The Wrong Woman

"Thank you," Rick said to Elio and Candice as they walked away. "I'll arrange for the delivery right away."

Elio led Candice outside to the quiet street of the garden center. He turned to face her with frustration in his eyes.

Candice's heart pounded as she sensed his irritation. She swallowed hard, staring at him.

With his frustration barely contained, Elio lowered his voice. "Candice, let me make this clear one last time. I'm Jasper's uncle, not yours. I have no familial connection to your parents. Do you understand?" Confused by his upset tone, Candice quickly apologized, "I'm sorry. I understand now. It won't happen again."

Elio sighed, his expression softening as he gazed at her, who stared back at him. For a moment, an unusual connection seemed to spark between them.

Summoning her courage, Candice asked, "Elio, are you and Josie truly not together?"

"No," Elio replied.

Candice's heart pounded as she continued, "Do you have a girlfriend?"

"No."

bit her lip to hold back a smile. Striving to appear calm, she

head back. You could help me figure out where to place the plants when they

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and promptly explained, "We'll simply figure out where to

Candice murmured, lowering her head

Candice wrestled with the urge to ask about Elio's thoughts when they slept together. However, she decided against it, finding the topic too awkward. She thought men and women were different, after all. Sometimes, loneliness and desire might

they reached Hillside Villa. The truck delivering the plants arrived

plants inside under Candice's direction. Once everything was in

looked like a cozy little botanical

he admired Candice's handiwork, His emotions were plain to see, reflected in the unending smile on his

with a frown of concern. She turned to Elo and said awkwardly, "I'm

looks great," Elio responded

a smile at his praise. "Really? You truly love

Then, gesturing toward the dining table, he added, "Dinner's ready. How about we eat together

hesitated. She was mostly concerned about the potential awkwardness of dining alone