The Wrong Woman

There was a persistent knock on the door.

Unwilling to respond, Elio remained motionless. His gaze was desolate and distant. It was as if he was lost in another world.

It wasn't until the knocking ceased and Mila's voice came to his ears that he snapped back to reality.

"Elio, it's me, Wanda."

Although Mila was rarely home, she held a warm and kind image in Elio's heart. He found those affections he lacked from Michaela in Mila.

Shaken from his thoughts, Elio got to his feet and turned the portrait around before heading to the door.

As the door was opened, Mila noticed his somber expression and lifeless gaze. She felt a pang of sympathy.

"Wanda, do you need something?" Elio asked.

Mila's eyes crinkled into a smile as she asked softly, "May I come in and sit for a while?"

Elio hesitated briefly, then opened the door wider. "Come in."

the spacious room. Despite the brightness of the lights, the atmosphere felt dull and cold. There was a large bed, a row of cabinets, and a

crush on Candice. She was

onto the couch, her gaze sweeping the room until it landed on the portrait, now facing the floor. She offered a faint smile and patted the

young, handsome, wealthy, and five years older than Candice. Despite his less-than-charming personality,

under Michaela and shaped him into the man he was now. Candice could certainly have

talk about something?"

Nathan and I are here for your wedding next month,"

face clouded over, and he responded

already sent out the invitations and told everyone

his gaze turning

guess she's determined to push

smirk crossed

in concern. "Why aren't

deep breath before responding, "I've been thinking about what to do if she was behind Candice's close call overseas.

spiked. "What

over now, and

in relief and said firmly, "Mom truly adores Candice. She treats her like her own granddaughter. Don't worry too much. It