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."

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

happened last time,

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

"Let's not talk about

Yet, her words came across as cold and detached to Elio. To him,

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

offered

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

Candice to the door. He watched silently

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

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

to find any opportunity to get close to

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