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.

a knock echoed through the office door. Sean cautiously entered and spoke,

dimly lit room, exuding a chill that discouraged anyone from

his thoughts were with his loving wife at home, eagerly waiting for him to return

again that night. Even though the extra pay was a welcome bonus, it did little

asked, "Mr. Hoffis, is something troubling

side, standing stiffly as he let Elio pass. Once

as he stared out the window at the scenery

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

look at him, his gaze piercing and

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

sparked by the film he sent to

can be quite sensitive. A clear explanation might help her understand. If not, I could speak to her

he asked weakly, "Sean, if a woman is willing to sleep with you, does that mean she's interested in you?" "Of course,"