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,

about what happened last

by Jasper approaching them.

whispered, "Let's not talk about the past.

words came across as cold and detached to Elio. To him, she seemed like a woman merely curious about sex, impulsively exploring without any

with Uncle

offered

movie played on. His attention wasn't on

escort Jasper and Candice to the door. He watched

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

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

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

light, he surveyed his bright and spacious home. The silence was so profound that he could hear his own stifling oppressive, dull