The Wrong Woman

The conversation dwindled into another round of silence. To bridge the emotional gap, Elio tried to change the subject.

"Are you facing any challenges at work?" he asked.

Suddenly reminded of the layoffs, Candice turned to face him, her voice tinged with anxiety. "Is the company planning to lay anyone off?"

A gentle smile finally crossed Elio's face the moment she met his gaze. "You don't have to worry. You're not on the list."

"What about my friend, Vanessa Yates? Can you make sure she's safe, too?"

"Vanessa Yates?" Elio echoed.

Candice nodded in response.

I'll make a note

his intense gaze, she shifted her

happened

Jasper approaching them. Elio's words hung unfinished

of guilt and anxiety, Candice whispered, "Let's not

their conversation. Yet, her words came across as cold and detached to Elio. To him, she seemed like a woman merely curious about sex, impulsively

finish this movie with Uncle Elio, then head home. It's getting late, and I don't

Candice offered a

movie played on. His attention wasn't on the screen but

stood up to escort Jasper and Candice to the door. He watched silently as Candice climbed into

word. Expressionless, he watched until the car vanished from his sight. His heart felt empty,

was never alone. They arranged for someone to accompany her everywhere, and she was always picked up and dropped off at work

difficult for Elio to find any opportunity to get close to her. He entered his villa with a heavy heart and closed the door behind

hear his own stifling oppressive, dull breaths. His mind was a blank