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 spoke, "Mr. Hoffis, it's already

dimly lit room, exuding

his watch. Although he had discreetly eaten dinner earlier, his thoughts were with his loving wife at

Even though the extra pay was a welcome bonus, it did little to lift his

is something troubling you? Can I assist with

standing stiffly as he let Elio pass. Once Elio was a few

drive home, Elio stayed silent, his expression stony as

decided to broach

at him,

throat tightened, his back rigid as a shiver of cold sweat

trouble have been sparked by the film he sent to

more Sean thought about it, the more agitated he became. "Mr. Hoffis, women can be quite sensitive. A clear explanation might help her understand. If not, I could speak to