Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

Old Mr. Quintin quickly picked up the phone, "Vivian, when are you coming home?"

Grace replied, "In a couple of days."

"Alright, we'll be waiting for you at home!"

"Mhm, I'll hang up now!"

After ending the call, Grace thought about the girl's voice she had just heard, frowning slightly. She had previously spoken to her father on the phone, suggesting that the girl undergo verification first. However, her father insisted she come home and do it in person this time.

She understood her father's intentions. Considering she hadn't visited home in many years, a touch of emotion stirred within her. Therefore, she accepted the invitation to be a guest at the cultural festival, wanting to return home for a visit.

Suddenly, her phone rang, snapping her out of her thoughts. It was her assistant.

"Grace, we've run into a bit of trouble at the art exhibition. Can you come back?" her assistant asked, clearly worried.

"What happened?" Grace inquired, frowning.

"One of the paintings in the gallery has been called out as a forgery," her assistant explained.

"What?" Grace stood up abruptly.

After a brief conversation, Grace said, "I'll come back tonight. Try to manage the situation until then."

"Got it!"

Grace then called her personal assistant to book a flight and also notified the cultural festival organizers about her sudden change of plans due to an emergency. The festival organizers, sensing her urgency, didn't hesitate to facilitate her departure.

Before leaving, she sent a message to Sylvia, informing her about the emergency and that she couldn't take her to the festival the next day.

*

Gabriel arrived quickly, and after leaving the coffee shop, they found a diner to eat at.

Sylvia was having oatmeal when she received Grace's message. Feeling a touch of disappointment about Grace leaving, she sent a voice message, "Safe travels, let's catch up when you're back." Gabriel looked up, "A friend?"

Sylvia put down her phone, "Yes, known her for years. We haven't met much, but there's a warm feeling."

After saying this, she added, "She's a beautiful woman."

Gabriel knew she was teasing him and gave her a light, amused look.

After their meal, they didn't head back immediately but instead chose to soak in the festive atmosphere of the town.

As night fell, the old town, with its century-old architecture, seemed even more bustling. The ancient walls stood tall along the clear, winding river.

The riverside was illuminated

brilliantly with colorful lights

reflecting off the water, adding to

the lively crowd and the jubilant sounds of New Year celebrations, peaking the festive mood.

Many people traveled miles just to experience the New Year vibe in this town.

Sylvia and Gabriel indulged in the town's famed dumplings and various local pastries, took a boat ride, watched a shadow puppet show, and enjoyed a lion dance performance.

The platform for the lion dance was surrounded by a crowd, packed tightly, but Gabriel lifted Sylvia onto his shoulders so she could joyfully watch the entire performance.

They even participated in a

paper-cutting contest. Sylvia cut out

a little flower cat, winning a

participation prize-a plush cat toy, slightly smaller than a real cât, with blue eyes and snowy white fur.

Sylvia was smitten with it.

The entire evening was filled with unprecedented joy and exhilaration.

By the time they returned to The Green, it was already eleven at night.

Upon entering the room, Sylvia hadn't even taken off her coat when she was swept into a passionate embrace against the wall, followed by a cascade of kisses.

Their urgency was palpable as they fervently undressed each other.

The room was dark, with only a crescent moon peeking through the trees, casting a soft, ambiguous light.

In a haze, Sylvia thought she

smelled roses. Turning her heade towards the small wooden table on the balcony, she saw a basket of vivid red roses under the moonlight, blooming enchantingly.