Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2188

She watched him for a moment before making her way inside.

"Impatient much?"

Gabriel was scrolling through his messages, one from Grandpa caught his eye, [Not coming home day or night?]

Before he could think of a reply, Sylvia walked in.

He put down his phone, his features sharp and his gaze piercing as he said coolly, "Not at all."

Sylvia dropped the paperwork she was carrying, approached him with a smile, and said, "Dinner's on me tonight. What are you in the mood for?"

Gabriel, grabbing his jacket, stood up and replied nonchalantly, "Anything's fine with me."

She nodded, "Then I'll pick the place, you drive."

Gabriel had no objections. They turned off the lights and headed out together.

Instead of a fancy bistro, Sylvia chose a bustling barbecue joint. She preferred the lively atmosphere there over the quiet elegance of upscale restaurants.

Perhaps it was because she, like Gabriel, lacked that ordinary zest of life, so vivid and present in places like that!

The barbecue joint was packed, especially at this hour, and they had to wait in line for a table.

After a few minutes outside, Sylvia began to feel the chill biting at her fingers and toes.

Gabriel glanced at her pale face, shrugged off his coat, and wrapped it around her. Sylvia looked at his thin shirt, tried to protest, but he brushed her hands away and insisted on draping it over her.

His black coat carried the crisp scent of a man and warmth. Sylvia bit her lip, looking downward, feeling suddenly warmer.

A young couple standing next to them in line watched enviously. The girl tugged at her boyfriend's sleeve, hinting, "I'm a bit cold!"

The boy, full of feigned valor, replied, "Yeah, it's chilly. I'm cold too. Maybe stomp your feet a bit?"

The girl, annoyed, rolled her eyes and turned away.

"Sure thing!" The waiter noted their order and went to the kitchen.

She asked Gabriel across the table, "Is this okay? Are you used to places like this?"

He rarely dined in such lively spots.

He shook his head, "No, it's good."

Sylvia shared, "When I first came to J City, I used to eat hot pot alone often. The staff probably all knew me. Later, when I made more acquaintances at the office, they would often hang out, but then I didn't feel like joining."

Gabriel leaned back, "Why not?"

She tilted her head back slightly, her eyes dancing as she began, "Probably because when it’s too lively, I feel even more alone."

Gabriel spoke softly, "After being a mercenary for so long, when you come back to normal life, there's a long period of confusion, even self-destructive behavior, struggling to fit in."