupted in bright lights. Damian and the rest of the crew charged out from the back, balancing plates of food and carrying bottles of alcohol, shouting in unison, "Happy Birthday!"

Zachary could only stare, a goofy, dazed smile spreading across his face. "My birthday? Today is my birthday?"

"You don't even know your own birthday!" Norah laughed, walking out from the shadows while balancing a beautifully lit cake. "Blow out the candles and make a wish!"

Zachary's smile was so wide his face looked paralyzed. Moving like a robot, he followed Norah's instructions and leaned down to blow out the flames.

"You haven't made a wish yet!" Norah reminded him warmly.

Zachary scratched his head sheepishly. "I got so nervous I completely forgot!"

Norah couldn't help but laugh. "What are you so nervous about?"

While Zachary was distracted, Damian swiped a massive glob of frosting and smeared it right across his face. Zachary froze for a second before grabbing his own handful of frosting and chasing Damian and the others around the room.

What started as a heartwarming birthday celebration instantly dissolved into total, chaotic warfare.

Standing in the center of the madness, Norah covered her mouth, her laughter ringing out like silver bells.

Xavier leaned casually against the host stand, watching his crew act like children. For once, his usually hard features softened into a relaxed, genuine expression.

Suddenly, one of the guys tried to smear frosting on Norah. Before she could react, her wrist was tugged, and a strong arm reached out to block the incoming attack. Xavier chuckled faintly. "Smear whoever smeared you. Don't bully her."

Instinctively, Norah hid behind Xavier, using him as a human shield to dodge the crossfire. Staring at Zachary's frosting-covered face, she laughed so hard she practically collapsed against Xavier's back.

Once the chaos settled, everyone gathered around the table. Norah pulled out a second box, looking incredibly smug. "Good thing I came with a backup plan!"

She began slicing the new cake. She originally planned to hand the first piece to Xavier, but a mischievous thought crossed her mind. She stealthily swiped a dollop of frosting on her index finger, intending to smear it right on his cheek.

Xavier's reflexes were dangerously fast. He easily dodged backward, his dark eyes narrowing into a lethal, warning glare as he stared her down.

Caught red-handed, Norah offered an awkward giggle. Defeated, she popped her frosted finger into her mouth and ate it herself.

Everyone poured a round of drinks, and Zachary stood up, raising his glass first. "Let me say a few words. I was basically a dead man walking until I met the Boss. He gave me a second chance at life. This first drink is for the Boss! Bottoms up!"

Without hesitation, he threw his head back and downed the entire glass.

Xavier scoffed. "It's a birthday, you're supposed to make a wish, not give a corporate performance review. Say something nice!"

Zachary just offered a dopey grin. "I don't have any grand wishes. I just want us to stay together forever. Oh, and I wish for Norah to have incredible success at work!"

Norah raised her glass happily. "Thank you, birthday boy! Let's all drink to that!"

Everyone stood up, their glasses clinking together loudly. The alcohol flowed freely, accompanied by roaring, unrestrained laughter.

The group talked and joked for hours. Before she knew it, Norah glanced at her watch and realized it was already 9 PM. She needed to head home.

Scanning the room, everyone was still at the table—except Xavier.

She got up and quietly made her way toward the backyard to say goodbye.