Start of flashback :

Once upon a time, I saw a girl known for her prestigious and wealthy family, famous in my neighborhood, walking around a fountain. She looked lost in her own thoughts; I didn't know what was going on in her mind. I wanted to understand her and what she was pondering. I always find myself intrigued by this kind of person. I like mysteries, but I can't handle the frustration without her answers.

So, I approached her slowly to get to know her. She offered me a kind smile; she looked like an angel.

Me: "Hey there! What's up? We live in the same neighborhood. I'm Elly Rivers."

The girl: "Hello, I'm really pleased to meet you, Victoria. I'm Victoria James."

Me: "I already know you; you're quite famous in the neighborhood!"

She looked sad.

Victoria : "Oh, so you know me through the rumors."

Oh no, why did I say that?!

Me: "Oh no, no, it's not what you think!"

She started to laugh at my reaction.

Victoria : "Relax, I'm just joking with you."

What a joke!

Me: "Oh you got me then."

We continued the conversation, and I noticed that she wasn't like the rumors described her. She was amazingly funny, and we finally became friends, and we continued to see each other again.

End of flashback :

February 14th ,2021 . I never saw her again.

My name is Elly Rivers, I am twenty years old, and I have been investigating the Victoria James case for about four years.

Her death was naturally made to look like a suicide in the eyes of society, but I am convinced it was a murder.

I ended up working hard to open my detective agency, which will focus solely on this terrible case.

My beautiful and unfortunate friend, I will make sure to bring you justice.

Since my childhood, I have always loved mysteries and was convinced that I was born to solve them.

I constantly sought answers to everything and anything. And you, Victoria James, are the greatest mystery of my life. You have occupied my days and preoccupied my mind since we met, and even more so after your death.

We were only fourteen years old when we met, and you were already the center of my life. Your contagious smile, hypnotizing ocean eyes, long sunshine-curly hair, and fragile skin made you look like a doll.

I usually don't care about appearance, but you were the exception, not just for your kindness, loyalty, and honesty.

And even though we were friends, that didn't stop you from keeping your little secrets. Surprisingly, I found it intriguing.

You never spoke about your family and always changed the subject when I asked personal questions.

But that was no issue for me; I was an orphan myself and never knew my parents. It was my uncle who took me under his wing.

Currently and in the past, I have never had any friends because of my reserved, mistrustful, and overly curious nature. But Victoria was the exception.

Apart from puzzles, there was nothing else that particularly interested me. I kept repeating that I would become a detective to solve cold cases, despite the mockery of my comrades and the reprimands of my uncle, who reminded me that it wasn't a real job. I still believe in it.

Victoria James, my dear friend, I don't know where this obsession with you came from, but I was sure from the start that you were special.

July 17th, 2025. It took me four years to understand you and to know what you were pondering that day, because that day I finally solved your murder case.

And I sincerely want to share it with you, dear reader, but for that, we would have to go back a few years.