Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)

Chapter 2290

Mrs. Gilder and Jasmine were sitting off to the side, chatting and watching the couple next to them enjoy the evening's festivities, unable to suppress their smiles.

Sophia's phone was lighting up non-stop with New Year's greetings and even a few messages from Robin, but this time, she couldn't even muster the interest to glance at them.

Suddenly, her ringtone cut through the noise, and Sophia excused herself to answer the call outside.

It was from a close friend studying abroad. As soon as the call connected, her friend's cheerful voice rang out, "Babe, Happy New Year's Eve." Sophia chuckled, "Did you make it back home?"

"Nope, got tied up with a project. I'll head back after the New Year!" Crystal laughed. "So, you and Robin celebrating the New Year together? Is the wedding soon? Can I make it back in time?"

A shadow crossed Sophia's face, and she looked down. "We broke up."

"What?" Her friend's voice was incredulous. "You two split up?"

Crystal knew about the years Sophia had spent chasing after Robin.

She had thought that after all the ups and downs, their relationship would be rock solid. It was hard to believe that after so many years of unrequited love, things had ended in less than a year.

"It's true," Sophia sighed deeply.

"What happened?" Crystal pressed.

"It's nothing, just... we realized we weren't compatible," Sophia said softly.

She didn't want to disclose what Robin had done. After all, she had spent her entire youth pining for him and didn't want to tarnish his image in others' eyes.

"Well, as long as you're moving on," Crystal said cheerfully. "Honestly, I always thought you and Mr. Gilder would make a great pair. He's always been so nice to you, and not to mention, quite the looker. If it were me, I'd have made my move a long time ago!"

They had been dormmates in college and had met Jason a few times. Their circle had always referred to Jason as Mr. Gilder.

"How could that ever happen? Don't joke about that," Sophia said, her eyes downcast.

Crystal knew Sophia was still raw from her breakup and didn't press further saying, "Well, it's over now. You've had your experience, don't dwell on it. It's the New Year try to enjoy yourself."

"Yeah, I know. Take care of yourself overseas, too."

After hanging up, Sophia didn't return to the living room. Instead, she leaned against the railing, gazing at the lights outside.

The yard's lights were always most beautiful during the New Year. She used to love standing outside to admire them, but now, she realized how much one's enjoyment of the lights depended on their mood.

Anyone who knew her would likely be shocked to learn she and Robin Ziegler had broken up.

She thought that a relationship borne from years of pursuit would be cherished more.

Yet, often, couples who overcome countless obstacles to be together find themselves parting ways in no time.

Everything is interconnected. Her

relationship with Robin was like a firework. The years spent chasing him were like the climb before the burst, and the moment they got together was the

explosion-beautiful but fleeting.

She fell for Robin over an idea, a shadow crafted in her own mind, more than the person himself.

The real him, from the start, had been a series of disappointments. She had tried to be understanding, knowing no one is perfect.

But today's revelations had hit her hard, snapping her out of her reverie.

Jason came over, draping a cozy sweater over her shoulders, and asked, "Who was on the phone?"

Sophia turned with a smile, "Don't worry, I've already blocked Robin's number. It was a friend from abroad."NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.