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.

entered and spoke, "Mr. Hoffis, it's already 10:00 pm. Are you heading

figure seemed isolated in the dimly lit room,

thoughts were with his

night. Even though the extra pay was a welcome bonus, it

Hoffis, is something troubling you? Can

but walked out with purposeful strides. Sean quickly stepped to the side, standing stiffly as he let Elio pass. Once Elio was a few steps ahead,

home, Elio stayed silent, his expression stony as he stared out

wheel. After much internal debate, he finally decided to broach the subject. "Mr. Hoffis, is it because

him, his

shiver of cold sweat broke out on his forehead. It

the film he sent to Elio? Was his job

he became. "Mr. Hoffis, women can be quite sensitive. A clear explanation might help her understand. If not, I could speak to her