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."

even more so. Both women

overwhelmed. Had she just become

and asked, "Are you...

like she

we decided on our marriage just

was strained, but she forced out

on the couch," Elio said,

They've been calling to congratulate us. Mrs. Hoffis came over today and insisted that the wedding must go on. She said

"What's your thought on

said helplessly, "What can I do? I've been your girlfriend

and whispered, "Our relationship was fake. She was

still dazed, nodded quickly,

"Leo, seriously? You've just confirmed your relationship and you're already this

to Elio and Josie discuss a wedding that was never real, forced upon them

Josie and said,

9

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

with worry. "What about my parents? They'll become the