"Emily, about what you're doing," he started, his tone somewhat stern.
"This sneaky journalist approach, digging into my past, isn't going to get you anywhere."
Emily looked taken aback by his harsh tone and quietly replied.
"I'm just doing my job...
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Alex's eyes were bloodshot as he stared at the screen, scrolling through endless pieces of information, looking for any clue that could lead him to Isabella.
His mind was a chaotic whirl of guilt, betrayal, worry, and love. He had promised to protect Isabella, and he had failed. Now, it had been more than ten agonising hours without any word from her, and he hadn't slept at all.
His phone buzzed, and he quickly picked it up, hoping for good news.
The call was from James, a seasoned veteran of the police force who had become a close and trusted friend to Alex over the years.
Though their paths had never crossed professionally, they had built a solid relationship through shared experiences and values. James's steady presence often provided Alex with support, but today even that felt hollow.
"Anything?" Alex asked, his voice cracking.
"Sorry, Alex, nothing yet," replied James, his voice filled with concern.
"We're doing everything we can. You know we won't stop until we find her."
"Dammit, James, we need to find her!" Alex's voice rose in desperation.
"I know, I know. We'll keep looking. You have to trust us."
"Trust?" Alex spat the word as if it tasted foul.
"I broke my promise to her. I promised I'd protect her, and now she's gone."
"Alex, you can't blame yourself. We'll find her," James tried to reassure him, but Alex was beyond consolation.
"And Amy... I promised her too," Alex choked out, feeling the weight of his broken vows.
"Amy? Who's Amy?" James questioned, confusion clear in his voice.
"It's... it doesn't matter. Just someone else I let down," Alex stammered, the words tumbling out in a jumble of stress and guilt.
"Alex, focus. We will find Isabella. I promise you that," James said firmly, his voice filled with assurance.
"Whatever else is going on, whatever you're dealing with concerning this Amy person, you can take care of it once we find Isabella. Right now, that's what matters."
Alex took a deep breath, trying to centre himself. James was right; finding Isabella had to be his priority. The rest would have to wait.
"You're right, James. Thank you. Keep me updated, please," Alex said, his voice steadier.
"Of course. We're on it, Alex. We'll find her," James repeated, his tone confident.
Alex hung up the phone, his mind still a storm of conflicting emotions. But he knew that James was right. He had to focus on finding Isabella.
