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

+15 BONOS

impromptu movie night ideas.

apartment’s decor catered to

placing her belongings in Hanley’s car, he asked,

me to

loaded the boxes

left at the hotel.

for visiting Northdale, simply

streets of the older city area. Hanley was adept at driving. He skillfully maneuvered past

puzzled

Candice responded, “This is where I grew

upkeep, having been empty for years, the

as noticeable when Candice last visited with Joe

her in. His disapproval was clear from

he remarked, “This place isn’t suitable for living

I didn’t plan on

old house was a significant safety concern and

yet she hesitated to embrace a new environment. Staying in her old home

have to remain here a bit

attend to.”

responded, “There’s no hurry. My schedule is clear today.”

he remarked, “Aging electrical systems are common in old

the electrical panel?”

understand electrical

quite a bit in the past.”

Where’s

+15 BONOS

his

excessive

While he worked on it,

cleaning

task to clean a house that had been vacant for so long.

dedicated a long time to

plumbing was still

in as her phone

her hands before

“Candy, where are

before revealing.

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