Chapter 1863


    Jonathan felt a bubble ofughter from E, and without hesitation, he rose and swept her into his


    embrace, his broad chest providing aforting haven for her to lean against. His deep and resonant


    voice rumbled close to her ear. "E, I really am one lucky guy."


    "Mm?" Estelle looked up into his eyes.


    His narrow gaze was intense as he looked back at her. "Just really lucky, that''s all."


    The corners of Estelle''s lips curved upward. "Me too."


    A feather-light sensation seemed to dance across Jonathan''s heart. He leaned down and pressed a


    gentle kiss to her forehead, then to the tip of her pert nose, each touch tender and lingering.


    After Xavier left, he made his way toward the parking lot. From a distance, he could hear the familiar


    sound of approaching voices.


    "Adrian Chambers, hurry up, or the cake will melt!"


    Norah Lamont''s voice, with its characteristic sweet lilt and yful tone, carried across the air.


    Adrian caught up with long strides and took the cake from her hands with a blend of exasperation and


    indulgence in his voice. "With everything avable right here, why did you bother to make a special trip


    for a cake."


    "You don''t understand, the way they make ice cream cake here is one of a kind in all of J City," Norah


    "Alright, as long as you''re happy!"


    As they drew closer, the streetlight illuminated Norah''s figure; upon seeing Gabriel, Norah paused


    abruptly.


    Xavier''s gaze fell on the girl opposite him, realizing it had been a month since theyst saw each other.


    Norah was wrapped in a pink coat, her delicate features framed by a soft pink and white knitted scarf.


    Her dark eyes shone against her porcin skin, and the night lights lent an ethereal quality to her


    beauty.


    Adrian eximed in surprise, "Mr. Flemmings, you''re here too?"


    Xavier nodded casually, "Just stopped by for the celebration."


    "Why leave so early? The banquet''s still on!"


    "Giving a toast to the happy couple is enough for me. I got things to take care of at my shop."


    "We''ll have to visit your ce sometime," Adrian said with a brightugh, only to notice the strange look


    on Norah''s face. He nudged her gently with his arm. "What''s up? Don''t you want to say hello to the


    boss?"


    Norah, with her lips pursed and head bowed, didn''t seem inclined to speak to Xavier.


    With his eyes cooled slightly, Xavier smiled and said, "It''s cold out there. You two better head inside."


    "See you, Mr. Flemmings!" Adrian''s farewell was cheerful and friendly.


    Xavier nodded and strode toward his car.


    As they passed each other, Norah''s body involuntarily stiffened, as if the chill that suddenly rose was


    about to pierce through her.


    Adrian walked ahead a few steps and, seeing that Norah hadn''t followed, looked back at her. "Come


    on, what''s on your mind?"


    Norah snapped out of her reverie and hurried after Adrian.


    ncing back, she watched as the man''s tall figure receded into the darkness and became a blur, with


    his shadow elongated by the streetlight, taking on a forlorn and cold aspect.


    A sudden pang of pain struck her heart.


    Adrian asked, "Are you still going to help out at Mr. Flemmings'' shop this weekend?"


    Norah shifted her gaze from the man''s fading silhouette, and shook her head. "I quit."


    She had also muted the group chat at the shop. Damian and Zachary had called her separately, asking


    what was wrong, but she simply said she was too busy with work toe by anymore.