My Mirror Image

Chapter 0180

Candice hesitated momentarily upon learning of the new occupants but soon regained her composure. She headed to her room to gather her belongings.

Joe’s possessions had been packed in a single box.

She made sure nothing was left behind before beginning to pack her own things.

The apartment had been a gift from Alex when Candice’s job had become stable. She used to live in an old house in Northdale. Alex had noticed her inconvenient commute and insisted she move into the Vestry Residence.

Candice had resided there for six years. Although she had many belongings, only a few were truly hers, fitting neatly into one box and two suitcases.

The majority of the items in the apartment were Alex’s–his casually abandoned clothes and ties, the hangover remedy she kept for him, his preferred perfume, his chosen cufflinks, his wine glass, and several other personal items.

Alex’s presence could be felt throughout the apartment.

Once she finished packing, the room looked barren. She realized even the decorations mirrored Alex’s preferences.

She felt like a guest in someone else’s home. Now that her presence was unwelcome, it was time to depart. She thought it was appropriate. After all, ruminating on it no longer served any purpose.

Candice prepared to move her boxes, but Hanley stepped in front of her.

In a soft tone, he offered, “Let me carry that for you.”

He picked up the box without waiting for her answer.

The box was heavy as it was laden with books.

Candice offered to help take it downstairs.

Hanley playfully raised his eyebrows and quipped, “Do I seem incapable?”

Recalling how effortlessly he had lifted her in Stugan and managed heavy items, she said nothing

more.

As they exited, the sounds of the movers handling the furniture filled the air.

Candice wasn’t particularly attached to these Items. The large sofa in the living room was

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impromptu movie night ideas.

apartment’s decor catered to Alex’s tastes,

Hanley’s car, he asked, “Where should we

me to Northdale?”

boxes

car was left at

probe her reasons for visiting Northdale, simply driving there

the narrow, modest streets of the older city area. Hanley was adept at driving. He skillfully maneuvered past haphazardly parked bikes to

puzzled frown, “Why are you here?”

“This is where I

upkeep, having been empty for years, the

dustiness wasn’t as noticeable when Candice last visited with Joe at night.

His disapproval was clear from the outset.

“This place isn’t suitable for living

I didn’t plan on moving

system in the old house was a significant safety concern and required a professional inspection.

a new house, yet she hesitated to embrace a new environment. Staying in

have to remain here a bit longer. You can leave if you have

attend

hurry. My schedule is

remarked, “Aging electrical

the electrical panel?”

you understand electrical

quite a bit in the past.”

Where’s

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direct in his communication, always focusing

excessive words.

him to the electrical panel. While he worked on it, she went out to purchase

cleaning the house.

to clean a house that had

dedicated a long time to just cleaning

plumbing was still in working

to stroll in as her phone rang.

cleaned her hands before

“Candy,

paused before revealing. “I’m

are you in distant Northdale?” Yana sounded upset. Yana was dissatisfied.