Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

Carol hung up the phone and stopped a waiter. "Where can I find Mr. Hanson?"

Through the ornate wooden door, the waiter pointed towards the outside patio, "Just saw Mr. Hanson out there, miss. You might want to check it out!" Carol nodded and walked towards the patio in her high heels.

Through the half-open window, Norah had already spotted her. Petite and pretty, with fair skin and big eyes, though her thin lips gave her a somewhat severe look. She was quite attractive, but her heavy makeup did her no favors, rendering her beauty somewhat awkward. She wasn't tall, barely reaching Norah's height even in her three-inch heels.

Norah felt relieved.

Carol walked over, scanning the patio for any men, but only saw Norah. She asked Norah with a displeased tone, "Hey, have you seen a man around here?"

Norah ignored her.

Carol pressed, "I'm talking to you!"

Norah finally turned around, "Me? I don't go by 'hey'. There are plenty of men around in this teahouse. Who exactly are you looking for?"

Carol huffed in frustration and walked back, presumably to make a phone call.

Soon after, Henson and Xavier returned. Xavier had booked a private room next to the patio. Carol's eyes lit up when she saw Xavier-tall, well-built, wearing a shirt that highlighted his broad shoulders and narrow waist. His rugged looks, complemented by a stubble, only added to his charm. She was pleasantly surprised! She had assumed a man of his wealth and age would be out of shape, but here was a genuinely handsome man.

She took a liking to Xavier, feeling suddenly nervous. She raised her hand with a soft smile, "Hello, Mr. Hanson!"

Xavier didn't shake her hand, simply saying, "Please, have a seat."

"And who is this young gentleman?" Carol looked tenderly at Henson.

Xavier paused before introducing, "My nephew, just tagging along."

Carol smiled, “Quite the handsome boy!"

Henson chimed in politely, "Hello, Auntie!"

Auntie?

Carol's smile froze. She was only twenty-six, barely a decade older than Henson. How did she end up being called Auntie?

Xavier almost laughed but managed to keep a straight face, "Please, take a seat. What would you like to drink, Ms. Cicely?"

Before Carol could answer, Norah walked in.

Henson immediately said, “Auntie, the one here for the blind date with Uncle, is here!"

Carol turned, saw Norah, and feigned unfamiliarity with a warm smile, "Hello!"

Norah nodded with a smile, "Mrs. Carol!"

Carol's smile twitched. It was one thing for Henson to call her Auntie, but Norah, seemingly her age, doing the same?

She maintained her smile, "Please, everyone, take a seat. Don't be shy!"

The room was adorned with carved wooden windows, and on the windowsill were decorative vases and an incense burner, filling the with a subtle and pleasant fragrance. A long table was set in the middle of the room, flanked by benches. Henson sat to Xavier's left, and Norah took a seat on his right. 

All three were now looking at Carol.

Carol felt like she was under interrogation.NôvelDrama.Org owns © this.

Xavier poured tea, and Carol quickly reached out to take it, “Thank you—”

But then she saw Xavier passing the poured tea to Norah.

Carol gave an awkward smile and retracted her hands.

After serving Henson and then himself, Xavier pushed the teapot towards Carol, "Ms. Carol, please, help yourself to some tea."