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.

surprise that he had a secret crush on Candice. She was like a ray of sunshine-warm and radiant,

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

to toe. He was young, handsome, wealthy, and five years older than Candice. Despite his less-than-charming personality, Elio was a fundamentally good man—kind, determined,

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

you want to talk about

for

responded icily,

has already sent out the invitations and told everyone in our

remained silent, his

she's determined to push you into

scornful smirk crossed Elio's

concern. "Why aren't you

took a deep breath before responding, "I've been thinking about what to do if she was behind Candice's close call overseas. Should I

spiked. "What happened to

over now, and

said firmly, "Mom truly adores Candice. She treats her like her own granddaughter.

comforting pat and smiled

in surprise, his eyes reflecting the

chuckled. "Don't give me that look. Mom

he leaned back on the couch

by his