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."

to

tone softened as he suggested, "Let's head back. You could help me figure out where to place

asked, "I'll be going to

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

murmured, lowering her head to hide a

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 to seek physical

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

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

home now looked like a

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

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

looks great," Elio responded with

up with a smile at his praise. "Really? You

Then, gesturing toward the dining table,