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.
