The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 272

As she stood there, puzzled, Hayden’s voice came again.

“The photo you took was incredibly professional. My mom absolutely loved it. She’s the one who suggested I try my luck around here to see if I could find you and thank you in person.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Suzie slowly opened the gate.

Hayden stood on the other side, that same sunny smile on his face. “May I come in?” he asked politely.

Suzie hesitated, and he added with a playful grin, “Silence is consent, right?”

With that, he walked into the yard and placed several large shopping bags on the round table. He looked around, his eyes widening in surprise. “Your home is amazing. This place is like a hidden paradise.”

Suzie glanced at him, then at the open gate, and decided to leave it as it was. She walked slowly toward the table, her eyes scanning the high-end brand names on the bags.

Helping someone take a picture was a common courtesy at a tourist spot. But to show up at her door with so many expensive gifts? It seemed excessive.

“How did you find me?” Suzie asked, her voice tinged with suspicion.

Hayden, who was busy admiring the flowers, replied, “I saw you disappear down this street the other day, so I just went door-to-door asking. Everyone said no one named Vance lived here, but you were the only one who answered by asking who I was looking for.”

Suzie didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “And how did you know I wasn’t a tourist?”

“You forgot? Your nanny said, ‘Miss, it’s time to go home.’”

“That doesn’t prove I’m not a tourist.”

Suzie’s eyes lit up. Now that he mentioned it, she was curious to see the result. She had taken many failed shots while learning from her teacher, and even her better ones often lacked proper light and shadow processing.

She slowly took the envelope, gently opening it to reveal the photographs inside. She gasped, her slender fingers instinctively tracing over the surface of a print. She could feel the unique, grainy texture, as if it held the weight of time.

The black-and-white tones were striking, with rich layers of light and shadow. Combined with the subjects’ handsome features and elegant bearing, and the charming old architecture and flowing streams in the background, the scene looked like a vintage painting—simple, yet full of artistic flair.

It was truly the best photograph she had ever taken.

“What do you think? You captured the exact feeling I was going for! Everyone who sees it is blown away!” Hayden’s excited voice broke through her reverie.

Suzie stared at the photo, nodding repeatedly. “Could I have one of these?” she asked softly.