The Next Morning
The Bello mansion was wrapped in mourning.
Every corner of the house felt heavy, the silence pressing down like a graveyard at dawn. The servants moved slowly, spoke quietly, and avoided each other's eyes. The young master was presumed dead—and with him, the life that had only just begun.
A sudden knock broke the silence.
"Inspector Davis," a firm voice announced. "I've been assigned to the ghastly motor accident and missing person case."
Safeera hurried forward. "Yes—yes, please come in, officer."
Patty opened the door, and Inspector Davis stepped inside. "Please, have a seat," Safeera said. "Charles, bring us some water."
Charles served the water silently and left.
"So, Inspector," Safeera asked tightly, "is there any news about Alex?"
Davis sighed. "I'm afraid not, Madam Safeera. We were able to locate his car near the cliffside, but his body appears to have vanished."
Safeera's breath caught.
"I did send some of my colleagues to ask around," Davis continued. "There was a man who claimed to have seen someone in his twenties living near the cliffside."
Safeera's lips trembled into a hopeful smile. "So… there's a possibility Alex is alive?"
"Don't get your hopes too high," Davis cautioned gently. "You know there are people who spread rumors for attention. Still, I'll inform you if we find anything concrete."
As he stood up, he noticed Humaira, staggering slightly as she emerged from the kitchen.
"Well then," Davis said, "I'll take my leave. Have a good day."
He exited.
Charles returned with Patty. "Madam," he asked quietly, "is there any sign of the young master?"
Safeera opened her mouth to respond—
A scream echoed through the house.
Everyone turned just as Martha came tumbling down the staircase, crying and clutching her side.
"Martha!" Safeera shouted. "What is all this about?"
"G–ghost!" Martha sobbed. "A g–ghost!"
Safeera stared at her. "Explain yourself."
"As I was cleaning the young master's bedroom," Martha cried, "I—I saw him! The young master! Lying on his bed—with another strange person!"
Charles frowned. "Martha, are you sure of what you're saying? The young master? In his bedroom?"
"My eyes can't deceive me," Martha insisted. "I swear I saw him—"
Safeera grabbed her by the collar. "This better not be a joke, or I'll kick you out of this house."
Patty gasped.
"Get out of my sight," Safeera snapped, shoving Martha aside as she stormed up the stairs, Charles following closely behind.