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."

into the bedroom. With urgency,

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

the living room with his clothing soaked

Hoffis is drunk?" Sean exclaimed,

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,

alcohol has muddled his thoughts, and I doubt he'll even bother changing out of his wet clothes. Could you please come

swiftly abandoning his bed and rushing over in

chimed, Candice hurried to answer

greeted by the sight of Elio still clad in his

gently, he draped an arm around Elio's shoulders, guiding

Candice joined in, taking hold

into his room and

he couldn't help but

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

that disclosing even

the relationship between Elio and Candice was intricate, with hardly any chance of

considerations-matters that Sean wasn't

Candice, would you mind stepping out for