The Wrong Woman

"Thank you," Rick said to Elio and Candice as they walked away. "I'll arrange for the delivery right away."

Elio led Candice outside to the quiet street of the garden center. He turned to face her with frustration in his eyes.

Candice's heart pounded as she sensed his irritation. She swallowed hard, staring at him.

With his frustration barely contained, Elio lowered his voice. "Candice, let me make this clear one last time. I'm Jasper's uncle, not yours. I have no familial connection to your parents. Do you understand?" Confused by his upset tone, Candice quickly apologized, "I'm sorry. I understand now. It won't happen again."

Elio sighed, his expression softening as he gazed at her, who stared back at him. For a moment, an unusual connection seemed to spark between them.

Summoning her courage, Candice asked, "Elio, are you and Josie truly not together?"

"No," Elio replied.

Candice's heart pounded as she continued, "Do you have a girlfriend?"

"No."

wave of joy surged through Candice, and she bit her lip to hold back a smile. Striving to appear

back. You could help me figure out where to

anxious, Candice asked, "I'll be going

simply figure out

Candice murmured, lowering her head to hide a shy

together. However, she decided against it, finding the topic too awkward. She thought men and women were different, after all. Sometimes, loneliness and desire

time they reached Hillside Villa. The truck delivering the plants arrived just as

unloading and carrying the plants inside under Candice's direction. Once everything was in place, the workers

empty home now looked like a cozy little botanical

his heart as he admired Candice's handiwork, His

of concern. She turned to Elo and said awkwardly, "I'm sorry, Elio. I might have gone overboard with the plants. It feels a

it. It looks great," Elio responded with

up with a smile at his praise. "Really?

gesturing toward the dining table, he added, "Dinner's ready. How about we eat together before you head