Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

Chapter 2272

Gabriel's voice was low and serious. "No, I'm asking for your opinion."

Sylvia replied, "Didn't you say you wanted me to stay here for the holidays, to keep me from wandering off?"

A faint shadow fell across Gabriel's face, making him seem slightly aloof and distant. "Sylvia, even though it's unspoken, you surely understand what my grandfather means. I've tried explaining to him once, but he still clings to his own ideas. I'm worried it might cause you trouble."

Sylvia looked down. "I'm not troubled."

Gabriel paused for a moment before speaking in a somber tone, "Sylvia, you're not the Sylvia anymore, but I'm still Gabriel from Silver Valley. After the holidays, maybe after the fifteenth, I have to go back!"

Sylvia didn't look at him, her voice soft. "I know."

She took a deep breath and quickly looked up, smiling gently. "I can't possibly stay here till the fifteenth anyway, so it's bound to be me who leaves first! So, is it really that bad if I stay a few more days? Tomorrow's New Year, where do you expect me to go?"

Gabriel looked at her, his eyes moist but smiling, and didn't say a word.

Sylvia stepped closer, wrapped her arms gently around him, and leaned into his embrace, whispering, "We are still happy together, aren't we?"

"I never asked you to take responsibility, so what's there to fear?"

"Don't push me away!"

Gabriel held her tighter. "I'm not pushing you away. I just wanted to ask for your opinion. Don't always just go along with what I say. You're not the Sylvia anymore; you can say no to me!"

Sylvia bit her lip, her eyelashes shimmering as she whispered, "But I am Sylvia, always."

She smiled. "Not even allowed to be stubborn, huh? If I said no, you'd probably scold me, wouldn't you?"

"Have I ever scolded you?" Gabriel replied with a deep chuckle.

"Yes, you did. When we were kids, practicing our calligraphy, and I wasn't putting in the effort, the teacher complained to you, and you spanked my hand!"

"Still remember that old story, huh? I must have a lot of grudges in your book!"

"No, I remember more of the good you've done for me!" Sylvia looked up at him in his embrace. "If you let me stay for New Year, I'll remember even more of your kindness."

Gabriel looked down into her bright, clear eyes. "You don't want to leave?"

"Not at all!" Sylvia smiled softly. "Grandpa is so kind, Mr. Justin cooks so deliciously, and there are fish in the mountain stream. I don't want to leave at all."Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Gabriel smirked. "So it's all about the food."

Sylvia playfully arched an eyebrow. "What else did you think?"

Gabriel released her, and naturally took her hand. "Then let's go, dinner is waiting."

Sylvia smiled shyly, her gaze

et

lowered. Of course, she wanted to stay for the food. After all, she hadn't had a chance to indulge yet. How could she possibly leave willingly?

B City

It was already the 29th, and the festive atmosphere for the New Year was growing stronger, but Sophia wasn't in the mood to celebrate with her family or even go shopping.

"What's gotten into you? You've been

like this since you got home. Spit it out!" Jasmine entered the room, flung the curtains open, and sat down on the bed, pulling the covers off Sophia. "Didn't you say you were bringing Robin home to meet us? Where is he?"

Sophia turned away. "Can we not talk about him, please?"

Jasmine frowned. "So, you two broke up? Why? Everything was fine before, and then suddenly you split?"

Sophia didn't want to discuss it. "Just a little argument!"

"People who've been together a long time argue. You're supposed to communicate after a fight, not run home and let the relationship cool off," Jasmine said.

Sophia looked at her mother with teary eyes. "What if he's fallen for someone else?"