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."

Overwhelmed by his intense gaze, she shifted her

happened

was cut off by Jasper approaching them. Elio's words hung unfinished in the

Candice whispered, "Let's not talk about the past. It's all

her words came across as cold and detached to Elio. To him, she seemed like a

a hand on Candice's shoulder. "Candice, let's finish this movie with Uncle Elio, then head home. It's getting late, and I don't want grandma and grandpa to worry

Candice offered

as the movie played on. His attention wasn't on the

and Candice to the door. He watched silently

pulled away, and Elio remained rooted to the spot without a word. Expressionless, he watched until the car vanished from

was never alone. They arranged for someone to accompany her everywhere, and she was always picked up and dropped off at work

made it incredibly difficult for Elio to find any opportunity to get close to her.

that he could hear his own stifling oppressive, dull breaths. His mind was a blank canvas. After a