Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

"Ah, the main reason was to catch up with Gabriel, and now that we've done that and you've had your say, sticking around seems pointless," Ansel mentioned, "I'll say my goodbyes to Gabriel. Get ready, we're leaving right away."

Ann, having been turned down, felt too embarrassed to face Gabriel and didn't say much else. She went back to pack her bags.

*

As dusk approached, Sylvia left the bookstore, her spirits lifted by the purchase of two new novels.

Just as she stepped out, her phone buzzed with a call from Gabriel,

"Aren't you in the garden? Did you take the car out?"

Walking and chuckling, Sylvia replied, "Yes, decided to check out the town."

"Still in town?" Gabriel inquired.

"Heading back soon."

Gabriel's voice was calm, "Enjoying the town?"

Sylvia laughed, "It's lively enough!"

"Then wait for me somewhere. I'll come to you."

Sylvia paused, surprised, "You're coming to find me? What about dinner with the guests?"

"Mr. Flair left already," Gabriel explained.

Sylvia was increasingly astonished. The Flairs, having heard of Gabriel's return, rushed over on New Year's Day, and she had noticed Ann's fondness for Gabriel. That they had left so easily was beyond belief! Gabriel chuckled softly, "You've outdone yourself!"

A glint of mischief in her eyes, yet feigning nonchalance, Sylvia asked, "And how will you thank me?"

"Let's have dinner," Gabriel offered.

Sylvia, phone in hand, leisurely continued forward, a spring breeze in her step, "Dinner alone won't cut it!"

His voice deep and soothing, Gabriel assured, "Whatever you wish."

Feeling a flutter in her chest, Sylvia bit her softly, whispering, "There's a café up ahead. I'll wait for

there."

you

swnc

*

"Deal!"

In a villa hotel in the old town, Grace had just finished a meeting with the festival organizers and decided to call Sylvia. Wondering if she was still around, she wanted to invite her for dinner. Reconnecting with an old friend so soon felt like fate, and she couldn't wait for tomorrow.

This trip

the festiv twofold: partaking in s claim of having found t

and following up on

Pster. `

After several false alarms, Grace had nearly given up hope.

But now that she was here, she was eager to see for herself.

Checking her phone, she noticed a missed call from her father and decided to call back.

Old Mr. Quintin answered promptly, "Vivian."

Grace greeted, "Happy New Year!"

Years apart and a deep chasm between them made the conversation somewhat awkward. "Happy New Year!"

Old Mr. Quintin sounded excited, "Where are you spending the New Year? Do you have company?"

Grace, not wanting to delve into details, simply acknowledged with a "Hmm."

Old Mr. Quintin then handed the phone to Evelyn, saying, "It's your mom."

Hearing a girl's voice on the other end made Grace tense and somewhat cold, "Mom!"

Without much emotion, Grace pointed out, "We haven't done the DNA test yet. Isn't it premature to use that term?"

Evelyn, caught off guard by Grace's bluntness, was left speechless.