Charles failed to catch Irene that night.

She disappeared through the villa's front gate. He later often thought, if only he had been a bit quicker that day. If only he had grabbed Irene's hand and not let her leave.

Irene did not return home.

Her phone number blocked him, and her social media only showed a red exclamation mark.

Charles drank outside her building for two days, but she never appeared.

Twenty years of blood relation felt as thin as paper.

Once she lost contact, he had no way of finding her.

He went to the hospital. The young doctor showed little expression, only sighing, "Find her as soon...