Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

Grace mentioned, "There's a New Year's festival happening in the old town. I've been invited as a guest, so I'll be staying here for a few days."

"A festival? Sounds fun! I might check it out later," Sylvia replied with interest.

"Sure, some of the events are really interesting," Grace said with a smile. "After the festival, I'm heading to J City. If our schedules align, we could even travel together."

"That would be fantastic!"

After chatting for a bit, Grace took a call and came back to tell Sylvia, "The festival activities start tomorrow. I need to head over now to discuss the details. Call me if you come by tomorrow."

"Will do. Go on, you're busy," Sylvia nodded. "We'll catch up tomorrow."

"Bye!"

After Grace left, Sylvia continued her reading, clearly in a good mood from catching up with an old friend.

*\n

The Green

Gabriel had been talking with Ansel for about an hour. Noticing it was getting dark outside, he said, "Mr. Flair, take a break. It's my girlfriend's first visit here, and the garden's pretty vast. I'm going to look for her before she gets lost."

Ansel nodded in agreement, "Of course, of course. We've been so caught up in our conversation, we completely forgot about Ms. Jarvis!"

"It's alright. She can take care of herself," Gabriel replied with a slight nod before heading out.

Ansel, catching the hint in Gabriel's words, glanced at Ann with a meaningful look.

Biting her lip, Ann stood up to follow.

"Gabriel!" she called out to him in the yard.

Gabriel stopped and turned around. "What's up?"

Ann looked at him squarely. "Gabriel, are you going to marry Ms. Jarvis?"

He responded, "When we decide to tie the knot, you'll get an invitation."

Ann's face went pale. "Gabriel, why didn't you wait for me?"

Under the setting sun, Gabriel's expression was solemn and authoritative. "Ann, when your father entrusted you to me for training, I saw you as a student, as a sister. I never had any other intentions."

"But I've always had feelings for you, Gabriel. All these years, I've been working hard, also for you!" Ann said with determination.

"No, your efforts should be for yourself," Gabriel replied sternly. "I told you before, everything you do is for your own life!"

Ann, slightly intimidated, still mustered the courage to ask, "What do you like about Ms. Jarvis?"

Gabriel's expression remained neutral. "That's none of your concern."

Ann, not giving up, asked, "Is it because she's beautiful?"

Gabriel chuckled. "Why do I get the feeling that you see being beautiful as a flaw?"

Ann was speechless.

Without another word, Gabriel walked away, leaving Ann standing in the twilight, her expression darkening.

Ansel approached, "It's not just about being beautiful. You've lost in terms of grace and demeanor as well." "How have I lost?" Ann challenged.

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Ansel explained slowly, "Ms. Jarvis made her presence known from the start, and Gabriel's indulgence says it all. She must have realized you have feelings for Gabriel, but she didn't worry about leaving and not coming back, showing no concern you might pose a threat. Meanwhile, you've been here all afternoon, trying to get Gabriel's attention during our conversation. Don't you think he noticed? That's why I say, in every aspect, you've lost to her!"

Ann had no retort.

Ansel continued, "I've mentioned your affection for Gabriel to Old Mr. Jarvis more than once over the years, hinting that you've never had a boyfriend. But Old Mr. Jarvis never commented, and today, he brought Ms Jarvis here with Gabriel, the message is clear, isn't it?

The woman recognized by both Gabriel and Old Mr. Jarvis is likely to be the future lady of the Jarvis family.

Ann looked down, biting her lip.

Glancing at his watch, Ansel said, "It's not too late yet. Let's head back to B City today."

Ann, surprised, replied, "We're going back today?"