Chapter 2173


    In the cozy warmth of the room, Estelley on the bed, her fingers intertwined with his, a dreamy


    halo in her eyes.


    Thete afternoon sun was warm and soft, carrying a touch ofzy mystery as it prepared to hand


    over the sky to twilight.


    She was so lost in his kisses that time seemed to dissolve.


    Jonathan suddenly sat up, his lips lingering on her ear, his voice husky, "I had a st as a


    mercenary, but what about the days spent with me?"


    Estelle''s gaze cleared slightly, a hidden smile in her eyes, itchy from his kisses, she couldn''t help


    but dodge yfully, "Mr. Lamont, can''t your heart be just a tad bigger?"


    "Can''t!" Jonathan nipped at her corbone. "Spill it!"


    Estelle stared at the ceiling light and murmured, "What do you think?"


    "Are you happy?" Jonathan looked down at her intently.


    Cradling his face, Estelle was sincere, "The joy you give me is unparalleled!"


    That coaxed a slow smile from Jonathan, "I''ll work even harder!"


    "No need, it''s already wonderful!"


    "Hard work can make it even better!"


    That nightN?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    When Sylvia returned home, it was ten at night. She had escaped an afternoon cocktail party and


    various activities, having made an excuse to leave early.


    She flicked on the lights in the foyer, leaning against the wall, her eyes scanning the dim, silent


    living room, suddenly feeling a wave of ennui.


    Pulling out her smartphone, she hovered over a certain contact, tapping to open the chat where


    she''d invited him for coffee a few days ago.


    Her finger hesitated, wanting to send a message, but at a loss for words.


    They weren''t friends; they couldn''t exchange pleasantries as friends do, and she certainly wasn''t


    about to tell him about her day.


    Yet, aside from him, she had no desire to confide in anyone else.


    Her need for security was severe; thus, she was friendly with everyone, yet kept everyone at a


    distance.


    She cherished this perfect bnce of space.


    Never one to bother someone without good reason.


    She chuckled silently, pocketing her phone, and walked into the living room.


    Approaching the sofa, she turned on the floormp and looked up to see the silhouette of a man


    smoking on the balcony.


    His figure was tall and straight, his broad shoulders exuding resilience. The ck night served as a


    backdrop, his mere presencemanding an air of authority.


    But in that moment, Sylvia''s heart thudded with unspeakable joy as she beheld his form, a feeling


    that spread from her heart to her brain.


    Even the flickering cigarette butt in the dark sparkled like fireworks.


    Shedding her coat, dressed in just a light blouse, she slid open the ss door to the balcony and


    wrapped her arms tightly around his waist.


    Gabriel finished hisst drag, stubbing out the cigarette in the ashtray on the shelf.


    The ashtray hadn''t been there before; it appeared the day he arrived, spotless and new.


    "I''m so exhausted," Sylvia murmured against his back.


    Gabriel''s voice, void of emotion, cut through, "Should I leave?"


    Startled, Sylviaughed softly, her eyes half-closed,nguid yet tender, "Why would you leave?


    Can''t you stay and help me unwind?"