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."

lights, the atmosphere felt dull and cold. There was

surprise that he had a secret crush on Candice. She was like a ray of sunshine-warm and radiant, with a

on the portrait, now facing the floor. She offered a faint smile and patted the spot

was young, handsome, wealthy, and five years older

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

to talk about something?" Elio

are here for your wedding next month," said

face clouded over, and he responded icily, "There

has already sent out the invitations and told

his

push you into this,

scornful smirk

in concern. "Why

been thinking about what to do if she was behind Candice's close call overseas. Should I have her arrested? Cut ties with her? Or just ignore

spiked. "What happened to

over now,

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