Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

Chapter 2197

Sylvia was quite pleased with her choice, "Not bad at all."

The sales associate glanced at the man lounging in the seating area and chuckled, "Is that your boyfriend? We have a men's version of that coat, in black. Would you like to take a look for him?"

"A matching set?" Sylvia inquired.

"Yes, exactly."

"Then bring one for me to see," Sylvia stated, giving the size, "I'll take a look first!"

Without delay, the sales associate went to fetch the men's coat.

Once the coat was presented to her, Sylvia barely glanced at it before deciding, "I'll take both, please wrap them up together."

"Custom pieces are final sale, would you like your boyfriend to try it on first?" the clerk suggested.

"No need for a fitting," Sylvia said with a warm smile.

She knew his size better than anyone else, after all.

"Alright, I'll take you to the cash register!" The sales associate couldn't help but feel a bit envious of the couple.

Meanwhile, Gabriel had been flipping through a magazine when his phone buzzed. He shot off a quick text reply before hearing someone call out, "Gabriel?"

He looked up, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Audrey approached, her gaze intense as she fixed her eyes on him, "It really is you!"

Gabriel stood up, "Long time no see!"

She watched him unblinkingly, a smirk playing on her lips, "You haven't changed much!"

Or perhaps he had—the man's features were relaxed, his aura more aloof, the distance and pressure he exuded even greater than before.

"Neither have you," Gabriel replied coolly.

Audrey chuckled lightly, "You know, Shirley called me a couple of days ago, said you were in J City. She suggested we all get together, but I was out of town on a business trip and couldn't make it back."

Gabriel nodded, "No worries."

Audrey probed, "After you were discharged, you vanished off the grid. What have you been up to these years?"

"Running a small business overseas," Gabriel said.

Audrey nodded in understanding, "Planning to head back abroad?"

Before Gabriel could answer, a soft voice came from behind, "Did you run into an old friend?"

Audrey turned to see a young woman with striking beauty standing behind Gabriel. Dressed in a pristine white wool coat, her long, curly hair casually pinned up, her eyes were like pools of still water, her expression tender—she was the kind of girl who could make hearts flutter at a glance.

Likewise, Sylvia was sizing up Audrey, noting her ear-length bob, her exquisite and cool beauty that carried an air of spirited elegance.

Gabriel introduced her, "An old comrade-in-arms, Audrey."

Then he turned to Audrey, "My friend, Sylvia."

Extending her hand, Sylvia was both gracious and gentle, "Pleased to meet you."

Audrey's expression remained neutral, "Ms. Jarvis, I've long heard of your reputation."

Gabriel looked at Sylvia, "Finished shopping?"

Sylvia smiled lightly, "I found a men's version of the coat I liked. I thought it looked great, so I got one for you too. Shall we try it on at home?"

Her gaze stayed on his eyes as she spoke. Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

Gabriel's expression was steady as he nodded, "Sure."

Sylvia's eyes softened even more.

Taking the shopping bag from her, Gabriel said to Audrey, "We should be going."

"Oh, alright then!" Audrey replied, snapping back to reality.

Gabriel, holding the shopping bags in one hand and Sylvia's hand in the other, walked away.

Sylvia didn't look back to say goodbye to Audrey. She didn't want to come off as showing off.

Even though a part of her really wanted to.

Audrey watched their retreating figures until they were out of sight, then settled back down with a frosty expression and pulled out her phone.

"Shirley, I just saw Gabriel."