The quest for answers.

(JARED'S POV)

I pressed the doorbell button on the wall beside the door, and waited for a response, but a few minutes later, none came forth. I tried again, but got same unresponsiveness. Confirming my suspicion, I grasped the door handle, and sure enough, it was locked. I mentally smacked myself. "Of course," I muttered. What did I expect at 10 am on a working day? Ashley, like most working professionals would be at her job.

A sudden realization dawned on me. If Ashley was at work, and Arielle had sought refuge with her yesterday, perhaps Arielle was at her workplace too.

That decided, I swiftly retraced my steps to the car. I was going to look for Arielle at the restaurant. As I drove, my mind wandered. I hope Arielle would be willing to listen, knowing how stubborn she can be when upset. Speaking of apologies, I shouldn't apologize to her empty-handed. I decided to get her favorite flowers, lavender.

I spotted a supermarket a few meters ahead and pulled over. Inside, I picked out a bouquet of fresh lavender flowers and continued my journey.

As I arrived the restaurant, I stepped out of the car and approached the entrance. Just midway, a familiar face approached me-Arielle's junior chef, Rebecca.

"Hi, sir," she greeted with a smile. "How's it going? I was just wondering, is your wife okay? She's not at work today, and her phone's not going through."

My expression froze, and I momentarily went blank. "What do you mean?" I asked, trying to digest her words. Was this some joke? "Isn't Arielle in her office?"

Rebecca shook her head. "No, she hasn't come to work since she Left early, yesterday. I've been trying to reach her, but...." her voice trailed off when she saw the look on my face.

I felt a tide of dizziness wash over me, and my grip on the bouquet slackened. Panic grew, making my voice almost shaky. "D... Did she tell you where she was headed before she left yesterday?"

down in thoughts. "Umm...no, she just asked me to fill in for her, saying she needed to attend to something." She paused, looking up at

unnecessary alarm. "Yeah, everything's fine. Thanks for letting me know." I handed her the bouquet, taking

nodded, and turned to

a few hours later that your wife left," Rebecca announced. "Thanks, Rebecca," I said, grateful for the revelation. "I owe you one." I hurried back to my

the driver's seat, I tossed the bouquet onto the passenger seat, my head filled with

Why wasn't she at work because Arielle

beyond control? Why wasn't her phone going through? And most importantly, why was she home earlier than

visited Arielle yesterday,

I had to find Ashley. She was the only one who most

of work, a multinational corporation where she headed the PR

me and flashed me smile. "Good morning, Mr. Smith. How can I

I replied, my tone polite but

nodded and picked up the intercom. "Let me check with her PA." A brief pause

from the elevator and greeted me. "Mr. Smith, please

we walked to her desk, I inquired, "Is

"I'm afraid not, Sir. She left work in a hurry yesterday, earlier than usual. And this

legs wobbled and almost

goosebumps. Both women had left their workplaces earlier than usual,

about why she was leaving early?" I pressed, trying to keep my voice calm so as not to

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