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."

Despite the brightness of the lights, the atmosphere felt dull and cold. There was a large bed, a row of cabinets, and a couch, all in subdued, cool tones that mirrored Elio's

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

floor. She offered a faint smile and patted the spot beside her. "Elio, come sit with me."

looked at him from head to toe. He was young, handsome, wealthy, and five years older than Candice. Despite his less-than-charming personality, Elio was a fundamentally good man—kind, determined, and

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

want to talk about something?"

I are here for your wedding next month," said

face clouded over, and he responded icily,

out the invitations and told

his

she's determined to push you

smirk crossed Elio's

concern. "Why

before responding, "I've been thinking about what to do if she was behind Candice's

"What happened

over now, and she's

her like her own granddaughter. Don't worry too much. It definitely wasn't Mom." "Let's hope that's