Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

*

Gab's reputation in the entire town of Tripe was legendary; merely mentioning his name made people straighten their backs and look on with respect. In her eyes, he was always on a pedestal, majestic and towering like a deity.

But today, Old Mr. Jarvis' words had completely shattered her defenses!

Gabriel parked the car by the roadside, resting his arm on the steering wheel, his face calm, "Go ahead, laugh it out. Once you're done, we'll head off!" Sylvia's laughter was tinged with tears, her eyes shimmering like morning dew as she bit her lip, "I'm done laughing."

Leaning back in his seat, Gabriel glanced at her coolly, his voice deep, "Come here."

Sylvia leaned forward, her voice soft, "Are you going to punish me? Please, be gentle?"

Gabriel reached out, his rough fingers gently wiping away the moisture at the corner of her eyes, trailing a fiery path down her face.

Touched by his fingers, Sylvia felt as if she was ablaze, slowly seduced into turning her head and kissing his fingertips.

Her eyes smoldered like the hot blaze of July, locking onto his eyes, nose, and finally his lips. Without waiting for him to make a move, she pressed her lips to his. Gabriel cupped her face, deepening their kiss.

Just as Sylvia was getting lost in the moment, Gabriel suddenly pulled back, observing her flushed, lovesick expression with cool detachment.

Opening her eyes, Sylvia met his icy gaze and was momentarily stunned.

With a slight smirk, Gabriel started the car and they were back on the road.

Sylvia settled back into her seat, turning to gaze out of the window. She bit her lip, frustrated and annoyed by his teasing.

Unable to reach The Green before noon, they stopped at a restaurant for lunch.

Despite it being New Year's Day, the restaurant was festively decorated, and each customer received a New Year's gift box containing a little envelope with a few dollars, some chocolate truffles, a pack of mixed nuts, and a metal keychain.

Seeing the keychain, Sylvia thought of their cartoon keychains and wondered if he still kept them. But remembering his recent antics, she held back her questions.

Throughout the meal, they ate in

silence, Sylvia didn't show any sign of anger, savoring her food slowly and even complimenting the waiter on the delicious dishes.

Gabriel watched her, his expression unreadable.

After paying the bill, they left together.

While waiting for Gabriel to fetch something from the trunk, a young girl, dressed like a college student and bursting with youthful energy, approached him with a bright smile. en.swhovels.net

From a distance, Sylvia couldn't hear their conversation, but the girl's bashful and smiling demeanor was unmistakable.

After a brief chat, both reached for their phones, apparently to exchange contact information.

Sylvia couldn't stand it any longer. Striding over, she looped her arm through Gabriel's with a coquettish smile, "Sorry, he's already taken."

The girl looked surprised, then sheepishly smiled and backed off.

"She was just selling flowers. I was paying with my phone," Gabriel explained with an indifferent gaze.

Sylvia blinked, noticing for the first time a basket full of roses behind the girl, obscured from view earlier by the car.

Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, a sensation she wasn't accustomed to.

The flower seller handed Sylvia the basket, "Your boyfriend's so sweet. I'm jealous but I won't try to steal him."

Sylvia, attempting to regain her composure, thanked her with a gracious smile, "Thank you!"

"No problem, happy New Year!" the girl waved them off before dashing away.

Gabriel looked at Sylvia with an amused expression.

Effortlessly changing the subject, Sylvia asked, "You bought the whole basket?"