On the other side , Emma stood by the sea , with the salty sea breeze brushing against her cheeks and her hair gently swaying . In the distance , the setting sun dyed the sea orange , with waves surging onto the beach layer by layer , and then slowly receding . She took a deep breath , closed her eyes , and felt the long - lost tranquility . " Ms. Jefferson ? " A gentle male voice came from behind . Emma turned around and saw a tall man standing not far away , holding a bag of fresh seafood . He was wearing a simple white shirt and casual pants , with handsome features and a faint smile on his lips . " I am Waylon Barnett , living next door to you , he said , taking a few steps closer . " I heard you moved in today , so I brought some seafood as a welcome gift from your neighbor . " Emma was taken aback for a moment , then she politely smiled and said , " Thank you , but it's not neces- sary ... " " Don't mention it , Waylon handed over the bag , his tone casual . " The seafood in Chicago is the freshest , since you just arrived , try the local flavors . " His attitude was neither warm nor distant , but just the right amount of friendliness that was impossible to resist . Emma hesitated for a moment , but then took it : " Well ... thank you . " Waylon smiled and his gaze fell on the luggage behind her . " Do you need any help ? " " No need , I have already tidied up almost everything . " " Okay , feel free to call me anytime . He nodded , turned around , and walked away with a straight and ca- sual posture . " Emma watched his back , slightly lost in thought . 0.0 % 11:51 Chapter 20 1288 Vouchers This was the first person who approached her after she arrived in Chicago . In the following days , Emma gradually adapted to the life in the small town . She opened a small flower shop by the seaside , trimming flower branches and wrapping bouquets , lead- ing a peaceful and fulfilling life . Occasionally , she would sit at the door of the shop , staring blankly at the distant sea , her thoughts drift- ing away and then returning . Waylon would occasionally come to buy flowers , sometimes a bunch of sunflowers , sometimes a few lilies . He never deliberately struck up a conversation , just greeted , paid , and left . Until one evening , a sudden heavy rainstorm arrived . Emma was getting ready to close the shop when the raindrops started to patter down . She stood under the eaves , watching as the rain grew heavier , frowning slightly . " Forgot to bring an umbrella ? " A familiar voice came from behind . She turned around and saw Waylon standing in the rain with a black long - handled umbrella . " I took you back home , he said . " Emma originally wanted to refuse , but the rain was too heavy , so she could only nod and agree , " Thank you . " The two walked side by side in the rain , the umbrella not very big . However , Waylon deliberately tilted the umbrella towards her side , and his shoulder got wet from the rain . Emma noticed and leaned towards him , saying , " You don't have to do this ... " " It's nothing , he smiled , " just got caught in a little rain . " The rain was pattering , and neither of them spoke again . When she reached the front door , Emma hesitated for a moment before asking , " Would you like to come in for a cup of hot tea ? " Waylon glanced at her and nodded , " Okay . " After that night , the relationship between the two of them seemed to have gotten closer . 35.0 % 11:51 Chapter 20 1288 Vouchers Waylon would occasionally come to the flower shop to help with heavy lifting , and Emma would also bring him dinner when he worked late . He never asked about her past , and she never brought it up . One day , while Emma was arranging flowers , she accidentally cut her finger on a rose thorn . The moment blood beads oozed out , her movements froze . She remembered the day when she was left behind on the icy lake , the cold look in Cadoc's eyes . His fingers were trembling slightly . " What's wrong ? Waylon's voice suddenly rang out . " She came to her senses and shook her head , " It's nothing , just a scratch . " Waylon frowned , then directly took her hand and examined it closely . " The wound is a bit deep , it needs to be disinfected , " he said . His palm was warm and dry , his movements gentle yet irresistible . Emma stared at him blankly , suddenly feeling her eyes welling up with tears . An indescribable sourness surged in my heart . She had not been cared for like this in a long time . The two of them leaned closely against each other , each with a slightly different emotion in their hearts . 75.1 % Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!