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."

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

what happened last time,

was cut off by Jasper approaching them.

and anxiety, Candice whispered, "Let's not

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

seat between them, placing 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

offered a faint

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

was time to leave, he stood up to escort Jasper and Candice to

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

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

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

and spacious home. The silence was so profound that he could hear his own stifling oppressive, dull breaths. His mind