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.

that he had a secret crush on Candice. She was like

facing the floor. She offered a faint smile and patted the spot beside her. "Elio, come sit

handsome, wealthy, and five years older

him through the tough love of his upbringing under Michaela and shaped him into the man

want to talk about something?"

for your

clouded over, and he responded

sent out the invitations and told everyone in our

his gaze turning

to push you into this,

scornful smirk crossed

in concern. "Why aren't you

deep breath before responding, "I've been thinking about what to do if she was behind Candice's close call overseas. Should I have her arrested? Cut ties with her? Or just ignore it

"What

now,

her own granddaughter. Don't worry

comforting pat and smiled

surprise, his eyes reflecting the uncertainty of what to

me that look.

he leaned back on the couch and stared blankly at

by his hesitation,