The Wrong Woman

After their intimate time together, Candice, overcome with embarrassment, hastily dressed while Elio was bewildered. She practically sprinted away from the room.

"Candice..." Elio called out. He couldn't go after her as he wasn't fully dressed yet.

She dashed out of the office and into the elevator, gasping for breath. Upon returning to the design department, Vanessa hurried over and leaned forward with her hands on Candice's table. Vanessa's gaze fell upon Candice's flushed face and slightly swollen lips.

"Candice, what happened? Why are you so red? Did you have lunch?"

Candice avoided Vanessa's gaze, looking down sheepishly. "Yes, I did. Just by myself."

"I didn't see you in the cafeteria! And you usually take only half an hour for lunch. Why did it take you over an hour today?"

"I-I didn't eat at the company cafeteria. I went somewhere... far."

Vanessa lightly smacked Candice's hand with a hint of displeasure. "Candice, why didn't you bring me along if you found a great spot?"

wisp of hair behind her ear. "Next time. I'll definitely take you

Vanessa exclaimed,

looked at

behind her ear close to her neck. Then, she questioned, "Why's there a

Vanessa

feigned annoyance. "Don't talk nonsense. I-I scratched

mosquito bite or a hickey. Moreover, Candice's bashful expression was unmistakable. Her face was ablaze with redness, and her eyes

you sure you don't have feelings

stop trying to set us up,"

shrugged and mumbled disappointedly, "Alright then. I'll let Wendell know he

her a faint smile. "That's something

that, she turned on her computer and

feeling the drag of boredom, Vanessa slumped back into her chair and rested her head on the desk, intending

ringing of Candice's phone broke the silence. It was Elio calling. A wave of awkwardness and embarrassment swept over her, and she found herself at a loss for how