The Wrong Woman

Candice's lips formed a gentle smile as she nodded in acknowledgment.

Reaching for a piece of candy, Josie couldn't help but let out a sigh. "You know, Mrs. Hoffis actually prepared all these sweets for me. It seems like he's just trying to cut corners by re-gifting them to you." Candice's smile gradually faded at Josie's words.

As if realizing her mistake, Josie swiftly attempted to backtrack, offering a feigned apology, "I'm sorry, Candice. I was just speaking my mind. I hope I didn't upset you." Candice forced a polite smile and shook her head.

"I sincerely wish both of you a lifetime filled with love and happiness," Josie added.

"Thank you," Candice replied.

As Josie savored her coffee, she couldn't help but cast a cold glance at the scattered candies on the table, feeling a twinge of resentment stirring within her.

Placing her cup back on the table, she began, "I'm here today to talk about Elio."

"Sure, go ahead," Candice responded.

"Do you have any idea why Leo decided to marry you?" Josie asked pointedly.

"I'm not entirely sure," Candice admitted.

"He never discussed it with you?"

"I never thought to ask."

"Are you curious to find out?" Josie pressed.

A soft smile danced on Candice's lips as she replied, "Josie, could I ask you for a favor?"

"Absolutely! What do you need?"

ever revealing the reason to

plots to create conflict, only to be unexpectedly halted by Candice's plea. "Doesn't

I'd rather hear it directly from Elio than from someone else," Candice replied

he isn't

lie to me?" Candice

Josie hurried

Candice interrupted, raising her hand

rather hear Elio's perspective firsthand. Even if he isn't entirely truthful, I still choose to trust him." Josie

Love wouldn't be genuine if both parties were constantly governed by rationality and logic," Candice

lowered her voice and asked, "Aren't you concerned that Leo might be lying to

above a whisper. "Josie, do you think Elio is

of disbelief as she gazed into Candice's innocent,

was she pretending not to know? Why would the

shook her head before replying, "No, he isn't trying to swindle you out of your money.

trying to deceive me

She couldn't help but feel frustrated by Candice's apparent obliviousness. Continuing this discussion with her seemed increasingly challenging. "Candice, can you try to look beyond the surface? Consider the situation

of the blue, Candice reached out and placed her hand firmly

Elio's wealth, it's clear he's not pursuing my money. He's likely

her temples, feeling a headache coming

Candice murmured to herself,

his prowess in bed is undeniable. I don't see

the one

novel

disadvantage."

words