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."

she bit her lip to hold back a smile. Striving to appear calm, she

"Let's head back. You could help me figure out

Candice asked, "I'll be

sensed the hesitation and promptly explained, "We'll simply figure out where to place them. After that, I'll drive you

her head

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

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

plants inside under Candice's direction. Once everything was

once 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

Elo and said awkwardly, "I'm sorry, Elio. I

I love it. It looks great," Elio responded

smile at his praise. "Really? You

nodded with a hum of acknowledgment. Then, gesturing toward the dining table, he added,