The Wrong Woman

"Where's Candice," asked Elio.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

"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.

Suddenly, a knock echoed through the office door. Sean cautiously entered and spoke, "Mr. Hoffis, it's already 10:00 pm. Are you heading home soon?"

Elio remained silent. His figure seemed isolated in the dimly lit room, exuding a chill that discouraged anyone from drawing near.

Sean checked his watch. Although he had discreetly eaten dinner earlier, his thoughts were with his loving wife at home, eagerly waiting for him to return and warm their bed together.

He hadn't planned on working overtime again that night. Even though the extra pay was a welcome bonus, it did little to lift his spirits.

Fearfully, he asked, "Mr. Hoffis, is something troubling you? Can I assist with anything?"

Elio didn't reply but walked out with purposeful strides. Sean quickly stepped to the side, standing stiffly as he let Elio pass. Once Elio was a few steps ahead, Sean timidly followed.

On the drive home, Elio stayed silent, his expression stony as he stared out the window at the scenery passing by.

Sean was behind the wheel. After much internal debate, he finally decided to broach the subject. "Mr. Hoffis, is it because Ms. Morrison has been ignoring you?"

Elio turned to look at him, his gaze piercing and cold.

Sean's throat tightened, his back rigid as a shiver of cold sweat broke out on his forehead. It looked like his hunch was right.

Could the trouble have been sparked by the film he sent to Elio? Was his job now at risk?

The 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 not, I could speak to her on your behalf," he suggested anxiously.

Elio leaned back and heaved out a deep sigh as he closed his eyes. After a moment, he asked weakly, "Sean, if a woman is willing to sleep with you, does that mean she's interested in you?" "Of course," Sean replied firmly.

"But what does it mean if she starts ignoring you afterward?" Elio questioned. He had never been in a relationship and was baffled by Candice's actions. He struggled to understand her behavior. Sean was taken aback by the question and asked, "Why would she ignore me afterward? Does it have something to do with my skills in bed?"

Elio's face fell into a frown.

"Maybe I did something to upset her?" Sean speculated.

Elio remained silent.

Sean shifted his focus and said, "Mr.

Hoffis, if it were me, any woman who chose to sleep with me must find something appealing about me-either my personality or my looks because I certainly don't have money or power. But for you, it's different."

He paused, then continued to analyze cautiously. "With you, Mr Hoffis, the reasons could be numerous. If she's your subordinate, we have to consider that it could be seen as workplace harassment."