Chapter 20

When Gus received the message, he'd already been searching for nearly three months with no leads. He'd even begun to wonder if Amara truly was dead and all his efforts were in vain—that he'd never see her again. But that day, he'd finally received word from abroad. Though it was only a blurry photograph, Gus recognized his Amara instantly. She was alive! He could see her again! He immediately ordered Simon to investigate and learned the location was New Maros, where Amara's parents also lived. How had he not thought of that before? He felt reborn with joy. Amara had been right under his nose all along. He just hadn't seen it. He booked the first flight to New Maros. He couldn't wait another moment. As he settled into his seat on the plane, his heart raced with nervous energy. He was terrified that Amara wouldn't forgive him and would refuse to see him. But then, he reminded himself that they'd loved each other for so many years, so how could she truly bear to leave him forever?