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."

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

tone softened as he suggested, "Let's head back. You could help me figure

Candice asked, "I'll

out where to place them. After that, I'll drive

head to hide a shy

decided against it, finding the topic too awkward. She thought men and women were different, after all. Sometimes, loneliness and desire might lead a man to seek physical comfort from a

they reached Hillside Villa. The

unloading and carrying the plants inside under Candice's direction. Once everything was

home now looked

he admired Candice's handiwork, His emotions were

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

I love it. It looks great," Elio responded with a gentle

face lit up with a smile at his praise. "Really? You

hum of acknowledgment. Then, gesturing toward the dining table, he added, "Dinner's ready. How about we eat together before