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."

seriously drunk!" before quickly retreating into the bedroom. With urgency, she grabbed her phone and dialed Sean's number. Sean answered the call sluggishly, his voice still heavy

for disturbing you, Mr. Lowe, but

with his clothing soaked through. I'm

Mr. Hoffis is drunk?"

Elio perfectly fine when he was dropped off at the hotel just a short while ago? How had 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, as if he had something important to convey but couldn't articulate

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

assured, swiftly abandoning his

the doorbell chimed, Candice hurried to answer

sight of Elio still clad in his soaked garments. Witnessing

draped an arm around

her phone aside, Candice joined in, taking hold

into his room and carefully laid

up, he couldn't help but exchange

Candice inquired, "Wasn't he meant to attend the banquet? How did he end up so intoxicated and drenched? Didn't he have an umbrella?" Sean struggled to find a plausible

he was aware that disclosing even a hint of them was

the relationship between Elio and Candice was intricate,

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

respectfully proposed, "Ms Candice, would you mind stepping out for a moment? I'll assist Mr. Hoffis in changing out of his damp