Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2522

After Milanda left, Sylvia and Eugene walked side by side toward the parking lot. The early morning air still carried a chill. Eugene glanced at Sylvia’s light jacket, shrugged off his own coat, and offered it to her.

“Keep it for yourself,” Sylvia said, raising a hand to gently refuse. “You need it more than I do right now.”

“Don’t underestimate me. This little injury is nothing,” Eugene insisted, his pride stung. He wasn’t some bodybuilder, but he stood nearly six feet tall and kept himself in shape. He was far from the frail type he sometimes appeared to be.

“I’m not cold,” Sylvia replied, her voice soft but firm. “Anyway, thank you for everything tonight.”

As she spoke, the night breeze caught Sylvia’s hair, sending it fluttering around her face. Her eyes sparkled in the lamplight, lips tinted like fresh berries. Even the golden glow from the streetlights couldn’t compete with her radiance.

Eugene’s heart pounded so loud he thought she might hear it. He forced a steady, casual smile. “Are you sure you want to thank me?”

“Of course,” Sylvia nodded.

“In that case, could I ask you for a favor?” Eugene’s lips curled into a playful grin.

“Sure, go ahead.”

"If I show up at home looking like this, my mom’s going to interrogate me all night. Would you mind letting me crash at your place for tonight?” His tone was joking, but there was a real hopefulness in his eyes.

Sylvia arched an eyebrow. “I could drop you off at a hotel.”

Eugene’s face fell dramatically. He hesitated, then suddenly swayed on his feet as if dizzy, nearly stumbling.

“What’s wrong?” Sylvia asked, concern flashing in her eyes.

Eugene pressed a hand to his forehead, wincing. “I don’t know. Suddenly I got this sharp pain in my head, and now I feel a little lightheaded.”

“Did it hurt before?” Sylvia stepped closer, worry creasing her brow.

Sylvia shot him an amused glance but said nothing.

Eugene looked around, curiosity in his eyes. “This is the first time I’ve ridden in your car. It’s not at all what I expected.”

“What do you mean?” Sylvia glanced over her shoulder at him.

“I always thought girls’ cars were full of trinkets, stuffed animals, and makeup. But your car’s spotless!” Eugene chuckled. The only thing that lingered was the subtle, clean scent that reminded him of her—fresh, soothing, and unmistakably her.

Sylvia smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “Sounds like you’ve been in a lot of girls’ cars to know that.”

“No, not really!” Eugene said quickly. “Just my assistant’s and my cousin’s. Their cars are full of perfume bottles, cartoon keychains, spare clothes, makeup bags—you name it. Honestly, I was shocked. It was more like a dressing room than a car. They told me all girls’ cars are like that.”

Shielded by the dim glow of the dashboard lights, Eugene looked at Sylvia, his gaze warm and intent. “But now that I’ve seen yours, I know—not everyone follows the crowd.”