Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

Chapter 2175

Compared to the grueling days of military drills and sleepless nights on the field, he felt his current discipline was nothing short of restrained.

With an afternoon free of obligations, Gabriel perused a few pages of a company contract. His time with his grandfather was limited, and he took every chance to ease the old man's worries.

The silence was broken by a knock at the door.

"Come in," Gabriel called out, his voice even.

"Gab!" Evelyn exclaimed as she breezed into the room, a tray of homemade pastries in hand. "I picked up some baking tips from the chef. I've made a whole bunch, dropped some off for Grandpa and Mr. Jarvis, and brought these for you."

Gabriel's expression was cool. "Evelyn."

She stiffened at the sound of her full name, a chill running down her spine. "What is it?"

He set aside the contract, fixing her with an impassive gaze. "Just be a good granddaughter to Mr. Quintin. You won't be shortchanged here, but don't try to play smart."

Evelyn's face paled, her words tumbling out in a rush. "What do you mean? I—I don't understand!"

"Let's get one thing straight," Gabriel said. "You and Estelle met back at The Citadel, and you've looked out for each other — that's a bond worth honoring. Whether during your time at The Citadel or now in J City, Estelle has been there for you. Don't let her down."

Evelyn's eyes darted nervously. "Did someone say something to you? Last night, when I was with Grandpa and Mr. Jarvis, I accidentally let slip that you went to see Sylvia. If I've caused you any

trouble, I'm sorry. It wasn't intentional. And about what Grandpa said regarding you and me, I never thought—"

"Save your explanations," Gabriel cut her off. "Just remember what I've said the next time you're about to do anything."

She bit her lip and looked down, silent.

Gabriel glanced at the tray of sweets. "I don't eat sweets. Take them away."

Without another word, Evelyn picked up the tray and left.

Once the door closed behind her, Gabriel turned his attention back to the contracts, endorsing them with the meticulous strokes he had learned from Mr. Jarvis. The afternoon flew by in the quiet of his work.

As the year's end approached, the days grew short.

The phone on his desk rang, and Gabriel picked up to see an unfamiliar number.

"Hello?"

"Gabriel, it's Shirley! You remember me, right?"

Surprised, Gabriel replied, "Of course!"

Shirley had been a comrade-in-arms, though they hadn't seen each other in years since she left the service seven years ago.

"I can't believe you remember! Dannis thought he saw you at the 9th Mansion yesterday. He wasn't sure, so he called me. I went through a lot to find your number."

Gabriel's contact information had remained the same, a closely guarded secret. "Really? I didn't see him."

"Are you still in J City?"

"Yes."

"Great! How about we grab dinner tonight? There's a bunch of us old comrades here, including Baron. He's been wanting to organize a get-together. It's perfect with you in town. You free tonight?"

Gabriel nodded. "Sounds good."

"I'll call Baron and Dannis, then get back to you."

"Alright."

Hanging up, Gabriel thought back to the days of youthful camaraderie and training. He had spent his early years under his uncle's military tutelage and had ventured off from 16 to 24, during which he trained Stella and took in young Sylvia.

Due to special circumstances, he rejoined the service at 25 for a year, where he met Shirley and the others. They thought he was a rookie, and together they shared countless bittersweet moments. The bonds of brotherhood still lingered in his heart. Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

Soon after, Shirley's message came through, confirming the 9th Mansion as the venue for the reunion, urging him to come early.

After responding, Gabriel looked out at the darkening sky, changed into fresh clothes, and headed out the door.