Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

"Alright!"

Ansel had spent a good part of his life roughing it in the military, but in front of Gabriel, his junior, he always showed an involuntary respect.

As they walked into the house, the courtyard, usually only frequented by the cleaning staff, was alight with festive decorations, every corner brimming with the spirit of the New Year. Gabriel, holding Sylvia's hand, asked, "Cold? Why are your hands so chilly?"

"Just standing outside for a bit will do that, no worries," Sylvia responded in a soft whisper.

"You really need to take better care of yourself."

"Yeah, I'll see to it when we get back."

"Don't just talk about it, be about it."

"I may ignore others, but I can't dare ignore you."

Their conversation was casual, not overly flirtatious, but there was an undeniable warmth between them.

Ann watched the pair, feeling increasingly melancholic.

As they entered the living room, Sylvia turned around, "Mr. Flair, Ms. Flair, please, make yourselves at home!"

"Of course, of course, we're all family here, no need for formalities!" Ansel said with a friendly laugh.

A servant brought over some snacks, and Sylvia made sure to ask for some special treats from C City for Ann to try. After a couple of polite refusals, Ann sat quietly behind Ansel. Ansel inquired, "How's Old Mr. Jarvis doing? Still in good health?"

Gabriel replied, "Yes, he's doing well."

"Having you home for the holidays must've made Old Mr. Jarvis happy, everything's good then," Ansel chuckled.

Gabriel smiled, "Grandpa's happy because Sylvia's spending the New Year with us this time."

Ansel chuckled awkwardly, "Naturally, your marriage has always been a top priority for Old Mr. Jarvis."

Gabriel quickly changed the subject, "Mr. Flair, why didn't you bring your mother-in-law along?"

"My mother-in-law's got a big event early this year, she's all tied up with preparations, so she couldn't make it. We usually come together Ansel explained with a warm smile.

"Understood." Gabriel nodded, then turned to Ann, "What are you working as now?"

"She just graduated from military school last year and is now working as a translator," Ansel answered.

"That's impressive!"

"This girl has always looked up to you as a role model. Hearing you were back, she insisted on coming along," Ansel said with a laugh.

Ann blushed but confidently said,

"It's because of Gabriel that I

my

proud to follow in his footst

e's direction. I'll always bet

Her words were genuine. Gabriel, known as Gabriel Carnes in the military, had changed her perspective on life during the

summer she entered her sophomore year of high school. With both her parents in the military and no one at

home to guide her, she quickly became a rebel at school. After several meetings with her teachers and growing disinterest in her studies, her father took her to the military base during her summer break, where she met Gabriel. That summer, Gabriel changed her life.

Sylvia observed the girl, a slight smile on her lips, fully aware of the admiration in the girl's eyes.

Feeling Sylvia's gaze, Ann looked back with a mix of defiance and competitiveness, "Are you from C City, Ms. Jarvis?"

"No, I'm not," Sylvia replied softly.

"And how did you meet Gabriel?" Ann's curiosity was piqued.

"We've known each other for a long time," Sylvia answered, her response perfectly diplomatic.

Ann couldn't pry any further, simply smiled, and turned her attention back to Gabriel, speaking with her father, her admiration unhidden.

Unlike Audrey's boldness, Ann exuded a pride that seemed ingrained, coupled with a determination that refused to be quelled.