My Mirror Image

Chapter 180

Candice hesitated momentarily upon learning of the new occupants but soon regained her composure.

She headed to her room to gather her belongings.

Joe’s possessions had been packed in a single box.

She made sure nothing was left behind before beginning to pack her own things.

The apartment had been a gift from Alex when Candice’s job had become stable. She used to live in an

old house in Northdale. Alex had noticed her inconvenient commute and insisted she move into the

Vestry Residence.

Candice had resided there for six years. Although she had many belongings, only a few were truly

hers, fitting neatly into one box and two suitcases.

The majority of the items in the apartment were Alex’s–his casually abandoned clothes and ties, the

hangover remedy she kept for him, his preferred perfume, his chosen cufflinks, his wine glass, and

several other personal items.

Alex’s presence could be felt throughout the apartment.

Once she finished packing, the room looked barren. She realized even the decorations mirrored Alex’s

preferences.

She felt like a guest in someone else’s home. Now that her presence was unwelcome, it was time to

depart. She thought it was appropriate. After all, ruminating on it no longer served any purpose.

Candice prepared to move her boxes, but Hanley stepped in front of her.

In a soft tone, he offered, “Let me carry that for you.”

He picked up the box without waiting for her answer.

The box was heavy as it was laden with books.

Candice offered to help take it downstairs.

Hanley playfully raised his eyebrows and quipped, “Do I seem incapable?”

Recalling how effortlessly he had lifted her in Stugan and managed heavy items, she said nothing

more.

As they exited, the sounds of the movers handling the furniture filled the air.

Candice wasn’t particularly attached to these Items. The large sofa in the living room was

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impromptu movie night ideas.

In essence, the apartment’s decor catered to Alex’s tastes, not hers.

After placing her belongings in Hanley’s car, he asked, “Where should we go?”

“Can you take me to Northdale?”

Hanley loaded the boxes into his vehicle.

Candice’s car was left at the hotel.

He didn’t probe her reasons for visiting Northdale, simply driving there as directed.

They navigated the narrow, modest streets of the older city area. Hanley was adept at driving. He

skillfully maneuvered past haphazardly parked bikes to park smoothly outside Candice’s house.

Looking around, Hanley asked with a puzzled frown, “Why are you here?”

Exiting the car, Candice responded, “This is where I grew up.” Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

Despite Joe’s yearly upkeep, having been empty for years, the old house was blanketed in dust.

The dustiness wasn’t as noticeable when Candice last visited with Joe at night.

Hanley followed her in. His disapproval was clear from the outset.

Surveying the house, he remarked, “This place isn’t suitable for living right now.”

Candice concurred, “I know. I didn’t plan on moving in immediately.”

The aging electrical system in the old house was a significant safety concern and required a

professional inspection.

Candice thought about moving to a new house, yet she hesitated to embrace a new environment.

Staying in her old home appeared more appealing, especially since there was no risk of eviction.

She addressed Hanley. “I might have to remain here a bit longer. You can leave if you have other

matters to attend to.”

Hanley responded, “There’s no hurry. My schedule is clear today.”

Entering the house, he remarked, “Aging electrical systems are common in old houses

the electrical panel?”

“Do you understand electrical work?”

“Sure, I’ve handled it quite a bit in the past.”

Where’s

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Candice observed that Hanley was direct in his communication, always focusing on the essential.

points without excessive words.

She guided him to the electrical panel. While he worked on it, she went out to purchase cleaning

supplies and began cleaning the house.

It was a daunting task to clean a house that had been vacant for so long.

Candice dedicated a long time to just cleaning a table.

Thankfully, the plumbing was still in working order..

Hanley happened to stroll in as her phone rang.

Candice cleaned her hands before answering.

Yana asked cheerfully. “Candy, where are you?”

Candice paused before revealing. “I’m in Northdale.”

“Why are you in distant Northdale?” Yana sounded upset. Yana was dissatisfied. She murmured

under her breath, “I need you to get me. I’ve been drinking and can’t drive home.”

Amidst Yana’s grumbling and background laughter, Candice asked, “Where are you now?”

“Club Eden.”

Candice had heard of Club Eden, a hip new pub. Even still, it was risky for a girl to drink alone in a bar.

Hanley scowled when she told him.

When the two arrived at Club Eden, they saw Yana seated at the bar, surrounded by two men. She was

speaking and laughing with them, nonchalantly kicking her legs as if to keep the men at a

distance.

“Yana,” Candice called gently.

Yana turned around when she heard her voice. Her fake grin became genuine. “Sorry, my friends are

here,” she told those men. “Maybe next time.”

The men exchanged glances before leaving, clearly disappointed.

Yana stood there watching them leave before turning to the pair and grumbling. “You have no ideal

tot

how annoying those two were. If I hadn’t been alone today, I wouldn’t have had to waste so much time

chatting with them.”

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YONG GAMBINI (A. She then descended from her stool gracefully, despite her high heels.

CANTICA WAS CONVissi that she might trip and reached out to offer her help.

Yana abruptly shitted her care to the pait, She examined them and asked, “Be honest, were your

boro on a dabe JUST ISOW?”

Several others entered through the door as she talked.

Lex it’s my birthday today, Slee said casually, “I have been waiting for you to start the celebration, if you

don’t make it, I’ll be upset.”

Alex replied in a detached tone, “You didn’t have to wait.”

Sieg retorted, “That’s not cool man. We’re brothers. Why did you head off to Noxville all of a

sudden?