Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

Chapter 2126

Jonathan stroked her cheek, "I hope what she's yearning for is family, not money. And I hope she understands what we're trying to do for her. That she stays true to herself and doesn't get blinded by wealth."

Estelle pursed her lips slightly, "I hope she won't. But I'll be careful, too."

"Let's just watch her for a while. If Evelyn really wins over Old Mr. Quintin's heart, it doesn't matter if she's really his or not. And if she's not worth it, we'll just cut her a check. We won't have treated her unfairly."

Estelle nodded, "We'll see what fate has in store for her."

After discussing Evelyn, Jonathan scooped Estelle up in his arms, "Let's freshen up, then have some breakfast. I called Wilma earlier; she's whipping up something delicious for you." Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

Estelle clung to him, "I've been missing her, too."

Jonathan chuckled softly, "I've never heard you say you missed me."

"Never? I'm sure I've said it lots of times."

"I don't recall," He feigned seriousness.

Estelle didn't argue, just held him tighter, "Well, I'm saying it now, Mr. Lamont. I miss you."

Jonathan's lips curled into a smile, though his tone was teasingly reproachful, "You don't sound convincing at all."

"What counts as convincing?" Estelle asked.

"Come to work with me. If you don't, then every ten minutes, send me a message saying you miss me."

Estelle's eyes widened, "Mr. Lamont, can you not be so flirty, please?"

Jonathan set her down on the vanity, leaned in close with his arms braced on either side, and frowned down at her, "What was that? I didn't catch it, say it again."

With a twinkle in her eyes, Estelle suddenly cupped his face and kissed him deeply.

Willowbrook Plaza

Gabriel stepped out of the shower to find a crisp new shirt and trousers laid out on the bed. They were the same brand and style he usually wore.

His gaze was profound, as if he could see right through everything, as he bent down to pick up the clothes.

"Mr. Carnes, I've made pasta,"

Sylvia suddenly entered, catching sight of the man who had just unwrapped his towel and was about to slip into his trousers.

Sylvia gasped and swiftly turned around, "Sorry."

Gabriel remained unfazed, dressing leisurely, "Why apologize now? You didn't when I was undressing."

Sylvia didn't say anything.

She turned back around, all smiles and confidence, "I've made pasta. Would you like seafood pasta or a veggie pasta?"

"Seafood," Gabriel responded.

"Coming right up. Just get dressed, and it should be ready by the time you come out," Sylvia said with a warm smile before exiting.

She was dressed in a simple home outfit, her natural beauty unenhanced by makeup, her long hair secured at the back of her head with a single hairpin, and her slender waist barely a handful.

Gabriel, dressed now, joined her at the dining table where Sylvia had placed two steaming bowls of seafood pasta.

The aroma was inviting. Gabriel sat down and began to eat, the homey scene softening the usual hard edges of his demeanor. Sylvia couldn't help but steal an extra glance at him before bowing her head to focus on her own meal.

Gabriel made quick work of half the bowl, then complimented in a mild tone, "Your cooking has certainly improved."

Sylvia kept her eyes downcast, voice soft, "Is that the only thing that's improved?"

Gabriel paused, looking up at her, his lips curling into a mocking smile, "Your skin's gotten thicker, too."

Feeling the heat in her ears, Sylvia didn't dare continue teasing him and simply said nonchalantly, "Actually, the seafood pasta is store-bought, not my own doing. But living here for a while, one's cooking is bound to get better."

"Like, whether you're happy or not, you can always cook something to treat yourself."

"Eating a delicious meal can double the joy. And if there's something troubling you, once you're full, it doesn't seem all that important anymore."