Chapter 203

“Is that so?” she said, leaning forward. She sensed his words were deliberately for her ears.

His ink-black phoenix eyes fixed on her face. Brian’s thin lips parted slightly as he continued, “Because back then, I was separated from someone at that hospital. That person once told me she loved this restaurant, so I come here every year on the anniversary of our separation.”

“In that case, she must have been very important to you,” Grace said. His tone suggested a deep longing.

“Yes, very important. To me, her life is almost as valuable as my own.” His indifferent tone belied the profound statement.

Grace was shocked. Brian, so concerned about someone he’d lost? She’d always considered him emotionally detached, a man who constantly changed girlfriends and treated his exes mercilessly. She’d assumed any emotional ripple in his heart would quickly disappear, leaving no trace.

Yet, here he was, revealing someone held nearly the same importance as his own life. The media would have a field day with this information.

“Since she’s so important, haven’t you tried to find her?” she asked.

He chuckled softly, his gaze still on her, studying her reaction. “I have been looking. Unfortunately, many places in this town lacked security cameras back then. And I didn’t start searching until days later, hindering my efforts.”

His tone conveyed deep regret. How many years had he searched? Time had blurred the details, making the task increasingly difficult. Sometimes, he even doubted he would ever find her.

“Then I hope you find her soon,” Grace said.

“Yes, I hope so too,” he replied. “What about you? During your time in this town, did you have any special experiences? Like… saving someone, or telling someone this restaurant’s food is excellent?”

Grace laughed. “I probably told many people the food here is good—it’s popular with locals. As for saving someone… I don’t think so.”

At least, she couldn’t recall it.

“You’re sure?” His eyes narrowed.

“Mr. Hart, are you hoping I saved someone?” Grace asked.

Despair flickered in Brian’s eyes. So, it wasn’t her. The woman he sought wasn't her.

Initially, he hadn’t considered it seriously. It was only upon first seeing her that he’d felt a vague resemblance to the person from his memories. That person, of course, had been much younger. He’d often imagined what she'd look like as an adult, basing his image on his memories. Over the years, his girlfriends had all shared some resemblance to that imagined image.

Seeing her in the hospital, a suspicion had suddenly struck him. He’d wondered, Could this be her?