Evelyn drew a sharp breath.

She pushed the heavy door open and stepped inside.

The room was immense.

A profound silence filled the air.

It was completely empty.

She hesitated for a moment, confused.

Then she moved further into the space.

The door clicked shut behind her.

The sound echoed softly.

Her eyes scanned the room.

They landed on a painting hanging on the far wall.

It felt familiar instantly.

A jolt of recognition hit her.

It was her painting.

She had created it years ago.

She was visiting a small, remote fishing village overseas.

She remembered donating it to the local school.

She wanted the children to learn from it.

How did it get here?

Memories flooded her mind.

They were powerful and vivid.

A deep voice spoke from behind.

It broke her concentration.

"Do you remember now, Evelyn?"

She spun around quickly.

A man stood there.

Theodore Vance.

He was impeccably dressed in a tailored suit.

His hair was perfectly styled.

Evelyn stared, trying to place him.

"Who are you?" she asked.

He seemed familiar, but she couldn't grasp the memory.

A soft smile touched his lips.

"I'm Theodore Vance. Years ago, in that fishing village, you saved me. I was badly hurt. You took care of me for weeks."

Her eyes widened in shock.

"It was you!" she exclaimed.

Joy and surprise mixed in her voice.

"You vanished so suddenly. I looked for you for a long time. I'm just so glad you're alive. I thought you might not make it."

Warmth shone in Theodore's eyes.

He took a step toward her.

"I've been searching for you too. I wanted to thank you properly. That's why I came back to Crestwood. Finding you again... it means the world to me."

His voice was heavy with sincerity.

Evelyn smiled warmly.

"I'm happy to see you, too."

She paused, her expression turning serious.

"But you don't owe me anything. Knowing you survived was all the thanks I needed."

The pieces of the evening fell into place for Evelyn.

She let out a soft, understanding chuckle.

"So, the five-million-dollar design contract... that was your thank you, wasn't it?"

It was clear to her now. Theodore was the mysterious client.

She didn't wait for his confirmation.

"I truly don't need any repayment. If you aren't genuinely interested in my work, you should cancel the order."

Theodore's gaze was intense and serious.

His voice was firm. "No. I owe you a debt. You saved my life. Without you, I wouldn't be here. Besides..."

He paused, leaving a deeper sentiment unspoken.

Back then, he had been certain he would die.

His injuries were severe.

But she, a stranger, had nursed him day and night.

She never gave up hope for his recovery.

Evelyn understood the weight of his silence.

She shook her head gently. "Mr. Vance, I didn't help you for a reward. My only wish was for you to live. That's all."

Theodore moved closer.

His resolve was unmistakable.

"Evelyn, will you marry me? I want to make you the happiest woman in all of Crestwood."

The proposal was utterly unexpected.

It stole the breath from her lungs.