The Wrong Woman

During middle school, Elio spent countless hours poring over foreign language articles in his study. His world echoed with the
presence of teachers, test papers, and homework. That year, Zach passed away, marking the most painful and helpless period
of his life.
One day, outside the study's balcony, Candice tugged at Elio's glass door with a kite in her hand.
When he opened the door, Candice handed him the string. "Uncle Elio, my cousin said you seem pitiful and you're always
studying. Take a break. Let's look at the sky, and fly a kite." It was then, during his middle school years, that he first flew a kite.
For the first time, he lifted his head to see the color of the sky and watch the kite soar. He felt utterly inferior even to a mere kite.
Afterward, Candice often snuck behind the balcony, secretly handing him items as entertainment like game consoles, chess sets,
comics, dartboards, and even water guns.
She laughed a lot as if her life had never known sorrow or worry, difficulty or sadness. Every day, she exuded an optimistic and
joyful demeanor.
In her eyes, the world was nothing but beautiful. Coincidentally, it was the opposite for him.
Elio's childhood was oppressive and painful. Even the sky seemed gray to him. Only when he saw her did he feel that the world
also had colors. However, Michaela saw through his thoughts.
What made it even sadder was the fact that Candice was his relative. Even without a blood relation, they could never be
together.
Thinking about it, Elio couldn't help but look up at the sky and laugh bitterly.
He returned to Norvania and became Candice's superior under the condition that he would marry Josie.
This kind of opportunity came only once in his life.
He had only one month left. A month later, he would fulfill Michaela's promise and get engaged to Josie.
Elio resolutely turned around and went into the bathroom to shower. Half an hour later, he emerged from his room.

Candice was still sleeping on the recliner. Elio walked over, placing his arm under Candice's back, and gently lifted her.
Candice, still drowsy, slowly opened her eyes. In a daze, she saw the handsome jawline of the man. She suddenly woke up,
realizing she was being carried, cradled in Elio's broad and warm chest.
"Elio, how did... how did you come in?" Candice asked, flustered. Elio bent down, gently placing her on the large bed in the
bedroom.
Candice nervously scooted to the head of the bed, her heart racing.
"I'm staying in the next room." Elio's voice was gentle. "I saw you sleeping outside and wanted to carry you into the room."
Candice swallowed nervously. "Why are we staying in the same suite?"
Elio's tone sounded somewhat disappointed. "Is it not allowed?"
Candice shook her head. "It's not that it's not allowed, it's just..."
Elio smiled gently without saying a word, turned around, and left the room. As he closed the door behind him, he softly
whispered, "Goodnight." With that, he closed the door.
Candice lay dumbfounded on the bed, completely bewildered.
What was going on?
Was she dreaming?
Did Elio just smile and speak so softly to her?

It must have been a dream, it must have been! Otherwise, why would he act so out of character?
The last time he smiled at her like that was many, many years ago.
Candice collapsed onto the bed, clutching her pounding heart. Images of Elio holding her kept replaying in her mind. His body
had felt warm, almost hot, and his scent was pleasantly comforting
Feeling bashful, Candice pulled the blanket over her head, trying to hide from her racing thoughts. Despite her efforts, she
couldn't suppress the smile tugging at her lips.