POV: SEBASTIAN

"Can you double-check the address? Is it correct?" I asked Toni, one of my employees who occasionally helps out by driving when I'm swamped with work or just not in the mood to drive.

Toni glanced back briefly from the driver's seat. "The invitation clearly states it, and this is the right address."

I offered a faint smile at his response and looked out the window at a house bearing the number we were searching for.

"Sir, would you like to get out now, or...?" Toni inquired as he pulled the car over to the curb, awaiting my next instruction.

Despite our ages being only months apart, Toni insists on calling me 'sir,' even after I've told him it's unnecessary. He once explained, "We might be the same age, but I work for you. It's only proper for an employee to address their superior respectfully."

Toni is one of my favorite employees. He's honest, courteous, and always takes responsibility for his work. What I appreciate most is that he doesn't try to curry favor; he genuinely loves his job, which, as his boss, makes me very pleased.

"Maybe we should grab some lunch first. Any suggestions on what to eat?" I asked, noticing Toni seemed lost in thought.

"Oh, sorry, sir. What did you say?" He snapped out of his reverie, confirming my suspicion that he was daydreaming.

"You seem distracted. What's on your mind?"

He chuckled softly, "Just hungry, sir."

"That's why I asked if you had any food suggestions."

"No specific ideas, sir. Perhaps we should find the nearest place to eat to save time."

"Good idea. Let's do that."

Upon my instruction, Toni started the car and continued down the relatively quiet street.

After a short drive, we chose a bustling restaurant that seemed popular with locals.

--

**At the Restaurant

Toni patted his stomach, "Full tank. Thanks, sir."

I managed a smile. My plate was only half-empty; I couldn't fully enjoy the meal. Despite the restaurant's popularity and Toni's evident satisfaction with his food, my mind was elsewhere. I was genuinely hungry, but my thoughts were too preoccupied.

"Sir? Sir?" Toni called out, noticing my distraction. "Looks like it's your turn to daydream." He laughed lightly.

I cleared my throat, trying to shift the mood. "If you're done, let's head back to that address."

"Yes, sir," he responded, reverting to his formal tone.

--

The GPS had led us to a narrow, winding street lined with charming, ivy-covered townhouses. Each looked remarkably similar, with ornate iron gates and pastel-colored facades. The house numbers were either missing or obscured by overgrown vines.

"This can't be right," I muttered, squinting at the faded numbers. "Are we sure this is the place?"

Toni leaned over to check the GPS again. "According to this, we've arrived. But these numbers are all over the place."

We decided to park and investigate on foot. The cobblestone street was uneven, and the afternoon sun cast long shadows, making it harder to discern the numbers.

After knocking on several doors and receiving polite but unhelpful responses, we were no closer to finding the correct address. Frustration mounted as the day wore on.

Finally, a local shopkeeper took pity on us. "Ah, you're looking for that house? It's actually around the corner, behind the main street. The entrance is through the alleyway next to the bakery."

Thanking him profusely, we followed his directions and, after a few more twists and turns, finally stood before the elusive house. The number matched the one on the invitation, and a sense of relief washed over us.

About ten minutes later, Toni parked the car at the same spot as before.

"Would you like to go in alone, or should I accompany you?" Toni offered.

"It's better if you come along. I might lose my temper, and having you there could help me stay focused."

"Understood, sir."

He quickly unbuckled his seatbelt, and we both exited the car, with Toni locking the doors behind us.

"After you, sir. I'll be right behind you," Toni said, letting me lead the way to the house.

With mixed emotions, I approached the door, hoping this time we'd find Sylvia. Even the private investigators I'd hired had trouble locating her.

A middle-aged woman answered after I knocked.

"Can I help you?" she asked, giving me a quick once-over.

"Is this the address listed here?" I showed her the invitation on my phone. She leaned in to look, squinting slightly.

"Yes, this is the correct address," she confirmed as I put my phone away.

"Do you have any relation to the bride?" I asked impatiently.

"No, I don't know her personally. Our relationship was strictly business."

I frowned, confused. "Could you clarify what you mean?"

She sighed, "Perhaps you both should come in. It's not ideal to discuss this at the door."

Toni and I followed her inside.

"Please, have a seat. I'll get you something to drink."

"No need to trouble yourself, ma'am. We've just had lunch," I interjected with a smile.

"Just some chamomile tea; it's no trouble at all. Please, sit down."

She returned shortly with a tray holding two cups of tea and some snacks.

"Please, help yourselves," she offered warmly. Toni and I thanked her in unison.

"Regarding your earlier question, I have no special connection to the woman in the invitation. I simply rented out my house. It's often used for filming movies, music videos, and commercials."

I glanced around. The house indeed had an aesthetic that would appeal to filmmakers.

"So, she just rented this place?"

She nodded. "She also hired some actors. I assumed they were shooting a short film about a wedding."

She clicked her tongue, looking annoyed. "Had I known, I would've declined. A while back, her husband came here and nearly wrecked my house. Thankfully, some crew members were around to help me."

I sighed. That must've been the shameless old man.

"Do you happen to have contact information for any of the actors she hired?"

"Of course. Just a moment."([lernu.net][1])

She retrieved her phone and read out several numbers for me to contact.

"Try calling one of these. Maybe they can provide more information."

After expressing our gratitude, Toni and I set off to the new address provided by one of the actors I managed to reach.

**"