Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 3478

Marina swallowed her bite of cupcake and wiped the corner of her mouth. "Do I have something on my face?"

"No," Nocturne said with a soft smile. "I just think you look cute when you eat."

She shrugged. "I was practically starving. Excuse my manners."

"Here, you can have my half. I'm not hungry." He offered the piece back to her.

Marina didn't refuse. She popped it into her mouth, mumbling around the cake as she flipped through her notebook. "Work was crazy today. I barely had time for lunch."

"You need to take better care of yourself, no matter how busy you get," he said softly.

She kept her eyes on the pages. "It doesn't happen often."

They chatted for a few more minutes before diving into their work.

The rain outside battered the windows, a few icy drops blowing into the room. Nocturne stood up and pulled the window shut on Marina's side, leaving the one near him slightly cracked for fresh air.

They were the only customers in the teahouse. Outside, the rain poured and pedestrians rushed by, but inside, it was a sanctuary of quiet, scented with faint, earthy tea. The vintage overhead lamps cast a warm, golden glow. The atmosphere settled Marina's mind completely, letting her lose herself in the art.

The rain never let up, making the hot pot idea impossible, so they ordered dinner straight to the teahouse.

As they ate, Nocturne spoke up. "Sia, I have a favor to ask."

Marina looked up. "What is it?"

He smiled. "There's a charity gala this Saturday. My mother is one of the organizers, and she was hoping you could accompany her."

It was hard to say no to an elder's direct invitation. Marina nodded. "If I don't have any prior engagements, I'd be happy to go with her."

"Thank you so much!"

"Don't mention it."

Nocturne looked incredibly pleased, picking out the best pieces of food and placing them on her plate.

The rain finally stopped around nine. They packed up and walked out of the teahouse. The damp, freezing air hit Marina instantly, making her shiver.

Draped casually over the back of the sofa was a men's suit jacket. It wasn't his.

His eyes turned as cold and deadly as the rainy night outside. He stopped, looking slowly toward the closed door of the guest bedroom. He stood motionless in the darkness for several long, suffocating seconds before finally continuing to his room.

Inside her room, Marina had thought she heard a noise, but dismissed it. Surely no one was there.

Saturday arrived in a blur. Marina went to the Evert family home for lunch with her parents, then spent the afternoon tweaking her storyboards. As evening approached, she did her makeup, slipped into a stunning evening gown, and drove to the hotel.

When she pulled up to the venue, Nocturne was already waiting by the entrance.

She was pleasantly surprised. She'd assumed he was too busy to attend, which was why he needed her to keep his mother company.

He was dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, looking every inch the striking, sophisticated gentleman. He smiled as he walked over, his eyes lighting up. "Sia. You look absolutely breathtaking tonight."

Marina frowned slightly. "What happened to your voice? It's completely hoarse."

He cleared his throat. "It's nothing."