The Wrong Woman

Candice replied impassively, "Yes, but he's not as important as you are."

"Did he tell you to leave me?" Elio asked.

Candice fell silent.

Elio's face turned sour. He tightened his embrace, closed his eyes, and whispered into her ear, "Candice, ignore what anyone else might say. Don't even think about leaving me. Now that you're in my life, I'll never let you go."

Candice's heart ached with sympathy, sensing the deep, unspoken love Elio harbored for her. Though she harbored feelings for him, too, her love was different-much purer. She cherished him deeply but had restrained herself, never acting on her feelings or crossing any boundaries.

She wrapped her arms around Elio's neck, pulled herself up on her tiptoes, and whispered into his ear, "Let me tell you a secret."

Curiosity piqued, Elio tilted his head down, his ear brushing close to her lips, ready to catch every word.

"I have been in love with a man for ten years," Candice murmured.

his expression hardened. He unclasped Candice's hands from his neck and distanced himself. His voice detached as he said,

sudden shift in demeanor took Candice aback. With a flicker of irritation, he loosened his tie and glanced toward the dining table. "Haven't you eaten yet?" he

sadness. She had hoped to confess her feelings earlier when the mood was lighter, but now Elio seemed distant and upset. "Don't wait up for me in the future. My

Candice

table. "I'll heat the food, and then we can eat together."

Candice paused

his posture exuding an unspoken loneliness as he waited for the food to

her courage, Candice stepped forward and wrapped her

his hands gently rested on her arms encircling his waist. He asked in a soft

"Elio Hoffis," Candice whispered.

sound of his full name. He swallowed

I've felt this way ever since I was young." S~ᴇaʀᴄh the Find_Nøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ

him immobile. The microwave chimed, yet he still

Candice continued, "I'm not