"An accident?" Alex sat up straight, trying to keep his gaze forward. He spotted the police car, and several vehicles halted in front of them.
"Yes, sir. I'll find out how long we need to wait," Alvin said before stepping outside.
Alex remained quiet, simply nodding in response.
"On a quiet road like this, there was an accident? How is that possible? Is that person just learning to drive?" Alex murmured while looking at his cell phone.
He repeatedly played Rory's voice message while waiting for Alvin to return.
"Alex, I can't. I need to celebrate my birthday."
"Alex, I can't. I need to celebrate my birthday."
"Alex, I can't. I need to celebrate my birthday."
"Alex, I can't. I need to celebrate my birthday."
He listened to Rory's message several times until he felt slightly calmer.
After calming his mind and taking deep breaths, he pressed the record button and started speaking.
"Stubborn Rory, Happy Birthday! No, I didn't forget! I just wanted to prank you and congratulate you once we got home. If you're home now, check my office... your gift is on my desk."
***
Alvin returns to inform Alex about an accident involving a truck that collided with an SUV. The driver of the SUV was killed when the vehicle burst into flames.
"What a tragic loss," Alvin sighed softly. He continued to explain that the police would be clearing the road in a few minutes. They needed to move the burned body of the SUV driver to the hospital.
They were both immersed in their own thoughts as they waited.
However, shortly after, Alex suddenly asked, "What about the truck driver? Did he also die?"
"He's alive. However, that person ran away," Alvin sighed deeply before continuing, "Luckily, someone called police after witnessing the car burn in the middle of the road. If no one had passed by, the SUV driver's body would likely have been reduced to ashes. Such a pitiful soul..."
Alex narrowed his eyes to look ahead, trying to spot the charred car, but several other vehicles blocked his view.
"It looks like they opened the road..." Alvin said excitedly as he pressed the gas pedal, and the vehicle moved again.
Alex felt relieved as he rested his head against the seat and closed his eyes. He was exhausted and just wanted to get home faster to see Aurora.
When they arrived at his house, Alex hurriedly asked the guard at the main gate, "Has Rory returned?"
The guard at the main gate was surprised to hear his question. It was the first time he had heard his master ask about Aurora; she usually appeared beside him.
Hurriedly, he shook his head. "Not yet, sir. Miss Aurora's car has not passed through this gate."
Alex's shoulders slumped. His hands clenched tightly when he heard she still hadn't arrived home.
"How dare she be missing in action like this?" Alex gritted his teeth silently, venting his frustration.
"Boss, perhaps Miss Rory used the staff gate in the back?" Alvin said.
Noticing how dark Alex's expression had grown. Alvin became concerned that Aurora might be in serious trouble if she didn't return soon.
Alex remained silent, merely signaling Alvin to continue.
While the car was still moving, Alex abruptly opened the door and jumped out, startling Alvin. "Sir, please be careful!" he shouted.
Ignoring Alvin's warning, Alex strode toward the house.
"Did Rory return?" Alex asked the maid who greeted him at the entrance. However, he received the same answer—Aurora had not returned.
"Are you sure? Check her house!" he commanded.
After watching the maid vanish behind the door, he loosened his tie, tossed his coat onto the nearby couch, and walked toward a vast, luxurious glass window.
Standing there, he made another call. However, seconds later, disappointment and annoyance surged through him when the call still failed to connect. Aurora's cell phone remained inactive.
"Seriously, Rory! Where are you? Are you upset with me because I didn't remember your birthday?"
Alex murmured to himself, trying to figure out where she might be.
He was shocked to realize he knew nothing about the places she usually visited. All this time, she had always followed him wherever he wanted.
Footsteps were heard from behind, making Alex immediately turn his head.
Observing the maid's expression, he could already infer the answer. Nevertheless, he still asked, "Is she back?"
"Master, I apologize, but Miss Aurora hasn't returned yet. Her house remains dark, and her car is not in the parking lot...this is very unusual for Miss Aurora. I hope she is okay," the confused and worried maid replied.
Alex clenched his hands tightly, feeling annoyed.
"Alright, you can go!" he said before walking toward the stairs. Rather than rushing to his bedroom, he went to his study room.
Walking into the dimly lit room, with only a yellow lamp on at the far end and moonlight streaming in from the window, Alex stopped right in front of his desk.
His gaze landed on the black box tied with a gold ribbon and the greeting card placed beneath it.
"Silly Rory! Did you know I just wanted to annoy you today and give you this gift after we returned?"
He chuckled, imagining Aurora angry with him as they headed to his parents' house. He thought Aurora would wait for him, but she was too impatient. She spoiled the surprise for herself.
"Because today is your birthday, I won't be upset with you, Rory. But could you please come back before the day changes...?"
Alex glanced at his watch and felt relieved when he saw that there were still two hours left before the day ended. He prayed she would return soon.
He walked over to the corner seating area and sank into the single couch before making another phone call.
"Patrick, I need your help to find Rory!" he said, leaning back, closing his eyes, and massaging his temple.
"Why do you want me to look for her? She should be at her house, right?" Patrick replied, puzzled. He knew Aurora always followed Alex, and her house was directly behind Alex's main house.
"Don't ask; just do it!" Alex replied irritably before ending the call. He set his cell phone aside and closed his eyes to calm his mind.
He had never felt like this before, angry and worried at the same time. Since Aurora worked for him, this had never happened before—she couldn't be reached.
"Where are you, Rory? Are you okay?"
Alex's heart tightened when he heard his own words. He opened his eyes and stared at his cell phone, impatiently waiting for Patrick to call him back.
Not long after, his cell phone rang. He quickly answered the call and asked, "Have you located her? Where is she?"
Patrick's breathless tone only heightened Alex's tension.
"Alex, Rory's cell phone was last active near your family's house in Pine Hill, and her car's GPS signal was also lost there. However, I can't confirm anything until I check the location directly," Patrick explained, his voice trailing off.
"What do you mean, Patrick?" Alex asked, worry creeping into his tone.
Patrick cleared his throat before speaking.
"Listen, Alex... please don't be shocked. I believe Rory's car was involved in an accident. However, I cannot confirm whether she was actually in it. I've already asked someone to check the crime scene, and I'm also in contact with the police—"
Alex could no longer hear Patrick's words. The image of the SUV involved in an accident near his parents' house flooded back into his mind.
His cell phone slipped from his hand and fell to the floor. He froze, too shocked to accept that the driver who had died at the scene was Aurora.
'NO! Impossible! It can't be her!'