The Wrong Woman

Candice rose to her feet as well. Elio seemed slightly flustered. He quickly suggested, "Since you're already here, why not stay for dinner?"

Jasper hesitated, glancing at Elio, who gestured toward the dining table where a maid set out the dishes.

"It's already dark outside. You'll be hungry if you head back now. Why not eat here?" said Elio.

Jasper looked over at Candice. Unperturbed, she replied, "I'm fine with either option."

Feeling a twinge of sympathy for Elio's loneliness, Jasper headed over to the dining table with a faint smile. "Alright, let's stay and have dinner with Uncle Elio."

Candice pulled out her phone and sent a message to Florence. "Grandma, Jasper and I will have dinner out tonight. Don't wait up."

the message, she rose from the couch and nearly collided with Elio as she stepped out. Startled, she took a step back, and her gentle gaze met his. Elio's emotions seemed heightened, his typical cold and handsome face now revealing a hint of warmth. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the Findɴovel.ɴet

chef to

momentarily startled. It took her a second to

he know she liked these dishes? Wasn't this dinner invitation quite sudden? And how had he managed to

her to walk past him toward the dining table, and

Candice took her seat, she was struck by the sight of the table laden with her favorites-six dishes and

help but tease, "Uncle Elio, you've really laid it

Candice shyly lowered her gaze and accepted the bowl of soup Jasper handed her. She began to sip it quietly. Jasper sensed there was

and formality. He ate

and Jasper exchanged a glance before turning to observe Elio. They admired his posture at the table; he really did

intensity

lowered their heads and resumed eating awkwardly. The remainder of the

rush to leave as it was only 8:00 pm. The maid brought some fruit, and the trio settled into the living room to watch a movie. The