Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

He never dared to hope Emily would come to see him, but still, he prepared an envelope filled with money just in case.

When Emily saw the envelope contained at least a thousand dollars, she asked suspiciously, "Where did you get this money?"

Living in the care facility, he had no need to spend money, and she hadn't left him any, precisely to prevent him from gambling again.

Shawn quickly explained to Emily, "During the New Year, I helped out in the kitchen, came up with a few recipes, and this was their way of thanking me. I didn't want to accept it, but they insisted, so I kept it."

Charlie subtly squeezed Emily's hand, signaling her to remain calm and not jump to conclusions.

Probably the shadows of the past were too heavy, making Emily instinctively think the worst.

But the warm and strong grasp of his hand soon calmed her down, softening her expression, "You keep it for yourself, Kya doesn't need money."

"I have everything I need here, even clothes are provided for me on a regular basis, what would I need money for?" Shawn chuckled, "I know Kya doesn't need it, so I thought I'd save it for her." Emily didn't say anything more.

Charlie stood up, telling Kya, "Let's go play outside for a bit, give grandpa and mommy some time to talk."

Kya, understanding as ever, reached out for Charlie to carry her.

After giving Emily a look, Charlie took Kya out to the garden.

Once they left, Shawn seemed even more nervous, asking Emily, "Want some fruit? These apples are really sweet, and the grapes are delicious too, you've loved grapes since you were little." Emily picked up an apple and began to peel it with a knife, asking softly, "Are you doing okay here?"

"How could I not be? Look, I've even gained weight!" Shawn laughed, his eyes downcast, "I've asked around, only the rich and privileged can afford to stay here, my being here is all thanks to you, I'm grateful!" "You should be thanking Charlie!" Emily corrected him.

"I know, I get it!" Shawn nodded vigorously, then tentatively asked, "You're staying with the James family now?"

"Just visited for the New Year!" Emily said softly.

Shawn advised, "The James family is well-established, with lots of rules. You need to be careful; you're

stubborn by nature, but try not to be too willful there, go with the flow a bit

Emily continued peeling her apple, "I know, the James family has been very kind to me."

"That's good," Shawn responded with relief, "I was worried they might look down on you, make things awkward for you."

"You sure think a lot!" Emily snorted lightly, handing him the peeled apple, "You should've thought more before gambling away everything."

Shawn's face reddened as he took the apple, "I was, I was just not thinking straight then!"

Emily looked at him, "Eat your apple."

"Yeah!" Shawn quickly took a bite.

After a moment of silence, Shawn asked, "So, are you and Mr. James getting married?"

Emily replied, "No, I just graduated last year, my career's just starting, I don't want to rush into marriage."

Shawn immediately said, "Marriage wouldn't stop you from working. Mr. James is such a catch, don't miss out on the steak while picking up peanuts!"

Emily frowned, "What kind of comparison is that?"

Shawn sheepishly explained, "You know what I mean!"

Emily looked down, "A marriage license doesn't define everything f he loves me, he will continue todo so; if not, a piece of paper won't stop him from falling out of love.

Shawn lightly scolded, "Don't be so pessimistic!"

"I'm not being pessimistic!" Emily's expression was serene, "I like where we are now, so there's no need to change anything. I also want to him!"

achieve more before/