Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

Chapter 32

Jonathan stood there, unafraid of Henson's sneak attack, but quite startled by the girl who popped out of

nowhere.

However, he refrained from pushing her away immediately, sensing the intensity of her heartbeat. Lowering his gaze, he took note of her disheveled appearance and wet eyelashes, noticing a flicker of fear in her eyes.

Estelle saw the scar behind the man's ear for the second time. It was already a very light pink, almost the same

as normal skin.

For a full five seconds, Jonathan stayed silent. He waited for the girl to catch her breath before teasing her, "How many times have you tried to throw yourself into my arms? Do you really want to be my wife?" Estelle snapped back to reality, her gaze meeting the man's sarcastic stare in the dim forest light. Blushing, she took a few steps back, offering a forced explanation. "I-I was just trying to protect you." Jonathan observed her evasive eyes, chuckling until her ears turned red. Then, he spoke slowly in a softer, gentler tone. "Just kidding. Carry on and enjoy yourself!"

His tone was like that of cajoling a child.

Embarrassed and a little flustered by her reckless action, Estelle didn't notice his tone and pretended to be calm as she turned away.

As she turned, a waft of grilled meat reached her nostrils, causing her eyebrows to raise in surprise.

Over by the villa, the servants had already started grilling fish and brought out marinated beef and venison from the kitchen.

The delicious smell instantly soothed Estelle's uneasiness, leaving her just hungry.

Henson refilled his water balloons, boasting to Jonathan, "Uncle, I'm getting more and more accurate!"

Indeed, between Estelle and Henson, Estelle was the more disheveled, with wet hair and pants, while Henson had no traces of being attacked by water. "That's because I went easy on you!" Estelle scoffed.

"Let my uncle be the referee. We'll keep playing until you admit defeat."

Jonathan intervened, "You two, stop fighting for now and go eat."

Henson was hungry too and happily went to the villa, teasing Estelle along the way.

Listening to their bickering, Jonathan watched them thoughtfully. Not that Estelle didn't hit Henson, but she aimed right at his waterproof vest, leaving no trace.

The servants had already set up the dining table outside the villa, complete with a gold tablecloth, exquisite tableware, and blooming tulips. Even a casual outdoor meal was made luxurious. Estelle went inside to change clothes while Jonathan and Henson sat down to wait for her.

The chef brought over grilled fish and other dishes.

Jonathan glanced at the three fish on the plate and asked Henson with a faint smile, "Which one did you catch?"

Henson snorted disdainfully, "All the fish in the river today were male!"

Jonathan raised an eyebrow in curiosity, prompting him to ask, "What does that mean?"

Henson grumbled with a hint of frustration, "They were all drawn to Ms. Macclain's beauty and swam towards her!"

As Estelle came out from the house, she heard Jonathan's low chuckles. Coming closer, she asked, "What are you two laughing about?"

Jonathan replied casually. "We're discussing the gender of the fish in the river."

Estelle was speechless. These two were too bored!

Smiling, Jonathan gave her a glance, his grin widening. "Let's eat."

They had been waiting for her. Once she sat down, they began eating.

Jonathan grabbed a plate of venison, slicing it into small pieces, and shared it with Henson and Estelle.