As Deck gently held Maria's hand, he said, "Let's go home, my daughter. Your aunt will be thrilled to see you."
His voice was filled with warmth and nostalgia, stirring a deep sense of family in her heart. Maria's eyes sparkled as she responded, "Yes, Uncle, I can't wait to see Auntie and my little brother!" Her happiness was contagious, and with a slight nod, Deck guided her towards their car, calling her "my princess" as he often did.
Watching the tender interaction, Robert felt a bittersweet ache in his chest. The bond between Deck and Maria stirred memories of his own family, particularly his sister, who had once shared a close relationship with their uncle. Robert could still recall the last time he saw his sister, Evan, and Natasha, his mother. It was the day his uncle had taken his sister away, a trip meant to fulfill her dreams and open doors to a future in London. She had been admitted to one of the top universities there, and her enthusiasm was infectious. Robert's mother, though anxious, was proud of her daughter's achievement, entrusting her to Evan's care.
On that fateful day, Robert's sister had been all smiles and laughter, eager to begin this new chapter. He remembered how their uncle playfully teased her, claiming he was taking her to London to marry her off in secret, a family plot they had all concocted behind her back. She would pout and feign indignation, though her excitement was evident in her eyes. But that joyful departure would soon turn into a haunting memory. In a cruel twist, a tragic accident claimed their lives — or so Robert believed for years. Now, looking back, he realized that this supposed accident was no accident at all; it had been a planned conspiracy to eradicate the Browns, an entire family legacy erased in one act of malevolence.
Deck, seeing Robert standing lost in thought, was reminded of Evan and Natasha himself. He walked over and gently patted Robert on the back, breaking his trance. "I miss Evan and Natasha too, you know," Deck said softly.
The mention of their names brought Robert back to reality. Without speaking, he nodded, acknowledging the shared grief, and then moved wordlessly toward his car. Deck, left in silence, watched him go, sensing the pain that lingered behind his nephew's eyes. He hoped the trip back to his estate might bring some peace to Robert's restless soul, though he knew the scars ran deep.
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Meanwhile, in another part of town, a different scene was unfolding. Dr. Olive, accompanied by Rossy and a team of police officers, had arrived at the Millennium Bridge where Helix's car had been discovered, abandoned on the side.
The sight of the empty car jolted Rossy, who clenched her fists in frustration. She couldn't hold back her anger, striking her fist against the car's door repeatedly, as though trying to make sense of Helix's mysterious absence. Dr. Olive, standing nearby, was frozen with shock, his gaze scanning the bridge for any sign of her. His mind raced with questions and worst-case scenarios, a dark fog settling over his thoughts.
The police officer in charge immediately ordered his team to comb through every detail, instructing them to gather all possible evidence. The forensic team moved swiftly, dusting for fingerprints and collecting any clue that might help them understand why the car was left there and where Helix had gone. To them, this was another case in a line of many, but watching Rossy and Dr. Olive's faces, they could sense the gravity of this disappearance. They had been working tirelessly alongside Rossy and Olive, who were clearly exhausted, having likely skipped meals and rest in their frantic search.
The officer approached them with words of comfort, attempting to reassure them that Helix would be found soon. But they all felt the strain, knowing how high the stakes were for the people who cared about her. Little did any of them realize that Helix was also the light in someone else's life, someone who was determined to keep her close no matter what.
As the investigation continued, an hour passed, and news finally came. A witness had reportedly seen a girl jumping from the bridge. The weight of this news was crushing for Rossy, who instantly broke down, her body trembling as the full horror of the statement hit her. "No... It can't be," she whispered, her voice filled with disbelief. She had known Helix for years, knew the strength of her character, and couldn't imagine her making such a choice.
Helix had endured more than most, losing her parents and still managing to step into a protective role for her younger sister. Rossy couldn't fathom that Helix, of all people, would consider suicide.
In her distress, Rossy sank to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably as the memories of their time together washed over her. Helix had always been strong, resilient, and unfaltering. She was the kind of person who faced hardships head-on, refusing to be defeated. Even during her darkest moments, Helix had remained composed, often comforting Rossy and others. The thought of her jumping from the bridge was utterly unimaginable.
Dr. Olive placed a gentle hand on Rossy's shoulder, his face reflecting sorrow and uncertainty. "Rossy, listen to me," he said softly, struggling to keep his voice steady. "We know Helix better than anyone. She wouldn't do this. She's too strong, too brave… This just isn't like her." His voice cracked as he spoke, the pain visible in his eyes as he too fought to accept the situation. He called her "our little fighter," the nickname he had affectionately used over the years, hoping it would bring some comfort.
Despite his words, Olive couldn't entirely shake the feeling of dread, knowing that sometimes even the strongest souls can be pushed to their limits. But he still clung to hope, choosing to believe that Helix was somewhere out there, alive, waiting to be found.
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At the same time, unknown to them, Helix's fate was intertwined with another soul who was equally unwilling to let her go. This mysterious person had a fierce determination to keep her in his life, no matter the cost. It was a connection that neither Dr. Olive nor Rossy was aware of, one that would drive the search for Helix down an unexpected path. This person, consumed by his own need to have her near, had discovered her location in London, only to be faced with her vanishing once more, just as she had years before.
Rossy's scream pierced the quiet night, breaking Olive's heart further as he stood helpless beside her. She had lost so much hope that her voice came out in jagged sobs, refusing to accept what she had been told.
Her reaction mirrored Dr. Olive's inner turmoil; he, too, was torn between rational acceptance and a gut feeling that Helix was still alive. As the police continued their investigation, he resolved not to give up. He would find her, somehow. Helix had been a beacon of hope for so many, and now it was his turn to carry that torch and bring her back home.