My Mirror Image

Chapter 0179

+15 BONOS

Candice was about to discuss a project with Hanley when Nadia’s uncontrollable laughter Interrupted them.

Nadia was struggling to suppress her giggles. She remarked. “You’re one of a kind. Candice. I bet you’re the first woman to ever speak to my boss like that.”

“Is there something wrong?” Candice asked hesitantly.

“No, no, not at all. It just sounded like you were putting him in the friend zone,” Nadia replied, still chuckling.

Candice chose not to respond, ignoring the joke.

Hanley was typically reserved and also didn’t respond to Nadia’s jesting.

“I have some blueprints to finish,” he stated as he gave Candice a bottle of water from the table. If you find them too loud and want to read quietly, there are books in the study.”

Candice stood up and asked, “Is there anything I can do for you? I recall you mentioning that you required help organizing some materials.” She took the water bottle from Hanley and said gently.” I’ve been sidetracked from work recently. Let me help with whatever you need.”

Nadia and Ryan exchanged knowing looks and laughed, “No need for help, we just wanted your company.”

Yet, when Nadia finished, Hanley chimed in. “Actually, there are quite a few materials in the study.”

Candice nodded and proceeded to the study.

Nadia’s expression turned sour as soon as Candice walked away.

“Boss, how could you not see that Candice is upset?” She asked, her face a mix of frustration and anxiety.

“Help me with the framing project we began earlier,” Hanley directed Ryan.

He dismissed Nadia’s anxiety and left her to grumble.

Candice discovered a mound of materials in the study. After failing to function well for several days, it took her some time to get back into the swing of things.

The door was ajar, and she could hear Nadia and the others chatting outside.

+15 BONOS

the setting. The sounds from outside went away as she became drowsy, and fell asleep.

had a deep slumber–a rare dreamless sleep.

could

being underneath her. As she moved, a blanket

momentarily

the living

a few familiar faces from

appeared to be discussing something, sitting casually

and

her,

Candice forced Hanley to look up from his position. His casual, unbuttoned work clothes.

to his

still in a meeting?”

we wake

several restless days, Candice

her and decided,

was already 3.30 a.m. Some were too exhausted to stay awake

opportunity to leave.

gestured towards the stairs and said, “Our room is the second

hand and remained stationary. “I planned to help

up dozing off.”

no rush,” Hanley said.

realized Hanley’s reason for allowing her to

consented readily. It seemed to be his way of helping

looked at Hanley with genuine gratitude.

*15 BONOS

became slightly rigid, and he frowned subtly. “There’s no need for

with me.”

from her deep sleep, Candice quipped, “Does it bother you that I’m friend

a bit as he noted,

the spare toiletries available downstairs, Candice headed to her

room, a large bed awaited

already fallen asleep and had thoughtfully left an extra blanket

succumbed to sleep again.