Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

Jewel's friend picked a love ballad from the jukebox. Jewel anticipated that Jason might be hesitant, but when his deep, magnetic voice resonated through the room, even she was taken aback, turning her head in astonishment to look at him. Then, it was Jewel's turn to join in for the next verse. Sophia couldn't help but glance repeatedly at the singing duo. She had heard Jason sing before, years ago, during those long, lazy afternoons when she would ask him to sing for her. She always knew he had a beautiful voice. However, this was the first time she saw him sing with such intense focus; his voice was more magnetic and emotional than ever, his usually cool and reserved profile softened by the warm ambient lighting, reminiscent of shadows cast by the setting sun, making one's heart skip a beat. Jewel's voice was soft and full of melancholy, perfectly suited for the song. Their duet was seamless, captivating everyone into silence.

Finnian turned to a man named Dean sitting nearby and whispered with a laugh, "Do you think Jewel still has feelings for Jason?" Sophia's heart skipped a beat, and she casually asked, "Jewel likes Mr. Gilder?" "Yeah!" Finnian laughed, "Back in the day, everyone in our department knew about Jewel chasing Jason. Jewel has always been passionate and open about her feelings."

Dean asked, "Why didn't they end up together?" Finnian shook his head, "I don't know, but suddenly Jewel just let go and announced that they would only be friends from then on." Sophia couldn't help but speculate wildly. Did Jason turn down Jewel because he had feelings for Estelle? Did Jewel let go because she knew he loved someone else? That indeed showed her decisive nature!

Dean chuckled, "I think Jewel still isn't over Jason; otherwise, she wouldn't have stayed single all these years." "True, they do seem like a perfect match. Perhaps all's well that ends well!" Finnian laughed, "Maybe this reunion is an opportunity!"

Perhaps influenced by Finnian's words, Sophia also felt they were well-suited for each other. Jewel, with her prestigious education, affluent background, and successful business, was undeniably impressive in both looks and capabilities! And Jason was exceptional wherever he went! If he couldn't be with Estelle, Jewel would be a great match.

Thinking this, Sophia reached for what she thought was her water and took a few sips, only for Finnian to laugh, "Sophia, are you drinking alcohol? Didn't Jason tell you not to?" Only then did Sophia realize she had unwittingly picked up an alcoholic drink and had already taken a couple of sips without noticing.

She quickly put down the drink, switching to water, but found it tasteless in comparison. After Jason and Jewel finished their song, the room erupted in applause. Jason glanced at Sophia, seeing her smiling and seemingly unaffected. His subtle frown suggested some discomfort, and he excused himself, saying, "It's a bit warm in here; I'm going to step outside for a bit."

Sophia continued sipping her water, listening to others sing, and after a few minutes, noticed Jewel also excusing herself from the room.