Chapter 3

Brett simply picked up the tablet from the table and handed it to me.

There it was, clearly logged into an account named 'Serene Waters'.

The contact list only had myself.

And the messages? Just a few missed calls from my own number.

My legs completely gave out, and I crumpled to the floor.

Cold sweat trickled down my back.

Seeing my state, Brett quickly poured me a glass of hot water.

"Aurora, what's going on?"

Under his worried gaze,

I recounted every strange thing that had happened tonight, plain as day.

The more he listened, the deeper his frown became.

I couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh: "You're not going to tell me I'm an orphan too, are you?"

But he took my hand earnestly.

And shook his head.

"Of course not! You've always had a happy home."

"Didn't we just meet both our parents last month to discuss our engagement?"

"The photos we took are still on my phone."

He opened his photo album.

Sure enough, there was a picture of our two families together. No one was missing.

I held the phone, staring at the picture again and again.

My smile was uglier than any cry.

But if my family was still here, why did they disappear into that bathroom?

"Your mom and dad probably just went out for something."

"Look, their shoes are by the door. They must have left."

I followed the direction of his finger.

Three pairs of shoes were neatly lined up by the entrance.

My heart finally settled.

"But Allison said…"

I tapped open my best friend's chat again.

Two voice messages popped up:

"Haha, Aurora, were you scared by what I said on the phone earlier?"

"I was just playing Truth or Dare!"

Brett stood up.

"See? I told you. There must have been some misunderstanding with your neighbor too. Don't worry."

Finally, I started to smile through my tears.

But the next second, Brett actually walked straight towards the bathroom:

"I've been driving for hours. I need to use the restroom."

Those words made my nerves instantly tense again.

I immediately blocked his way.

"You can't go in there!"

Brett paused, then gently, soothingly, said, "Baby, didn't we just clear up all the misunderstandings?"

"I really gotta go. How about you come with me and check it out?"

After a few seconds of hesitation, I nodded.

I desperately wanted to know if there was something wrong with that bathroom.

We pushed the door open. The bathroom was spotless.

The bright light streamed down, making it seem perfectly normal.

I knocked on all four walls – solid. The window even had security bars installed.

Brett sounded like he was really holding it in, his voice exaggerated: "Can I use the bathroom now?"

I hadn't even replied before he gently pushed me out.

He quickly closed the door.

My heart hammered in my chest.

I paced anxiously, calling out his name every few seconds.

He replied each time, without annoyance.

After calling out dozens of times and still hearing his voice, I let out a long sigh of relief.

Looks like I was overthinking things.

When Mom and Dad get back, I'm definitely going to scold them for disappearing!

The sound of flushing came from inside the door.

I stared at the door, waiting for my boyfriend.

But the rushing water faded.

The light flickered, then went out with a snap.

No one walked out.

I shouted Brett's name again, loudly.

But the bathroom was utterly, eerily silent.

All the blood in my body instantly rushed backward.

I instinctively twisted the doorknob and rushed in.

Brett was standing perfectly fine in front of the sink, drying his hands, startled by my sudden entry!

His eyes widened.

I gasped, then complained, "Why did you turn off the light while drying your hands? You know you'd scare…"

The next second, he suddenly spoke:

"Who are you?"

"How did you get into my girlfriend's house!?"

Seeing Brett's unfamiliar gaze, my heart sank.

"This is my house! I'm your girlfriend!"

I was still trying to figure out how to explain.

But Brett's face darkened. He grabbed me and dragged me to the door.

"Whoever you are, get out of my girlfriend's house, or I'm calling 911!"

I shook my head frantically.

But he pulled out his phone and started dialing.

As we struggled, the sound of keys unlocking the front door suddenly echoed from outside.

The next second, Mom, Dad, and Skylar walked in, carrying several shopping bags.