Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2519

After he sent the message, a bitter ache settled in his chest. For the first time in his life, he loved someone with such sincerity and persistence—yet her heart remained out of reach.

The next few days slipped by in their usual rhythm. Sylvia, working late as always, would stop by her favorite restaurant after work, but she never ran into Eugene again.

Her days were as busy and quietly uneventful as ever.

Sometimes she had work dinners; sometimes she met up with Milanda and the others for drinks and conversation. There was no real joy, but nothing to truly trouble her either.

*

That evening, Sylvia didn’t get home until ten. She was tired, and when she opened the fridge looking for something quick to eat, her eyes fell on the jar of bird’s nest Eugene had given her.

It was a round glass jar—cute, with a cheerful smiley face sticker he’d put on it. The sight made her lips twitch in a reluctant smile.

She picked up one jar. The sticky note featured a goofy Snoopy doodle, head tilted, tail wagging, with a message beside it: “Go to bed early when you’re tired—don’t stay up late! Then you’ll be as cute as I am!”

Sylvia couldn’t help but laugh. She put the jar back and pulled out a packet of pasta instead.

The water had just started to boil and she hadn’t even tossed in the noodles when her phone rang. She grabbed it and answered.

Milanda’s voice was urgent. “Boss, it’s Lydia—there’s trouble again!”

Sylvia’s brow furrowed. “What happened?”

“Lydia went out to meet with TENDA’s boss. Someone slipped her something. Mr. Winters happened to be there—he tried to protect her, but got into a fight with the others.” Milanda rushed through the explanation.

Sylvia immediately turned off the stove and headed for the door. “Where are they?”

“At Blue Oasis. I just got here myself. They’re still fighting inside—I’ve already called the police!”

“I’m on my way!”

As he spoke, a grimace crossed his features and he fell back onto the sofa, clearly struggling with a bad leg.

Milanda rushed forward. “Mr. Winters, please, don’t move!”

Sylvia stepped closer, her expression darkening. “You’re hurt this badly—why aren’t you at the hospital?”

Eugene wiped at his bloody face with a tissue and forced a grin. “It’s nothing—just some scrapes. No need for a hospital, I’m a grown man.”

“Don’t be reckless!” Sylvia snapped, then turned to Milanda. “Call for an ambulance.”

“No, really, don’t!” Eugene protested immediately. “It’s just superficial, I swear. I was just in the hospital a few days ago—now even the smell of antiseptic makes me queasy. Please, don’t send me back there!”

Sylvia looked to the nurse bandaging his arm. “How is he? Does he need the hospital?”

Eugene shot the nurse a pleading look, shaking his head behind Sylvia’s back.