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

could help me figure

anxious, Candice asked, "I'll be

promptly explained, "We'll simply figure out where to place them. After that, I'll

head to hide a shy

it, finding the topic too awkward. She thought men and women were different, after

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

inside under Candice's direction. Once everything was in

once cold, empty home now looked like a

as he admired Candice's handiwork, His emotions were plain to

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

It looks great," Elio responded with a gentle

lit up with a smile at his

of acknowledgment. Then, gesturing toward the dining table, he added, "Dinner's ready. How