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."

his intense gaze, she

what happened

approaching them. Elio's words hung

mix of guilt and anxiety, Candice whispered, "Let's not talk about the past. It's all behind us

was 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

seat between them, placing a hand on Candice's shoulder. "Candice, let's finish this movie with Uncle Elio, then head

Candice offered a faint

attention wasn't on the screen but

time to leave, he stood up to escort Jasper and Candice to the door. He

vehicle slowly pulled away, and Elio remained rooted 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

took great care to protect Candice, ensuring she was never alone. They arranged for someone to accompany her everywhere, and she was always picked

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

silence was so profound that he could hear his own stifling oppressive, dull breaths. His mind was a blank canvas. After a moment of stillness,