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

back. You could help me figure out where to place the

anxious, Candice asked, "I'll be

the hesitation and promptly explained, "We'll simply figure out

head to

drove off. During the journey, Candice wrestled with the urge to ask about Elio's thoughts when they slept together. However, she 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

time they reached Hillside Villa. The truck delivering the

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

now looked like a cozy little

admired Candice's handiwork, His emotions were plain to see, reflected

a frown of concern. She turned to Elo and said awkwardly, "I'm sorry, Elio. I might

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

lit up with a smile at his

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