Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3468

A few feet away stood a tall, lean man who looked to be in his late twenties. He had strikingly handsome features, a straight, elegant nose, and a warm, inviting smile directed right at her.

In a daze, Marina felt a sudden, inexplicable sense of familiarity, as though she had known this man for a very long time.

Nocturne stepped closer, his smile growing even more approachable. "I didn't mistake you, did I? You're Sia?"

Marina blinked in astonishment. "Nocturne?"

He offered his hand. "Yes. After collaborating for so long, we finally meet."

Marina smiled, returning his firm but polite handshake. "Hello."

"Nocturne!" The pudgy man in the white sweater who had been sitting on the sofa jumped up and called out cheerfully.

Marina glanced over.

Nocturne gestured for her to follow and introduced them. "This is our editor, Wyndham Moss. We actually met up about two weeks ago."

Wyndham had a cheerful, incredibly approachable vibe, and he was full of humor. The three of them were constantly joking around in their group chats, so meeting him in person immediately put Marina at ease. She teased him effortlessly. "So this is the legendary Mr. Moss!"

Wyndham chuckled warmly. "I honestly didn't expect our little Sia to be this gorgeous!"

Nocturne let out a soft laugh. "You didn't? My intuition is rarely wrong. I always knew Sia would be stunning."

Marina smiled. "Then both our instincts are pretty sharp."

After a few more lighthearted pleasantries, they took their seats and got down to business.

Nocturne stood firm on his condition that Marina be part of the anime adaptation. "It doesn't matter if you're short on time. As long as your name is on the board, we maintain a level of creative control. That way, we can stop the studio from butchering our work."

Wyndham nodded in agreement. "Nocturne makes a solid point."

Marina finally relented. "Alright, but realistically, I can only afford to be involved in name."

"I know you're busy. I'll make sure to work around your schedule," Nocturne said considerately.

Marina just smiled, keeping her thoughts to herself.

Nocturne chimed in quietly, "Everyone has their own responsibilities. That's the burden of adulthood."

Marina felt a profound sense of resonance with his words. She looked up, and for a fleeting second, they locked eyes in a moment of silent, mutual understanding.

As they were leaving the teahouse, Nocturne asked in a low voice, "Do you have plans with your boyfriend this weekend?"

Marina shook her head. "Why?"

Nocturne smiled. "This teahouse has a great atmosphere. We could meet up here over the weekend and work on our drafts together. It beats the hassle of bouncing ideas back and forth online."

Marina thought it was a brilliant idea. "Sure. Barring any emergencies, I can make it this weekend."

"It's a date, then," Nocturne said warmly.