The Wrong Woman

The conversation dwindled into another round of silence. To bridge the emotional gap, Elio tried to change the subject.

"Are you facing any challenges at work?" he asked.

Suddenly reminded of the layoffs, Candice turned to face him, her voice tinged with anxiety. "Is the company planning to lay anyone off?"

A gentle smile finally crossed Elio's face the moment she met his gaze. "You don't have to worry. You're not on the list."

"What about my friend, Vanessa Yates? Can you make sure she's safe, too?"

"Vanessa Yates?" Elio echoed.

Candice nodded in response.

"Okay, I'll make a note of it."

said Candice. Overwhelmed by his intense gaze, she shifted her gaze

about what happened last time,

them. Elio's

anxiety, Candice whispered, "Let's

afraid that Jasper might overhear their conversation. Yet, her words came across as cold and detached to Elio. To him, she seemed like a woman merely curious about sex, impulsively exploring without any emotional attachment or thoughts of

a hand on Candice's shoulder. "Candice, let's finish this movie with Uncle Elio, then

Candice offered a faint

the movie played on. His attention wasn't on the screen but

leave, he stood up to escort Jasper and Candice to the door. He watched silently as Candice

to the spot without a word. Expressionless, he watched until the car vanished from his sight. His heart felt empty, as hollow as his large house

for someone to accompany her everywhere, and she was always picked

difficult for Elio to find any opportunity to get close to her. He entered his villa with a heavy heart and

own stifling oppressive, dull breaths. His mind