The Wrong Woman

Candice replied impassively, "Yes, but he's not as important as you are."

"Did he tell you to leave me?" Elio asked.

Candice fell silent.

Elio's face turned sour. He tightened his embrace, closed his eyes, and whispered into her ear, "Candice, ignore what anyone else might say. Don't even think about leaving me. Now that you're in my life, I'll never let you go."

Candice's heart ached with sympathy, sensing the deep, unspoken love Elio harbored for her. Though she harbored feelings for him, too, her love was different-much purer. She cherished him deeply but had restrained herself, never acting on her feelings or crossing any boundaries.

She wrapped her arms around Elio's neck, pulled herself up on her tiptoes, and whispered into his ear, "Let me tell you a secret."

Curiosity piqued, Elio tilted his head down, his ear brushing close to her lips, ready to catch every word.

"I have been in love with a man for ten years," Candice murmured.

Elio's body tensed, and his expression hardened. He unclasped Candice's hands from his neck and distanced himself. His voice detached as he

in demeanor took Candice aback. With a flicker of irritation, he loosened his tie and glanced toward the dining table. "Haven't you eaten yet?" he

was lighter, but now Elio seemed distant

Candice

suit jacket and headed toward the dining table. "I'll heat the food, and then we can eat together." He picked up the dishes

the dishes into the microwave. Candice paused

Elio hung his head, his posture exuding an unspoken loneliness as he waited for the food

Candice stepped forward and wrapped her arms around

stiffened slightly but relaxed as his hands gently rested on her arms encircling

"Elio Hoffis," Candice whispered.

of his full name. He swallowed anxiously, his voice raspy as

over ten years, Elio. I've felt this way

The microwave chimed, yet he still struggled to process her words, his heart pounding fiercely and