Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3382

Janice's hair was elegantly pinned back, and she wore a flowing pale blue dress that accentuated her gentle, refined aura. She spoke slowly, her voice laced with nostalgia.

"When your mother was still alive, our families were much closer. Back when I first married into the Lamont family, your mother used to come over all the time and teach me so many things."

"She came from a prominent background. Even though she was frail and had a soft temperament, she was incredibly kindhearted—the absolute picture of a beautifully educated woman."

"I heard the doctors actually strongly advised against her getting pregnant, but she risked her life to have you anyway."

"When I joined the Lamonts, you must have been about six or seven. She brought you over a few times. You looked so much like her back then—pale, delicate, and tall for your age. That's why I honestly didn't recognize you when I saw you years later."

"Before she passed away, she begged me to look out for you. I visited the Hanson family a few times afterward, but I saw that Hannah was taking flawless care of you. She didn't seem any different from a loving biological mother, so I eventually stopped checking in."

"When you finally left the Hanson family, my mother and I went to see your father. He seemed to think that letting you venture out into the world to carve your own path was a good thing. None of us expected you to disappear for so many years."

She sighed softly. "In the end, I failed to fulfill your mother's dying wish."

"How could I possibly blame you?" Gonzalez shook his head firmly. "You weren't my legal guardian. You shouldn't have been responsible for everything that happened to me."

"But I can be from now on!" Janice's smile grew even warmer. "From now on, I can love and care for you just as much as I do Norah."

Gonzalez's heart clenched. Looking at the woman across from him, the blurry memories of his mother suddenly came into sharp focus. The gentle image of his mother from his childhood seamlessly merged with Janice's warm smile. A tight lump formed in his throat. "Thank you."

Whether it was her agreeing to let him marry Norah or the heartfelt words she had just spoken, he was profoundly moved.

"I will take perfect care of Norah," he vowed solemnly. "I'll make sure she stays as free and happy as she is right now for the rest of her life."

Janice smiled and nodded. "I believe you."

***

The guests stayed at the Lamont estate for lunch. Simon had a few drinks, and the atmosphere remained joyous and harmonious.

"We're heading back next Friday," Estelle mentioned with a smile.

As long as she had an excuse to tag along, any family tie would do!

***

After lunch, the Hansons said their goodbyes. Gonzalez had just started the engine of his car when the passenger door suddenly swung open and Norah hopped inside.

He stared at her in surprise. "You just walked right out?"

"What else was I supposed to do?" Norah flashed him a cheeky grin. "We're completely public now. What is there to be afraid of?"

Gonzalez chuckled softly. "Couldn't you at least pretend to play hard to get?"

Norah suddenly leaned across the console and planted a loud kiss directly on his cheek. "I didn't kiss you in front of my parents. Isn't that reserved enough?"

Gonzalez turned his head to hide his smile, put the car in gear, and drove off.