Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2981

Here is the revised, polished translation:

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“I just don’t want you to work so hard,” Charlie said helplessly.

Emily reached up, cupped his face in her hands, and stood on her toes to plant a quick kiss on the corner of his mouth. “I know. I’ll be done in an hour—get some sleep first.”

Charlie held her hand. "You’ve always wanted to open your own studio. Are you still thinking about it?"

Emily pondered for a moment. “I’m worried I don’t have enough experience yet, that it’s not the right time. Besides, working with my mentor these days makes me genuinely happy and fulfilled.”

Padgett had become her mentor.

It started as a bit of a joke. Padgett had always offered her plenty of advice on work and design, so she had once suggested treating him to a meal as thanks. Padgett laughed and said there was no need; she could just call him her mentor, and then helping her would be perfectly justified.

She’d playfully called him “mentor” once, and somehow the nickname stuck. Now, everyone in the company knew about their mentor-apprentice relationship.

“I’d better get started!” Emily said, giving Charlie another comforting hug before hurrying off to the bathroom for a quick shower, then heading to the study.

Charlie felt an ache of concern as well as helplessness. Emily had been working overtime for so long, and now, even on a rare weekend with Kya home and unlikely to disturb them, she still had to work.

He went to the kitchen, warmed a glass of milk, and brought it to her.

"Drink this before you get back to work. And come to bed soon, I’ll wait for you.”

Charlie set the milk down, leaned over to kiss her forehead, and quietly left the room.

Emily picked up the glass, glancing back at Charlie’s retreating figure. Even the way he closed the door was gentle, as if afraid to disturb her.

She bit her lip, inhaling the rich aroma of the milk. A wave of guilt swept over her. After thinking for a moment, she reached out and shut off her computer.

*

After his shower, Charlie emerged in a bathrobe, picked up a file from the table, and sat on the bed, planning to read while he waited for Emily.

He lifted the comforter to get in—and raised his eyebrows in surprise.

From beneath the covers peeked a small head. Emily’s fair face was illuminated by a sweet smile, her dimples faint and her bright eyes clear and shining.

Charlie raised an eyebrow in playful challenge.

Emily just laughed harder—until Charlie silenced her with a kiss.

In the haze of the moment, Emily suddenly remembered something and mumbled against his lips, “My mentor is getting promoted. I need to buy him a congratulatory gift tomorrow.”

Ron had just been promoted and transferred to another department. Management had let it be known that her mentor would soon move up to take Ron’s place, with the official announcement coming at Monday’s morning meeting.

Charlie replied hoarsely, “I’ll go with you.”

“Mmm.”

“After we buy the gift, we’ll pick up Kya and go visit your dad.”

Emily, still dazed from his kisses, realized after a beat that by "dad," Charlie meant her father. Warmth swept through her—she was deeply moved by Charlie’s thoughtfulness and care.

Not knowing how else to return such love, she responded by giving herself to him with a newfound, fervent passion.