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CHAPTER- 60 Missing Without a Trace

ESTELLA'S POV

I am eating my dinner while watching my favorite TV show. Ian and Charlotte went on a date today, and Dr. Vincent is busy attending seminars in Paris. Alaric is away on a business trip to Switzerland for two months. He went there to look after a new hotel project that is just starting. Since Ian and Alaric are business partners, Ian stayed back in New York to take care of their other work.

After finishing my dinner, I decided to go to bed. Just as I was about to leave the kitchen, the doorbell rang. I thought it was strange since it was late at night. I went to check the door, but when I opened it, no one was there.

Feeling a little weird, I turned around to go back inside and close the door. But then, the doorbell rang again! This time, I thought it might be Charlotte playing a prank on me. So, I decided to check near the main gate and look around.

I called out Charlotte's name, but there was no answer. The surroundings were quiet, and I couldn't see anyone. Now, I started to feel scared and worried. I quickly turned to go back inside, but suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in my head. Everything went black, and I fell to the ground.

AUTHOR'S POV

Late in the midnight, Charlotte and Ian reached the house after finishing their dinner. Ian walked Charlotte to the front door to make sure she got inside safely. As they reached the door, they shared a quick kiss, both smiling softly. 

Ian reached to ring the doorbell, but Charlotte gently grabbed his arm and whispered, "Babe, stop. Don't ring the bell. It's already late, and Estella might be sleeping. I don't want to disturb her. She has an early morning shift."

Ian nodded, understanding her concern. Charlotte took her keys out of her purse to unlock the door. But just as she was about to put the key in, she noticed something strange—the door was already slightly open.

"Ian, the door is open," Charlotte said, her voice filled with worry.

Ian shrugged, trying to calm her down. "Maybe Estella forgot to lock it. It's a small mistake, love. It happens."

Charlotte shook her head, frowning. "No, Estella never forgets to lock the door. I might forget sometimes, but she always remembers."

"Love, I think you're worrying too much. Everyone makes mistakes. Maybe she was just tired," Ian replied gently.

Charlotte took a deep breath, trying to relax. "Maybe you're right," she said, though she still felt a strange feeling in her stomach. They went inside, and as they entered, Charlotte immediately noticed that the TV was still on. The living room was a bit messy, with dishes on the table and Estella's phone lying there.

She felt a shiver of worry as she scanned the room. "Ian, something's not right. Estella's phone is here, and the main door was open. She wouldn't just leave her phone behind."

"Let's check her room," Ian suggested, sensing her worry.

Charlotte nodded and hurried to Estella's room. She knocked, then opened the door—only to find it empty. She quickly looked around, checking for any signs of where Estella might have gone, but there was nothing.

"Babe, Estella's not here!" Charlotte called out, her voice filled with fear.

Ian joined her, trying to think of a logical explanation. "Maybe she's in another room or maybe even in the bathroom. Let's look."

They checked every room in the house, but Estella was nowhere to be found. Charlotte's worry grew stronger. She turned to Ian, tears beginning to fill her eyes.