Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3388

Whenever Norah and Gonzalez managed to leave work early, they would take Circe back to the barbecue restaurant to visit coco.

coco would bound over the second he saw the cat. Circe, ever agile, would leap into the sweet osmanthus tree, wait for the dog to turn around, and pounce right onto his back.

The two would chase each other around the yard. coco would get frustrated when he couldn't catch the nimble feline, but on the rare occasions he did, he always let her go with a gentle nudge.

Months had passed, but the bond they forged sharing the same courtyard remained as strong as ever.

Norah had considered taking coco with them, but Damian had instantly vetoed the idea. "Norah, you and the boss are both gone. At least leave the dog so we have something to remember you by."

Besides, coco was completely in his element at the restaurant.

Norah had to admit he was right. "Okay, we'll leave him here."

They planned to visit every week, anyway.

During the restaurant's quiet hours, Norah would tinker with her flowers in the backyard or add little decorations to Circe's cat house.

Gonzalez would lounge in a wicker chair, watching her with heavy-lidded eyes. Whenever she needed to prune the higher branches, he would unfold himself from the chair, hold the ladder steady, and stand guard beneath her.

As late autumn settled in, only a few stray roses clung to their stems, but the sweet osmanthus was in full bloom. A sudden gust of wind sent a shower of tiny yellow petals cascading down, catching in Norah's hair and dusting her shoulders.

The delicate floral scent mingled with the milky sweetness of her perfume, turning the crisp autumn air into something cozy and tranquil.

The sapling she had planted was now a sturdy tree, offering her shelter from the wind and wrapping the courtyard in its fragrance.

Circe perched on the top rung of the ladder, batting at falling petals, while Norah leaned against the frame, giggling at the cat's silly antics.

Gonzalez leaned against the ladder, tilting his head to look up at her. Seeing the bright, mischievous spark in her eyes and the pure joy on her face, a slow smile curved his lips.

She was a light gifted to him by fate, one he had stubbornly tried to shut out.

But after all the twists and turns, right back where they started, he had found her again. Thank God neither of them had given up.

"Mr. Flemmings!"

Norah called out, jumping playfully from the ladder, launching herself straight into his arms.

Gonzalez caught her effortlessly, his strong arms wrapping around her in a secure, immovable hold.

Gonzalez didn't miss a beat, completely ignoring the silent accusation in her eyes.

Jonathan walked in alongside Old Mr. Jarvis. The older man greeted the couple warmly before turning an anxious eye to Estelle. "Are you tired? Have Jonathan take you to the back to rest."

Estelle looped her arm through his, smiling. "Grandpa, I'm not fragile. Tell him to stop hovering. I want to spend more time with you."

Norah laughed brightly. "I bet Estelle never expected her biggest obstacle would be an overprotective husband!"

Laughter echoed through the room.

Once they were alone, Gabriel gave Gonzalez a knowing look. "Estelle told me you and Ms. Lamont finally got together. Finally figured things out?"

Gonzalez arched a brow. "A lot happened. I realized a lot of things. Mostly, seeing you getting married made me realize I couldn't afford to fall too far behind."

Gabriel's sharp features curved into an amused smile. "Using me as a shield now?"

Gonzalez just smirked, offering no defense.

"She's a great girl," Gabriel said sincerely. "Bright, full of life. She's good for you."