The Wrong Woman

"Where's Candice," asked Elio.

"Mr. Hoffis, Candice just left with her bag," the employee replied respectfully.

Without a word, Elio turned and dashed toward the elevator, jabbing the button impatiently. As he watched the floor numbers shift slowly, he pulled out his phone and dialed Candice's number.

He listened to the connecting tone for a while before the call suddenly dropped. He dialed again, only for Candice to disconnect once more. After the third attempt ended in the same manner, he gave up resignedly.

By the time Elio made it outside the first-floor lobby, Candice was nowhere to be found. Feeling dejected, he returned upstairs. He was distracted all day, unable to concentrate on his work.

As night descended, the neon lights from outside illuminated Elio through the glass window. He stood by the window staring at the night sky with his hands in his pockets.

The bustling street below sharply contrasted with the emptiness he felt inside. He couldn't fathom why Candice had behaved this way.

cautiously entered and

silent. His figure seemed isolated in the dimly lit room, exuding a chill that discouraged

he had discreetly eaten dinner earlier, his thoughts were with his loving wife at home, eagerly waiting for

planned on working overtime again that night. Even though the extra pay was a welcome bonus, it

asked, "Mr. Hoffis, is something troubling

stepped to the side, standing stiffly as he let Elio

as he stared out the window at the scenery passing

internal debate, he finally decided to broach the subject. "Mr.

to look at him, his gaze piercing and

rigid as a shiver of cold sweat broke out on

film he sent to Elio? Was his

quite sensitive. A clear explanation might help her understand. If not, I could speak to her on your behalf,"