The Wrong Woman

There was a persistent knock on the door.

Unwilling to respond, Elio remained motionless. His gaze was desolate and distant. It was as if he was lost in another world.

It wasn't until the knocking ceased and Mila's voice came to his ears that he snapped back to reality.

"Elio, it's me, Wanda."

Although Mila was rarely home, she held a warm and kind image in Elio's heart. He found those affections he lacked from Michaela in Mila.

Shaken from his thoughts, Elio got to his feet and turned the portrait around before heading to the door.

As the door was opened, Mila noticed his somber expression and lifeless gaze. She felt a pang of sympathy.

"Wanda, do you need something?" Elio asked.

Mila's eyes crinkled into a smile as she asked softly, "May I come in and sit for a while?"

Elio hesitated briefly, then opened the door wider. "Come in."

Mila stepped into the spacious room. Despite the brightness of the lights, the atmosphere felt dull and cold. There was a large bed, a row of cabinets, and a couch, all in subdued, cool tones that mirrored Elio's personality.

no surprise that he had a secret crush on Candice. She was like a ray of

on the portrait, now facing the floor. She offered a faint smile and patted the spot beside her. "Elio, come sit with me." Elio complied and leaned back

and five years older than Candice. Despite

shaped him into

to talk about

here for your wedding next month,"

clouded over, and he responded icily, "There

Mom has already sent out the invitations and told everyone in

his gaze turning

she's determined to push you into this, no

smirk crossed

concern. "Why aren't

if she was behind Candice's close call overseas. Should I have her arrested? Cut ties with her? Or

anxiety spiked. "What

over now, and she's

her own granddaughter. Don't worry too much. It definitely wasn't Mom." "Let's hope that's the

Elio's shoulder a comforting pat and smiled gently.

her in surprise, his eyes reflecting the uncertainty of what to

that look.

he leaned back

his