The Wrong Woman

As Candice's mind continued to wander, her emotions weighed heavily on her.

She found herself in a perpetual battle to understand Elio's intentions, her mind engulfed by thoughts of him as she attempted to unravel his innermost feelings. Unable to hold back, Candice released a deep sigh.

Mervyn chuckled softly, remarking, "Look at that our carefree Candice, sighing just like the rest of us."

Snapping back to reality, Candice couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, it's strange. I don't know when it happened, but it seems I've picked up some worries too," she confessed. "It sounds like a sign of growing up," Mervyn observed.

With a playful pout, Candice muttered, "If growing up means having worries, I'd rather not grow up at all."

"Tell me, is something at work bothering you?" Mervyn asked, keeping his eyes on the road.

Candice shook her head, her mind preoccupied.

Mervyn's expression darkened slightly, his tone growing more serious. "Is it about relationships, then?"

At Mervyn's probing question, Candice lowered her head, nervously twisting the towel in her hands. She remained silent, unable to articulate her thoughts.

A somber expression crossed Mervyn's face, a trace of concern evident in his features.

share your feelings with me, I might not reciprocate?" Candice frowned at Mervyn's words. "Merv,

let out a nervous laugh, trying to

the hotel, he bid her farewell

discovered that Elio hadn't

room, seeking solace

into sketching designs to the backdrop of music. Minutes melded seamlessly into hours as Candice poured herself into her craft, eventually completing two

phone revealed the

Candice would have been in a deep sleep

rest seemed

C

PLAY YOUR

solely losing herself in music and sketches, it felt as though

her headphones, Candice quietly slipped

she turned the doorknob and discreetly

her surprise, the living room was illuminated by bright light, a

weariness, Candice finally gave in to the

just as she was about to retreat into her room and surrender to rest, a sudden clattering noise echoed from outside, catching her attention. Despite her initial hesitation, Candice decided to brave the unknown and opened the door, determined to investigate the source

living room,