The Wrong Woman

The golden sunlight streamed into the balcony garden, where flowers bloomed and greenery thrived.
Candice awoke naturally, groggily reaching for her phone. One glance at the time made her bolt upright in bed. She hurriedly
threw off the covers and rushed into the bathroom.
After freshening up and getting dressed, she grabbed her bag and left her room. Passing through the living room, she saw Elio
sitting at the dining table with two plates of breakfast and two glasses of milk in front of him.
"Good morning," Candice said nervously as she approached. "I didn't hear the alarm. I'm sorry. Is there any work planned for
today?"
Elio, with his usual calm demeanor, gestured to the plate opposite him. "I made an extra portion. Join me for breakfast."
He made this? Candice looked at the breakfast in surprise. There was a peeled and sliced egg, some blanched broccoli, a
pancake, and some fruits. It looked both exquisite and healthy but was presented quite plainly, certainly not the work of a hotel
chef.
"But Ms. Lloyd..." Candice hesitated, thinking about the agreement to start work at 9:00 am. It was already past 10:00 am, and
she feared to be reprimanded by Sadie.
"I'm still here. What are you worried about?" Elio looked up at her.
Candice thought for a moment and realized he had a point. She pulled out a chair, sat down, and took a sip of the milk. She then
started on the breakfast.
Even though it had cooled, it still tasted good. Elio's culinary skills were decent, and it was a pleasant surprise to find out he
could cook, let alone make an extra portion for her. Eating a breakfast made by the man she liked filled Candice with an
inexplicable sweetness, joy, and excitement. She maintained her composure, finishing her food and milk calmly. Elio ate
elegantly, and once she was done, he reached over to take her plate.
"Let me wash them," Candice offered anxiously.
Elio raised an eyebrow, curious. "Have you ever washed dishes before?"
Candice forced an awkward smile and shook her head.
"I'll handle it," Elio said, carrying the dishes and glasses to the sink.

From her seat at the dining table, Candice watched Elio's broad back as he worked in the open kitchen. She had never seen him
wash dishes before. It was a new and unfamiliar sight.
His tall and straight figure was striking, with the sleeves of his white shirt rolled up to his forearms exuding a casual yet elegant
charm.
As Elio finished washing the dishes and turned around, he caught Candice's intense gaze for a fleeting moment.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly looked away, pretending to be busy on her phone.
Elio paused for a moment, thinking it was just a coincidence, then walked back into his room.
Ten minutes later, he emerged wearing a tailored gray suit. "Let's go," he said softly.
Candice immediately followed him. They walked one after the other into the elevator, descending to the lobby.
In the lobby, Sadie and Emerson Hartford, along with Sean, who had been waiting for a long time, stood up promptly from the
couch. "Good morning, Mr. Hoffis," they greeted.
Elio nodded in acknowledgment and strode outside, the others following suit, leaving the hotel.
In the luxurious seven-seater company car, Sean briefed Elio on the day's schedule.
Candice sat obediently in the back feeling overwhelmed by the packed agenda. It seemed exhausting, with hardly a moment to
breathe except for meal times.
Candice couldn't understand what role a new designer like her would play.