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 shifted her gaze to the

what happened

approaching them. Elio's words

guilt and anxiety, Candice whispered, "Let's not

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 sex, impulsively exploring without any emotional

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

Candice offered a

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

Jasper and Candice to the door. He watched silently as Candice climbed into the car and

word. Expressionless, he watched until the

protect Candice, ensuring she was never alone. They arranged for someone to accompany her everywhere, and she

it incredibly difficult for Elio to find any opportunity to get close to

under the light, he surveyed his bright and spacious home. 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, he dragged himself toward the