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.

unclasped Candice's hands from his neck and distanced himself. His voice detached as he said, "I don't want to

loosened his tie and glanced toward the dining table. "Haven't you

was lighter, but now Elio seemed distant and upset. "Don't wait up for me in the future. My eating schedule is

slighted, Candice murmured,

the food, and then we can eat together." He picked up the dishes and carried them into the kitchen. Candice trailed behind him,

the kitchen, Elio placed the dishes into the microwave. Candice paused at the doorway, her gaze lingering on his

head, his posture exuding an unspoken loneliness as he

courage, Candice stepped forward and wrapped her arms around

hands gently rested on her arms encircling his waist.

"Elio Hoffis," Candice whispered.

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

loved you for over ten years, Elio. I've felt this

his shock rendering him immobile. The microwave chimed, yet he still struggled to process her words, his heart pounding fiercely