Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

Chapter 2289

Thank goodness she came today and witnessed that unbearable scene. It shattered all her silly hopes for Robin. Otherwise, she would've been fooling herself again! She should be thankful to him for letting her give up so completely. Lifting her gaze to the sun dipping below the horizon on the last day of the year, she shed her final tear for him, bidding farewell to nearly nine years of unrequited love. She might as well have thrown all those years to the dogs! Jason's palm was warm and strong. He didn't say anything but took her home.

...

Before boarding the plane, Jason bought some ginger tea to prevent Sophia from catching a cold. She had been sitting in the chilly air all afternoon, and he was worried she might start the New Year sick. Once on the plane, Sophia, likely exhausted and under the influence of the medicine, quickly fell asleep on Jason's shoulder. Jason gently turned his head to look at her slightly pale face. Unable to resist, his finger traced down her brow and eyes before he wrapped his arms around her shoulders, holding her tightly.

His girl was back! Although she returned with her share of hurts, she remained lively and kind, unchanged at her core, which greatly comforted him. Wounds would heal, the past would be forgotten. What mattered most was that he was always there for her!

By the time they got back to B City, it was nearly 8 p.m. The Jones' house was brightly lit, inside and out, but empty-everyone had gone to the Gilders' for the New Year's Eve dinner. "Go take a hot shower. I'll wait for you downstairs. I told my mom we're back, and they're all waiting for us to have dinner!" Jason said. Sophia hummed in response and headed upstairs. After showering and changing, she felt much better.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Arriving at the Gilders', Sophia was a bit embarrassed, thinking about her foolish actions. If others weren't laughing at her, her mom certainly would. Knowing what she was thinking, Jason chuckled and wrapped an arm around her shoulders as they walked in. In the living room, both families were waiting for Sophia and Jason to come back for dinner.

"Where have you been, not even a word!" Mrs. Gilder said with a laugh, her face beaming with affection as she cupped Sophia's face. "We didn't even eat our ravioli at noon, just waiting for you!"

"It's normal for kids to want to have fun. It's good you're back!" Mr. Gilder added, approaching with his gentle and dignified aura, smiling warmly at Sophia. "Let's go have dinner."

Jasmine unusually kept quiet, only

giving Jason a grateful nod. Alger

Jones patted Sophia on the

ет

shoulder, his voice deep. "Dad's been too busy with work, neglecting you. It's okay, my daughter has always been the bravest and the best!"

Sophia's throat tightened, almost bursting into tears, but she quickly looked down. "It's okay now!"

"Good, dad believes in you!"

Nobody asked Sophia what had happened, pretending as if she had just gone out for fun. The atmosphere was cheerful and lively as they started their reunion dinner. The warmth of being with family lifted Sophia's spirits significantly.

During dinner, Jason habitually

helped Sophia with her food, picked

fish bones for her, poured her

soup,

l.ne

and even offered to roll up her sleeves. Everyone saw these gestures, which used to be routine, now seemed to have an added layer of intimacy.

After dinner, Mr. Gilder and Alger left for work. The rest of the family gathered to eat fruit and watch the evening show. Jason brought Sophia a glass of ginger ale. "Drink this tonight, no juice for you. It'll help keep you warm."

Sophia sat cross-legged on the Gilders' spacious couch, wearing cozy socks, and holding her ginger ale, laughing heartily at the skits on the show. Jason looked at her and suddenly thought her carefree nature was actually quite endearing.