Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)



Evelyn finished speaking, her gaze drifting over to the pastry in Sophia's hands. "Sophia, you really shouldn't have splurged. We got so many of these during Christmas, they're just sitting in the kitchen collecting dust. Grandpa says he feels sick just looking at pastries now."

Sophia's pretty face turned pale with anger. "Then just throw them away!"

"Don't be mad, Sophia. I just didn't want you to waste your money, that's all. Don't take it the wrong way!"

Just as Sophia was about to respond, Evelyn's expression suddenly changed to one of delight as she saw a car pull up. With extra warmth in her voice, she exclaimed, "Estelle, you're here!"Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Sophia rolled her eyes, turning to see Estelle stepping out of the car and waiting.

Catching sight of Sophia, Estelle greeted Evelyn before approaching. "I thought you wouldn't be back until after Easter."

Sophia smiled. "Missed you, so I came back early."

"You got treats from The Sugar Fix?" Estelle mentioned. "Perfect timing. Grandpa was just mentioning it the other day."

"Really?" Sophia glanced at Evelyn. "Evelyn was saying that Grandpa threw out all the pastries here, telling me not to bother buying more since he wouldn't eat them!"

Evelyn's face turned sour, quickly trying to explain to Estelle, "What I meant was that we already have a lot of pastries at home, and I didn't want Sophia to spend unnecessarily."

Estelle's gaze lingered on Evelyn's flustered look, offering a faint smile. "We might have a lot of pastries, but I'm sure Grandpa would love to try what Sophia brought."

She then took Sophia's hand. "Cold, isn't it? Let's go inside."

"Sure!" Sophia's mood lightened, and she followed Estelle inside, hand in hand.

Evelyn stood there, her expression darkening.

Inside, Grandpa Quintin was thrilled to see Sophia, immediately indulging in two pieces of The Sugar Fix's treats. "This flavor, it's just irresistible!" Sophia giggled. "Missed me, Grandpa?"

"Miss you? When you don't even miss me, why should I bother?" Grandpa Quintin huffed.

"Who says it didn't miss you? I was planning to come back after Easter, but I missed you so much I had to return early!" Sophia leaned against Grandpa Quintin's shoulder, acting coy

Grandpa Quintin scoffed, asking Estelle, "Did she say the same to you?"

Estelle nodded earnestly. "I believed her!"

Grandpa Quintin laughed heartily.

Evelyn, who had just entered the living room, saw Sophia and

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Grandpa Quintin laughing together feeling a sting of jealousy. Even though Estelle was also Grandpa's apprentice, she couldn't help but feel that Sophia was trying to outshine her, the biological granddaughter.

Grandpa Quintin peeled an orange for Sophia. "Try this year's harvest. Exceptionally fresh." Sophia tasted a segment and nodded eagerly, sharing half with Estelle. "So juicy and sweet."

Grandpa Quintin chuckled, then asked, "What about Jason? Didn't he come back with you?"

Sophia nearly choked on the orange juice, a wave of panic washing over her. She covered it up by reaching for a glass of water, replying with a laugh He's tied up with work. He'll

be back in a couple of

"Ah," Grandpa Quintin nodded. "Busy man. Probably won't make it back until after Easter, then."

"Yep, always on the go!" Sophia agreed, feigning nonchalance.

With both Estelle and Sophia visiting, Grandpa Quintin was in high spirits, deciding to consult with the chef on the evening's dinner menu himself. Sophia asked Estelle, "Is Mr. Lamont coming over later?"

She was used to it; wherever Estelle was, Jonathan wasn't far behind.

Estelle replied, "He has a dinner engagement tonight, so he won't be coming."

Sophia took Estelle's hand, suggesting, "Let's take a walk in the garden."

"Sure." Estelle got up and followed her outside.

Evelyn watched them leave, her brows furrowed in frustration, feeling isolated by Sophia's apparent efforts to win Estelle over.