One year later.
Life had changed in ways Stephanie could hardly believe.
What had once started as a tiny roadside stand with a single table had now grown into a small but lively food shop in the heart of the town.
People passed by every day just to taste their food.
Their noodles.
Their fried rice.
And most especially the homemade native dishes Stephanie and Maya had perfected from their time working in the restaurant years ago.
The small shop was almost always busy now.
Inside the kitchen, Stephanie moved quickly between the stove and the counter, wearing her usual chef uniform and cap.
Most customers barely paid attention to her face.
They simply knew one thing.
The food from this place was unforgettable.
That afternoon, however, Stephanie had gone home briefly to rest.
Which meant Maya was running the shop alone for a short while.
The bell above the door rang softly.
Maya looked up.
Two elderly people walked in.
A well-dressed couple.
The man carried himself with quiet dignity, while the woman's presence felt elegant and refined.
Even their clothes looked expensive.
Maya immediately smiled.
"Good afternoon. Welcome."
The couple sat down near the window.
"We heard about this place," the elderly woman said warmly.
"They say you serve wonderful native food."
Maya laughed.
"Well, we try our best."
As she took their order, Maya kept glancing at the woman.
Something about her felt strangely familiar.
It took her a moment to realize why.
The woman's eyes.
Her smile.
Even the shape of her face.
It reminded her of someone.
Stephanie.
The resemblance was so striking that Maya almost stared.
But she quickly brushed the thought aside.
People looked alike sometimes.
It didn't mean anything.
Still, one thing was obvious.
These people were extremely wealthy.
Their watches.
Their clothes.
Even the way they spoke.
Everything about them showed class and status.
After serving their food, Maya watched as they tasted it.
The elderly woman smiled immediately.
"This is wonderful."
Her husband nodded in agreement.
"Young lady, you've done an excellent job."
Maya thanked them politely.
After finishing their meal, the couple paid generously and left the shop.
The bell above the door rang softly again as they stepped outside.
Later that evening, Stephanie returned.
Maya was cleaning the counter when she walked in.
"You missed something interesting today," Maya said immediately.
Stephanie raised an eyebrow.
"What happened?"
Maya leaned against the counter with a playful smile.
"Your twin came here."
Stephanie laughed.
"My what?"
"I'm serious," Maya continued.
"There was this rich lady who came with her husband. Steph, she looked so much like you it was actually scary."
Stephanie frowned slightly.
"Like me?"
"Yes!" Maya said, laughing.
"Same eyes, same smile… I almost thought it was your long-lost relative."
Stephanie chuckled.
"Come on, Maya. People look alike all the time."
"I know," Maya admitted.
"But this one was really close."
Stephanie shrugged and walked toward the kitchen.
But as she began preparing food again, Maya's words stayed in her mind.
A woman who looked like you.
For some strange reason…
Curiosity slowly began to grow inside her.