The Wrong Woman

"Where's Candice," asked Elio.

"Mr. Hoffis, Candice just left with her bag," the employee replied respectfully.

Without a word, Elio turned and dashed toward the elevator, jabbing the button impatiently. As he watched the floor numbers shift slowly, he pulled out his phone and dialed Candice's number.

He listened to the connecting tone for a while before the call suddenly dropped. He dialed again, only for Candice to disconnect once more. After the third attempt ended in the same manner, he gave up resignedly.

By the time Elio made it outside the first-floor lobby, Candice was nowhere to be found. Feeling dejected, he returned upstairs. He was distracted all day, unable to concentrate on his work.

As night descended, the neon lights from outside illuminated Elio through the glass window. He stood by the window staring at the night sky with his hands in his pockets.

The bustling street below sharply contrasted with the emptiness he felt inside. He couldn't fathom why Candice had behaved this way.

office door. Sean cautiously entered and spoke, "Mr. Hoffis, it's already 10:00 pm.

lit room,

his watch. Although he had discreetly eaten dinner earlier, his thoughts were with his loving wife at home, eagerly waiting for him to

Even though the extra pay was a welcome bonus, it did little to lift his

"Mr. Hoffis, is something troubling you? Can

standing stiffly as he let Elio pass. Once Elio was a few steps ahead, Sean timidly

stony as he stared out

finally decided to broach the subject. "Mr. Hoffis, is it because Ms. Morrison has been ignoring

him, his gaze

back rigid as a shiver of cold sweat broke out on his forehead. It

trouble have been sparked by the film he sent to Elio? Was

more Sean thought about it, the more agitated he became. "Mr. Hoffis, women can be quite sensitive. A clear explanation might help her understand. If

back and heaved out a deep sigh as he closed his eyes. After a moment, he asked weakly, "Sean, if a woman is willing