The Wrong Woman

After suppressing his feelings for so many years, Elio found himself lacking the courage to touch Candice's face. He mocked
himself inwardly. What a coward he was.
But he couldn't wait any longer. He had no more time to waste.
Standing up, he entered the bedroom and retrieved a plush blanket, gently draping it over Candice before retreating to his own
room.
By the nightstand, he removed his watch and loosened his tie. At that instant, his phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, he saw it
was Michaela calling.
Due to the time difference, it was midnight here but noon back in Norvania. He shed his tie and blazer before answering the call.
His voice was low and hoarse. "Mom, what's going on?"
From the other end, Michaela's furious voice erupted. "Elio, have you lost your mind? Why did you take Candice out of the
country? What are you trying to do? You rascal, you promised me you'd manage the overseas company for ten years before
coming back!"
Elio remained silent.
Michaela continued, "You lost it when you found out Candice joined our company, didn't you? You couldn't even last two years!"
Elio's tone was cold and detached. "I returned under the condition that we made a deal."
"You agreed to follow one condition without question. I announced your engagement to Josie at the banquet, so you must marry
her and be loyal to her," scolded Michaela.
"The Morrison family adores Candice. If you harm her even a little, they won't let you off!"
"Are you done?" Elio asked, his indifference palpable.
Michaela was infuriated. "Elio, send Candice back immediately! Others may not understand you, but as your mother, I do. If you
lay a finger on her, the Morrisons will make you regret it."
Elio stepped out onto the balcony, standing in the night like a lonely soul. His tone was devoid of anger as he responded, "Mom,
do you even remember what you've done to me all these years?"

There was silence from Michaela's end.
Elio lowered his head and let out a bitter laugh, his words laced with pain and sorrow. "I didn't have. Wanda's exceptional
intelligence, but you used the same harsh educating methods on me.
"I wasn't good at studying. My childhood was filled with nothing but learning every waking hour except for six hours of sleep. I
had no time for play, no personal time, no freedom.
"All I did was harbor a secret crush on a girl. Was that such a crime? You burned all the photos I had of her, threw away every
gift she gave me, and even forbade me from seeing her. You forced me to date other girls and used every method to make her
hate me.
"As you wished, she hates me now." Elio forced a bitter smile, his voice filled with anguish. "But what now? I've been driven to
madness, all because of you."
"Elio, if Nathan finds out you've hurt his beloved niece, he won't spare you."
Elio's eyes turned red as he growled, "Candice is mine! Let him kill me then."
With that, he hung up the phone.
Elio released the phone and clutched the balcony railing, his head bowed in agony as he closed his eyes and took deep breaths.
His body trembled with the effort to remain upright, his knuckles white with the force of his grip, veins bulging as the heartache
overwhelmed him.
His childhood memories, save for those involving Candice, were nothing but a tapestry of sorrow, loneliness, misery, and
isolation.