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.

a note of

Overwhelmed by his intense gaze, she

happened last

off by Jasper approaching them. Elio's words hung

Candice whispered, "Let's not talk about the past.

and detached to Elio. To him, she seemed like a woman merely

head home. It's getting late, and I don't want grandma and grandpa to

Candice offered

the movie played on. His attention wasn't

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

vehicle slowly pulled away, and Elio remained rooted to the spot without a word. Expressionless, he watched until the car vanished

protect Candice, ensuring she was never alone. They arranged for someone to accompany her everywhere,

close to her. He entered his villa with a heavy heart and

he surveyed his bright and spacious home. The silence was so profound that he could hear his own stifling oppressive, dull breaths. His mind was a blank canvas. After a moment of