The Wrong Woman

"Is it just the two of us, Elio?" Candice asked.

Elio nodded. "Yes."

"Oh," said Candice. Excitement rushed through her as she climbed into the passenger seat and buckled her seatbelt.

Elio shut her door, then walked around to the driver's side. He slid into the car, started the engine, and they pulled away just as the sunset bathed the sky in a palette of deep reds.

Inside the car, a heavy silence hung in the air, deepening the awkwardness that enveloped them both.

Candice felt the weight of the quiet bearing down on her. She desperately searched her thoughts for something to say, but nerves tied her tongue.

Suddenly, Elio's voice cut through the tension. "Does Jasper know you're out buying flowers with me?"

"No, I told him I was going shopping with Vanessa," Candice replied.

Elio felt upset, and his expression darkened. Going to a garden center to buy flowers wasn't anything to be ashamed of.

Was he so unpresentable that she couldn't even be honest with it? Did she really have to hide their outing from her family?

When they arrived at the serene garden center, Candice and Elio were surprised to find that it was nearly closing. It was their first visit, and they were unaware that the center started closing at 6:00 pm. After parking the car, they strolled through, noting that only a few vendors still had their plants on display.

"Hey there, looking to buy some plants?" Rick Barrios, one of the shop owners, called out. He paused his packing to greet them warmly.

Walking side by side, Candice and Elio entered his shop. As they looked around, Elio leaned in and whispered, "Which ones do you like?"

Candice noticed that the greenery and flowers around her were exceptionally beautiful. She pointed at a plant with leaves that resembled leaping dolphins and commented, "This one looks nice." Elio turned to Rick. "Wrap up everything she likes for me."

Rick grinned. "Sure thing."

As they explored further, Candice marveled at the array of unusual and exotic plants, each more striking than the last.

"This one is also beautiful. What kind of flower is this? It looks exquisite. Can it be grown indoors?" she asked.

"It needs a bit of sunlight. You can grow it on a balcony," Rick explained.

"We'll take it," said Elio.

Candice spotted an unusual plant tucked away in a corner. With

excitement, she grabbed Elio'set

and pulled him toward it. "Elio, look

at this one. It's stunning."

Elio's attention, however, wasn't on the plant. He was captivated more by the feel of her hand on his arm, his heart racing. All he could see was her.

"What do you think?" Candice asked, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Staring at her face, Elio responded softly, "Beautiful."

"Would you like this one, too?" asked Rick.Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

"Yes," said Elio.

Candice then led him to another section overflowing with vibrant flowers. She asked, "What kind of flower is this? It's so pretty."

Rick took her question seriously and

began explaining the flowers in

detail. Candice appeared enchanting as she listened intently. Elio's gaze was fixed on her whenever she was distracted by the flowers. It was clear to everyone around.

After choosing their plants and providing the delivery address, Elio went to handle the payment while Candice was delightedly playing with Rick's kitten.

"Are you two picking out all these plants to decorate your new home together?" Rick asked, smiling.

Elio hesitated for a moment as he was about to make the payment.

Candice quickly stood up and explained, "No, Mr. Barrios. We don't have a home together."

Elio's expression darkened as he quietly completed his payment.

With a grin, Rick remarked, "Your boyfriend here is really generous, buying everything you fancy without a second thought."

Candice's cheeks flushed with

embarrassment. She cast a shy

glance at Elio before turning back to

Rick. "Mr. Barrios, it's not what you're

thinking," she explained hastily. "He's actually my uncle."

Rick felt awkward. He had never encountered an uncle and niece who appeared to be around the same age. "I'm sorry," he apologized.

"The payment is complete," Elio stated in an icy tone. He then grasped Candice's wrist and quickly led her out of the store.