Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

Chapter 2169

Jonathan chuckled wryly, "And you're still going for it?"

"Absolutely!" Norah retorted stubbornly.

Jonathan fell silent for a moment before asking, "Do you blame Estelle?"

After all, Xavier's rejection of Norah surely took Estelle into account. Content held by NôvelDrama.Org.

Norah shook her head immediately, "Of course not. I'm not that unreasonable. Sure, I have a crush on Xavier, but Estelle is just as important to me as a friend. Plus, she's my aunt-in-law!"

Jonathan nodded, "Good that you know it."

Norah pleaded, "Jonathan, I'm an adult. I've finished grad school; I know what I'm doing. My feelings for Xavier might’ve started out of curiosity, but they're not just a novelty anymore. I'm certain about them."

"But Xavier doesn't like you that way!" Jonathan said bluntly.

Norah's face fell, "Jonathan, that's a bit harsh."

"Truth hurts!" Jonathan retorted.

Norah fell silent, knowing all too well how sharp Jonathan's tongue could be. It was still difficult to handle when on the receiving end.

She confessed, "Xavier used to avoid me, but now we've come to an understanding. He won't stop me from coming to the restaurant, and I'll follow the rules, just friends for now."

Jonathan scoffed, "Taking care of him upstairs is hardly 'just friends' behavior."

Norah disagreed, "Estelle's here too; she looks after Xavier as well, probably more than I do."

Jonathan's expression darkened.

Not wanting to provoke Jonathan further, Norah quickly explained, "Estelle's genuine with friends, but she only treats you differently.

Jonathan’s brow arched, “How so?”

Norah replied, “Estelle is sincere with friends, but she always keeps distance. Except, remember when she first came to our place? She hugged you right away, something she wouldn't do with anyone else. And later I found out she isn't short on cash, so why do you think she agreed to tutor Henson’s kid? For who?"

Jonathan's lips curved in a slight smile, "You think she liked me back then?"

"Absolutely!" Norah beamed, "Looking back, there were so many signs that can be detected. She fell for you long ago. She had a bunch of admirers at school, but she never agreed to date someone. She was waiting for you; not so many people would be able to do it - that's what I call devotion!"

Jonathan's eyes softened, "Estelle and I, we're meant to be."

"Even destiny needs a little nudge, which I provided by bringing her home. You almost didn't agree, remember? Good thing I insisted!"

Jonathan smiled gently, "I haven't forgotten your part in this."

Norah giggled, "So now I’m chasing my own love story, and you should be supporting me, Jonathan!"

Jonathan's mouth quirked, "All this talk, just waiting for my blessing?"

"Jonathan!" Norah looked at him with puppy dog eyes.

He thought for a moment, and then spoke gently, "I can pretend I don't know anything. But you need to be careful, especially before you're sure about Xavier's feelings. Don't be too forward, got it?"

He trusted Xavier's character; after all, the guy was Estelle's comrade-in-arms. But he worried Norah might act impulsively, which led to her doing something silly.

"Got it!" Norah chirped immediately.

Then she hesitated, "If, and I'm just saying if, Xavier and I get together, and my folks or grandparents object, you have to back me up, Jonathan!"

Jonathan snorted, "You should be more worried about whether Xavier will agree."

Norah brimmed with confidence, "Estelle landed you; I'm sure I can do the same!"

Jonathan wanted to point out that it wasn't the same thing at all, but before he could get a word in, Zachary approached with his easygoing voice, "Hey Norah, the food is ready. I'll bring it up for you."