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."

exclaimed, "You're seriously drunk!" before quickly retreating into the bedroom. With urgency, she grabbed her phone and dialed Sean's number. Sean answered the

began, "I apologize for disturbing

currently seated in the living room with his clothing

Hoffis is drunk?" Sean exclaimed, caught off

changed out of his wet attire? With a touch of apprehension, Candice elaborated, "Yes, once he saw me, he

and I doubt he'll even bother changing out of his wet

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

Candice hurried to

the sight of Elio still clad in his soaked garments. Witnessing his inebriated

he draped an arm around Elio's shoulders,

Candice joined in, taking hold of Elio's

room

straightened up, he couldn't help but exchange a

the banquet? How did he end up so intoxicated and drenched? Didn't he have an

aware that

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

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

mind stepping out for a moment?