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."

With urgency, she grabbed her phone and dialed Sean's number.

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

with his clothing

Hoffis is drunk?" Sean exclaimed, caught off

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

I doubt he'll even bother changing out of his

I'll head over right away," Sean assured, swiftly abandoning his bed and rushing over

chimed, Candice hurried to

greeted by the sight of Elio still clad in his soaked

an arm around Elio's shoulders, guiding him

joined in, taking hold

assisted Elio into his room and carefully laid

couldn't help but exchange

end up so intoxicated and drenched?

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

between Elio and Candice was

considerations-matters that Sean wasn't at liberty

Candice's inquiry, Sean respectfully proposed, "Ms Candice, would you mind stepping out for a moment?