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."

by his intense gaze, she

what happened last time,

approaching them. Elio's words hung unfinished in

a mix of guilt and anxiety, Candice whispered, "Let's

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

with Uncle Elio, then head home. It's getting

Candice offered a faint

His attention wasn't on the screen but

up to escort Jasper and Candice to the

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

never alone. They arranged for someone to accompany her everywhere, and

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

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