Chapter 19 Maya stood by the ocean , the salty sea breeze brushing her face as her hair fluttered gently . The setting sun painted the water orange - red in the distance . Waves rolled onto the beach in layers before slowly retreating . She took a deep breath , closed her eyes , and savored the long - lost tranquility . " Ms. Coleman ? " A gentle male voice came from behind her . Maya turned to see a tall man standing nearby , carrying a bag of fresh seafood . He wore a simple white shirt and casual pants . His features were handsome , and a soft smile played at his lips . " I'm Daniel Larkwood , your next - door neighbor . " He stepped closer , his voice warm . " I heard you moved in today , so I brought some seafood as a welcome gift . " Maya was slightly taken aback , then smiled politely . " Thank you , but that's not necessary … " " Don't be shy . " Daniel held out the bag naturally . " Southcrest has the freshest seafood . Since you just arrived , you should try the local flavors . " His manner was neither overly enthusiastic nor distant . It was just the right amount of friendliness that was hard to refuse . Maya hesitated for a moment before accepting it . " Well … thank you . " Daniel smiled , his gaze falling on the luggage behind her . " Need any help ? " " No , I've got most of it sorted out already . " " Alright , just call if you need anything . " He nodded and turned to leave , his figure straight and relaxed . Maya watched him go , slightly lost in thought . Daniel was the first person to approach her since arriving in Southcrest . In the following days , Maya gradually adapted to small - town life . She opened a tiny flower shop by the ocean , trimming stems for customers . Her days were peaceful and fulfilling . Occasionally , she would sit at the shop entrance , gazing at the distant sea . Her thoughts would drift far before returning . and wrapping bouquets Daniel would sometimes come to buy flowers . Sometimes a bouquet of sunflowers , sometimes a few stems of lisianthus . He never forced conversation , simply offering a greeting , paying , and leaving . Until one evening , when a sudden downpour struck . Maya was preparing to close the shop when raindrops began pelting down . She stood under the eaves , watching the rain grow heavier , frowning slightly . " Didn't bring an umbrella ? " A familiar voice came from behind her . She turned to see Daniel holding a black umbrella , standing in the rain . " I'll walk you home , " he said . Maya wanted to refuse , but the rain was too heavy . She finally nodded . " Thank you . " They walked side by side through the rain . The umbrella wasn't large , but Daniel deliberately tilted it toward her , letting his own shoulder get soaked . Maya noticed and moved closer to his side . " You don't have to … " " It's fine " He smiled . " It's just a little rain . " The rain pattered around them , and neither spoke again . At her front door , Maya hesitated before speaking . " Would you like to come in for some hot coffee ? " Daniel looked at her and nodded . " Sure . " After that night , their relationship seemed to grow closer . Daniel would occasionally come to the flower shop to help move heavy items , and Maya would bring him dinner when he worked late . He never asked about her past , and she never mentioned it . Until one day , Maya accidentally pricked her finger on a rose thorn while arranging flowers . The moment blood appeared , she froze . She remembered that day when she was thrown into the icy lake and Jason's cold stare afterward . Her hand trembled slightly . " What's wrong ? " Daniel's voice suddenly broke through . She snapped back to reality , shaking her head . " Nothing , just a small cut . " He frowned and immediately took her hand , examining it carefully . " The cut's a bit deep . It needs to be disinfected . " His palm was warm and dry , his movements gentle but firm . Maya stared at him , suddenly feeling her eyes begin to sting . An indescribable ache welled up in her chest . It had been so long since anyone had cared for her like this . They stood close together , both feeling something new stirring between them . Chapter 19 As night fell , bonfires were lit and people danced and sang on the beach , their laughter mixing with the sound of waves . Maya sat on the sand , quietly watching the lively crowd . " Not joining in ? " Daniel sat beside her , handing her a cup of hot cocoa . She accepted it with a smile . " I prefer watching . " Daniel said nothing , sitting with her in comfortable silence . After a long while , he spoke quietly . " Maya . " " Hmm ? " She turned her head curiously . " You deserve better . " He looked at her thoughtfully . " Don't let the past trap you . " Maya was stunned . The sea breeze swept over them as firelight flickered across his profile . He looked gentle yet resolute . She lowered her head and softly hummed in agreement . Perhaps she really could try moving forward .