The Wrong Woman

"Candice, something's wrong! You're not on the confirmation list!" Vanessa Yates, shifting her office chair closer, urgently whispered to Candice, "Hurry and check the email. Your name isn't there." Candice's beautiful face instantly fell. In disbelief, she grabbed her mouse and clicked open the company email.

She murmured to herself, "That's impossible. I passed the three-month evaluation, and my design was selected for the next season's collection. Why isn't my name there?"

Vanessa, equally perplexed, suggested, "I don't know why. You should ask the director."

Candice scanned the email again. Every intern's name was listed except hers.

Vanessa leaned in, frustration in her voice. "This is unfair. You've been the best performer among the interns. Why is your name missing?"

Candice released the mouse and clenched her fists, her eyes welling up. It wasn't just about the job; she knew she could find work elsewhere.

stung was the excellence she had consistently shown, earning praise from colleagues and superiors, making her conversion to a permanent position

only one to vanish from the confirmation list of the four interns.

as she grappled with the realization that the man she

caressed her back and tried to comfort her. "Candice, you should speak with the

a deep breath and shook her head. "It's not the

efficiency, capability, talent, and even looks,

bitter smile,

widened in realization. "Does the CEO have a

Candice sighed softly, "Maybe."

sunset bathed the world in a beautiful, soft red hue. A luxury car pulled up in front of her. Seeing it, Candice forced

door opened, and a handsome young man stepped out, his warm smile radiant. "Candice, I'm here to pick you

greeted with a faint

affectionately patted her head. "Was work