The Wrong Woman

Josie looked somewhat taken aback. "Candice, you're here too?"

Elio asked, "Is there something you need to talk to me about?"

Josie forced a smile. "I wanted to discuss our wedding next month. Mrs. Hoffis has been pressuring me, and I had no idea what to do. I thought we could talk it over."

Candice felt a wave of anxiety washing over her, and she nervously clenched her fists.

Turning to Candice, Josie smiled and asked, "Candice, I wish to talk to Leo for a moment. Could you...?"

Candice quickly responded, "I have something to attend to. You two talk, I'll head out."

Just as she finished her words and was about to leave, Elio grabbed her wrist. "You don't need to go. Stay and listen."

Candice was stunned.

Josie's face darkened, and she said in embarrassment, "Leo, this isn't appropriate. This is between the two of us. Candice is an outsider."

Elio replied solemnly, "She's not an outsider. She's my wife."

was shocked by his words. Josie was even more so. Both women stared at Elio

felt overwhelmed. Had she just become his wife

"Are you... are you two

like

decided on

smile was strained, but she

the couch," Elio said,

came over today and insisted that the wedding must go on. She said she'd drag you to the altar if necessary and asked me to

your thought on

can I do? I've been

and whispered, "Our relationship was fake. She

nodded quickly, feeling unexpectedly

calm, and teased, "Leo, seriously? You've

Elio and Josie discuss a wedding that

Josie and

9

My poor decision back then put you in this awkward situation will compensate you financially, but I won't attend the wedding. If you don't want to be humiliated,

my