Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2523

“Shallow?” Sylvia let out a soft laugh and shook her head. “No, that’s just what any normal girl would like.”

Eugene grinned. “You say that as if you’re not normal yourself.”

Sylvia just smiled and focused on the road ahead.

“Your car smells really nice. What kind of perfume do you use?” Eugene asked, glancing around the interior.

He was mostly fishing for clues—hoping to find out what kind of perfume she wore so he’d know what to buy her in the future.

Sylvia shot him an amused look. “I think your head’s just fine.”

At her words, Eugene immediately slumped back in his seat. “I always forget it hurts when I’m talking, but the moment you mention it, it starts aching again.”

“Maybe you should save your breath, then,” Sylvia teased, lips curving in a playful smile.

Eugene caught her grin, and suddenly, the gloom that had clouded his mood for days seemed to lift. He turned toward the window, watching the city lights slip by, feeling lighter than he had in a long time.

When they got to her place, Sylvia helped Eugene find something to wear on his feet. She paused at the shoe rack, her hand hovering over a pair of men’s slippers, but after a beat, she handed him a pair of disposable guest slippers instead.

Eugene changed shoes and wandered inside, taking in his surroundings. “First time at your place, and I have to say—it’s spotless. The whole place is tastefully put together. Feels really cozy, too.”

“Would you like something to drink?” Sylvia asked.

“Just water is fine,” Eugene replied.

While Sylvia went to get him some water, Eugene made his way to the couch, picked up a unicorn plush from the cushion, and turned to her as she walked over with his glass. “You like unicorns?”

Sylvia paused for a second, then nodded. “I do.”

“They’re adorable. Kind of like you, actually—cute, but still tough,” Eugene said, not holding back on the compliments as he set the plush back and reached for the water.

Sylvia’s smile was gentle, almost sad. “It’s just that you have this idea of me in your head, and that’s the person you like. But the real me... I’m nothing like what you imagine.”

Eugene thought for a moment, then ventured, “Your past—it has something to do with that man, doesn’t it? You were with him for a long time, right?”

Sylvia didn’t shy away. “Yes.”

Eugene’s gaze was intense. “Did you love him?”

Sylvia put the antiseptic away, then glanced up and nodded again. “Yes. Very much.”

“Is he coming back?”

As soon as the words left his mouth, Eugene noticed the fleeting shadow cross her eyes. Sylvia gave a slight, wistful smile. “Whether he comes back or not, it doesn’t change anything between us. I’m used to my life the way it is now, and I don’t want that to change.”

Her expression was calm, almost unreadable—if she was hiding anything, she was doing an awfully good job.