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 Alex’s

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

you take me to

boxes

was left

didn’t probe her reasons for visiting Northdale, simply driving there as directed.

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

with a puzzled frown,

Candice responded, “This is where I grew

yearly upkeep, having been empty for years, the old house was blanketed

noticeable when Candice last visited with Joe at

in. His disapproval was clear

place isn’t suitable for living right now.”

didn’t plan on moving in immediately.”

a significant safety concern and required

hesitated to embrace a new environment. Staying in her old home appeared more appealing,

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

to attend

“There’s no hurry. My schedule

“Aging electrical systems are common in

the electrical panel?”

you understand

a bit in the past.”

Where’s

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Hanley was direct in his communication, always focusing on the essential.

without excessive words.

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

and began cleaning

was a daunting task to clean a house that had

long time to just cleaning a

was still

happened to stroll in as her phone

cleaned her hands

cheerfully. “Candy, where are

revealing.

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