The Wrong Woman

Josie offered a wry smile, her gaze shifting to Candice, who sat quietly, absorbing the conversation.

"Candice, you know, in terms of family hierarchy, you should call Leo 'uncle.' If you two end up together, how will your families cope? How will Aunt Chubs face such a complicated relationship?" she asked. The question caught Candice off guard.

Before she could respond, Elio interjected angrily, "Are you here to cause trouble right in front of me?"

Quickly, Josie defended herself, "As a friend, I'm just curious about how Candice plans to handle this. How is that causing trouble?"

"This is between Candice and me. We'll figure it out. Focus on your issues. If you're done talking, you can leave," Elio said firmly.

Josie's smile vanished, replaced by a serious expression. "Elio, our relationship might have been fake, but our years of friendship are real, aren't they?"

"What are you trying to say?" Elio asked.

"I'm advising you as a friend. Candice and you are never going to work. Your families will never accept it. Don't ruin her life and end up with nothing," Josie warned. Elio's expression darkened further.

Rising to her feet, Josie concluded, "I've said all I needed to say. I should go now. Take care."

Neither Elio nor Candice rose to see her out. The door closed heavily behind her, leaving the living room in silence.

Candice and Elio exchanged glances, caught in a few awkward moments. Candice lowered her head and murmured, "Josie is right. Our families will never easily agree." Elio spoke sincerely, "Don't worry about them. Just agree to be with me and marry me."

affirmed with a

"Candice, may I

in, pressing her down onto the couch, and

Candice flustered. He kissed her for a long time, their lips meeting and parting in a prolonged

dazed, as if

her relationship underwent a seismic

about her pregnancy. Nor could she bring herself to discuss the idea of

conversation she couldn't initiate.

had predicted, neither family would approve, especially not

where did you go today?" Candice walked over and settled beside them, hugging a pillow. "I went to a friend's

"Have some fruit."

"No,

g you." Candice hesitated,

how to broach

"Grandpa, Grandma, if... if,

to..."

"Yes, what is it?"

with him goes against moral and ethical