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.
It was no surprise that he had a secret crush on Candice. She was like a ray of sunshine-warm and radiant, with a naturally
soothing presence.
Mila settled onto the couch, her gaze sweeping the room until it landed on the portrait, now facing the floor. She offered a faint
smile and patted the spot beside her. "Elio, come sit with me." Elio complied and leaned back on the couch.
Mila looked at him from head 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, and responsible.
These traits had seen him through the tough love of his upbringing under Michaela and shaped him into the man he was now.
Candice could certainly have chosen someone far worse.
"Did you want to talk about something?" Elio asked.

"Yes, Nathan and I are here for your wedding next month," said Mila.
Elio's face clouded over, and he responded icily, "There won't be a wedding."
"But Mom has already sent out the invitations and told everyone in our circle."
Elio remained silent, his gaze turning frostier.
"I guess she's determined to push you into this, no matter what."
A scornful smirk crossed Elio's lips.
Mila frowned in concern. "Why aren't you speaking?"
Elio 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 have her arrested? Cut ties with her? Or just ignore it all?"
Mila's anxiety spiked. "What happened to Candice?"
"It's over now, and she's safe."
Mila sighed in relief and said firmly, "Mom truly adores Candice. She treats her like her own granddaughter. Don't worry too
much. It definitely wasn't Mom." "Let's hope that's the case."
Mila gave Elio's shoulder a comforting pat and smiled gently. "You have feelings for Candice, don't you?"
Elio glanced at her in surprise, his eyes reflecting the uncertainty of what to do next.
Mila chuckled. "Don't give me that look. Mom spilled the beans."
Elio neither confirmed nor denied it. Instead, he leaned back on the couch and stared blankly at the ceiling.
Frustrated by his hesitation, Mila urged, "If you're into her, just go for it! Forget about Nathan and me. Nowadays, nobody cares
about family ties or others' opinions anymore. What truly matters is your happiness. You're not here to live up to anyone else's
expectations."
Elio offered a small, grateful smile and whispered with his eyes closed, "Thanks, Wanda."

Noticing his troubled look, Mila asked, "What's wrong?"
"She's not into me."
Mila was caught off guard and fell silent for a moment. There would be no chance for them to be together if Candice didn't feel
the same way about him.
Elio couldn't afford to cling to Candice or stir up troubles, given his status. Such behavior would undoubtedly strain the
relationship between their families.