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."

and she bit her lip to hold

"Let's head back. You could help me figure out where to place the plants

"I'll be

"We'll simply figure out where to place them. After

head to

to the car and 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.

the time they reached Hillside Villa. The truck delivering the plants

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

cold, empty home now looked like a cozy little

gentle warmth filling his heart as he admired Candice's handiwork, His emotions were plain to see, reflected

frown of concern. She turned to Elo and said awkwardly, "I'm sorry, Elio. I might have gone overboard with

great," Elio responded

a smile at his praise.

dining table, he added, "Dinner's ready.