Chapter 20 Jason stood on a street in Southcrest , the sea breeze carrying its salty moisture rushing toward him . He gazed at the unfamiliar yet bustling city before him , his expression dark and worn . A month had passed . He'd searched nearly every corner of Southcrest but still found no trace of Maya . Benjamin's lead only confirmed she'd bought a ticket to Southcrest , but where could she be hiding in a town this small ? Jason rubbed his temples . Days of relentless searching had left his eyes bloodshot . He glanced at his watch . It was already 9:00 pm . The pedestrians on the street were gradually thinning out . 4- He wandered aimlessly , his gaze scanning every passing figure , afraid to miss even the slightest possibility . Suddenly , his steps came to an abrupt halt . Not far ahead , a woman in a white dress stood with her back to him under a streetlight . Her slender silhouette , the way her hair lifted slightly in the breeze - everything reminded him of Maya . Jason's heart contracted violently , his blood seeming to boil in an instant . Almost instinctively , he rushed forward and grabbed the woman's wrist , his voice hoarse and urgent . " Maya ! " The woman jumped in fright and whipped around , revealing a completely unfamiliar face . " Who the hell are you ? " She panicked , jerking her hand free and stepping back . Jason stood frozen , the light in his eyes instantly extinguished . It wasn't her . He looked out at the sea of people and let out He pulled out his phone and dialed Benjamin . " Keep searching … Turn Southcrest upside down if you have to . Find her . ' After hanging up , he looked up at the night sky , his expression stubborn and almost manic . " Maya , where are you ? " a bitter laugh . Morning sunlight filtered through white curtains as Maya opened her window . The humid sea breeze , carrying a faint salty scent , rushed toward her . She took a deep breath , her lips curving into a small smile . She'd used part of her money to purchase this bed - and - breakfast . It was a three - story building facing the ocean , with a courtyard full of roses and lisianthus she'd planted herself . Every morning , she would cut fresh flowers to place in each guest room . " Maya , today's breakfast smells amazing ! " Several college students staying for summer vacation waved at her from downstairs , laughing . Maya's eyes crinkled with warmth . " I'm glad you like it . There's more in the kitchen if you want seconds . " She turned and made her way downstairs . Just as she reached the courtyard , she saw Daniel approaching with a bag of fresh fish . " Just caught this morning at the dock . I'll make you soup for lunch . " He held up the bag with a gentle smile . Maya accepted it , her fingertips accidentally brushing his palm . The warm sensation traveled straight to her heart . Both froze momentarily , then looked away in unspoken understanding . Daniel had become the most familiar person in her life over the past few months . He was like a ray of light shining into her dark world . The old Maya had always lived in the shadows of others , lacking independent thoughts and existing in a confused haze . His presence taught her that she could matter to someone , that she had the right to do whatever she wanted , " By the way , didn't you mention wanting creme brulee when you were watching videos ? " Maya retrieved a whole box of cream puddings from the freezer , each topped with a thin layer of caramelized sugar , She'd gotten up early specifically to make them . Daniel's eyes lit up with undisguised delight . " I knew you'd make them for me . " He eagerly took a spoonful , savoring the sweet , creamy texture . Even though he usually didn't like sweets , he ate three whole servings without getting tired of them " Yours is better than the ones made at a five - star hotel , " Daniel praised sincerely . " Then I'll make them for you often , " Maya said , her eyes bright with happiness . Daniel nodded , his gaze lingering on her face , seeming to want to say something but hesitating . " What is it ? " she asked . He passed , then simply shook his head . " Nothing . I just think … you look really good now . " Much better than when she'd first arrived in Southcrest , always staring at the sea in a daze . Maya was momentarily stunned , then smiled softly , " Yes , this place suits me well . "