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

felt overwhelmed. Had she just become his wife so

forced a smile and asked, "Are you... are you two really together

still felt like she

replied, "Yes, we decided on our marriage

but she

couch," Elio said, leading

a heavy sigh. "My relatives have already received the wedding invitations. They've been calling to congratulate us. Mrs. Hoffis came over today and

"What's your thought on

do? I've been your girlfriend for so many years. I'm in

looked at Candice and whispered, "Our

still dazed, nodded quickly,

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

to Elio and Josie discuss a wedding that was

turned to Josie and

9

put you in this awkward situation will compensate you financially, but I won't attend the wedding. If you don't want to

face filled with worry. "What about my