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."

atmosphere felt dull and cold. There was a large bed, a row of cabinets, and a couch, all in

that he had a secret crush on Candice. She was like a ray

the portrait, now facing the floor. She offered a faint smile and patted the spot beside her. "Elio, come sit

years older than Candice. Despite his less-than-charming personality, Elio was a fundamentally good man—kind, determined, and

love of his upbringing under Michaela and shaped him into the man he was now. Candice could certainly

want to talk about

are here for your wedding next month,"

face clouded over, and he responded icily, "There won't

already sent out the invitations and told everyone in our

his

guess she's determined to push

scornful smirk crossed Elio's

frowned in concern. "Why aren't

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

"What happened

now,

adores Candice. She treats her like her own granddaughter. Don't worry too much. It definitely wasn't Mom." "Let's hope