Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

Chapter 2193

Sylvia loosened her scarf as she sat in the passenger seat, but she didn't take it off. As they drove, her mind wandered back to the movies they'd watched, and she quizzed Gabriel on the details. He answered each question with ease.

"You weren't paying attention, were you?" she asked in surprise.

"To what?" Gabriel replied, his voice even. Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

"When you kissed me. Were you just not into it?" she probed, her curiosity piqued by the fact that he knew plot points she couldn't recall.

He shot her a glance. "Can you get drunk on bubble tea now?"

She couldn't help but smile, turning her gaze out the window. She rested her cheek in her hand, looking out at the early morning streets of J City, her eyes soft with affection.

When they got back to their place, Gabriel was immediately enveloped in a warm embrace. He pinned her against the wall, his tall frame casting a shadow over her, before leaning in for a passionate kiss.

Sylvia, kissing his collarbone, slid her hand under his shirt with a teasing tone, "Tonight, I want you to help me with my bath."

Her eyes locked onto his. "Will you?"

Gabriel's breathing grew heavy, feeling like tonight, Sylvia was different. She was mischievous and playful, like she was before she turned seventeen, like a real little girl.

He carried her to the bedroom, his voice husky, "Just a bath?"

She looked up and slowly removed the hairpin from her bun, letting her curls fall loosely around her shoulders, adding a touch of lazy charm. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and whispered in his ear, "And to thank you for being my personal bodyguard all day."

Gabriel's lips curled into a smile as he undid his shirt buttons with deliberate, strong movements.

The next morning, Sylvia woke up at dawn. She half-opened her eyes and studied the sleeping man beside her, memorizing his strong features from his earnest brows to his nose, down to his thin lips. After a while, she gently got out of bed, careful not to disturb him.

In the living room, she drew back the curtains, letting the weak morning sunlight stream in. It was going to be another clear, beautiful day. She settled at her Blythe writing desk on the balcony and opened a notebook. She crossed out "dinner" and "movie night" from the list in front of her, then closed the notebook after a thoughtful glance and went to freshen up and make breakfast.

She returned to the master bathroom, making sure the door was closed quietly behind her, so as not to wake Gabriel. As she washed her face, her phone suddenly rang. She answered in a rush, water droplets on her face, "Hello!"

There was a pause before a warm, elderly voice came through, "Hello, dear, I'm looking for Gab."

Sylvia's heart skipped a beat and she quickly wiped her face, realizing she had picked up Gabriel's phone by mistake. Their phones were identical, and since they both had been left on the bathroom counter the night before, she hadn't noticed the mix-up.

She saw the name "Grandpa" on the screen and held her breath for a moment, debating whether to hang up.

The old man, not hearing her speak, gently prodded again, "Young lady, is Gab there?"

Sylvia put the phone back to her ear, her voice respectful, "He's still asleep. Is there something you need? I can wake him for you."

Old Mr. Jarvis chuckled softly, "No need to disturb him. I was just wondering if he's coming home today. Let him sleep."

"I'll let him know you called when he wakes up," Sylvia offered warmly.

"That's very kind of you. And when you have a chance, have him bring you over for a visit," he said affectionately.

Sylvia paused, then nodded, "Yes, I'd like that. We'll visit soon."

"Well, I won't keep you two. Goodbye, my dear."

"Goodbye!" she replied, ending the call and setting the phone down with a newfound warmth in her heart.