The Wrong Woman

Elio's deep voice softly pronounced her name. "Candice."

Perplexed, Candice responded, "Yes?"

"Candice," he called out once more.

"I'm here, right beside you. What's wrong?" Candice replied patiently.

"Candice, Candice..." Elio's voice grew heavier, infused with a sense of desolation. As he continued, his eyes reddened further, his gaze gradually drifting away. Observing Elio's condition, Candice felt utterly bewildered.

She had been by his side the whole time, so why was he repeatedly calling her name without providing any further explanation?

Was he intoxicated?

With a bitter twist to his lips, Elio struggled to speak, his words slow and labored. "Ca... Can... dice."

Concern etched on her face, Candice leaned closer. Meeting his gaze, she reassured him. "I'm here."

Elio stole a glance at her, offering a faint smile before reclining further back on the sofa. With his eyes closed, he murmured, "You've intruded into my dreams once more." "What?" Candice couldn't quite grasp his meaning. Intrigued, she leaned in closer and asked, "Elio, what are you trying to tell me?"

"Candice."

"Why do you keep calling my name? Just tell me what's on your mind!" Candice urged, growing impatient.

"C... an... dice."

urgency, she grabbed her phone and dialed Sean's number. Sean answered the call sluggishly, his voice still

guilt washed over Candice as she began, "I apologize for disturbing you, Mr. Lowe, but it appears

seated in the living room with his clothing soaked through. I'm genuinely

drunk?" Sean exclaimed, caught off

he managed to become intoxicated and still not changed out of his wet attire? With a touch of apprehension, Candice elaborated, "Yes, once he saw me, he kept calling my name,

and I doubt he'll even bother changing out of his wet clothes. Could you please come over and lend

over right away," Sean assured, swiftly abandoning

chimed, Candice

by the sight of Elio still clad in his soaked garments.

around

Candice joined in, taking hold of Elio's other

his room and carefully laid him down on

up, he couldn't help but exchange

did he end up so

Elio's sentiments, he was aware that disclosing even a hint of them was

was intricate, with hardly any chance of

his own considerations-matters that Sean wasn't at liberty to

Candice, would you mind stepping out for