The Wrong Woman

Lust was a common feeling that transcended gender boundaries. It would be hard to believe anyone who claimed they'd never
experienced it.
"I'm not immune to lust either. Last time, it was because I—" Elio began to explain, but Candice's phone rang.
She quickly fumbled for her phone, clearly flustered. The ringing drowned out Elio's voice. "I... have feelings for you."
"Hello, Grandma!" Candice greeted, her voice tinged with guilt as she held the phone to her ear. "Don't worry. I'm just with a
friend, and I'll be home soon. "No, there's no need for Jasper to pick me up. I'll get a cab. And please, stop treating me like a
child. I'm an adult, almost 23. Alright, fine. Bye."
After ending the call, Candice stowed her phone in her bag and looked up at Elio. "What were you saying?"
Elio's expression tightened, his words seemingly caught in his throat. After a few moments of silence, he reached for his car
keys. "I'll drive you home." "No, I'll take a cab." Candice rejected.
With his car keys in hand, Elio slipped on his shoes. As he walked past Candice, he took her hand and led her outside. Her back
stiffened as she followed him, step by step, her gaze locked on their clasped hands.
The warmth from Elio's palm electrified Candice, sending tingles through her skin and pulsing through her veins. Her heartbeat
picked up with the intimate contact. Her body grew rigid, and her breathing became erratic.
Elio was holding her hand, not just her wrist. It was the first time they had held hands so intimately. Candice's heart pounded
louder and faster, a secret thrill blooming within her.
He led her to the car and opened the passenger door for her. When he turned to face her, he noticed her cheeks had flushed a
deep red, and her eyes were shyly lowered. She looked utterly charming and captivating in her shyness.
Elio paused, feeling a jolt as he realized he was holding Candice's hand. He didn't let go, and she didn't pull away.
It brought back the memory of their business trip when he had slipped into her bed, undressed her, and kissed her body.
She hadn't resisted at the time, just as she wasn't resisting now. But then, she had been even shyer than she was now.
The realization struck him-Candice wasn't the type to let anyone get close. If she was fine with his touch, it likely meant she had
feelings for him.

Elio asked tentatively, "Candice, would you like to grab lunch together tomorrow?"
Candice seemed taken aback at first. After some thought, she replied, "Can I get back to you tomorrow?"
She was worried about any unexpected commitments that might arise, as she didn't want to cancel at the last minute and
potentially leave him with a bad impression. "Of course," Elio responded with a gentle smile.
Candice settled into the car and fastened her seatbelt. After Elio closed the door for her, he walked around to the driver's side,
got in, and drove her home.
As Elio and Candice journeyed on, their conversation blossomed gradually. They delved into Candice's work schedule, usual
tasks, and latest projects. Although they only discussed work, their conversation was valuable because it gave them a shared
interest to bond over.
Upon returning to Morrison
Residence, Candice walked in with a lively bounce while softly humming a tune. She seemed radiant and spirited, akin to a
carefree bird returning to its nest after a fruitful search for food.
With a beaming smile, she warmly greeted everyone she met. Her bright, contagious smile worked wonders for her family.
Regardless of their concerns, her smile effortlessly lifted everyone's mood, infusing them with inexplicable joy.
Jasper often called her the family's "joy-bringer" due to her cheerful demeanor and smile.
The next morning, when Sean arrived at Elio's villa to pick him up for work, he immediately noticed that Elio was furious. A
stormy expression clouded his face, and menacing air radiated from him as he marched toward Sean.
Elio quickly closed the gap between them and grabbed Sean by the collar before slamming him against the car. His piercing
gaze held a murderous intent that sent a wave of fear through Sean.
Taken aback, Sean instinctively stepped back and swallowed hard.