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."

Candice, and she bit her lip to hold back a smile. Striving to

head back. You could help me figure

"I'll be going

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

murmured, lowering her head

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

Hillside Villa. The truck

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

now looked like

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

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

It looks great," Elio responded with

at his praise.

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