The Wrong Woman

Elio's expression hardened abruptly. "No way," he said firmly.

Jasper and Candice were taken aback. They stared at Elio's concerned face.

"Why?" Candice asked.

"You won't be able to change their minds. Staying with them will only bring you more suffering and harm. I disagree," Elio replied.

"That's not true. They've always treated me kindly," Candice argued.

"Candice, things are different now. You're not in the same position as you were before."

"I want to try, Elio. Please, can you just let me try? I believe I can convince them to accept me."

Jasper supported her, adding, "I'm with you on this, Candice."

Elio shot Jasper a cold glare. "Don't you have anything better to do today?"

Jasper shrugged. "Not really. Even though my mom's far away, she's really concerned about Candice's marriage. She insisted I keep an eye on her."

open for discussion," Elio

meaningful glance

caught on quickly and moved to sit beside Elio, gently hugging his arm. "Elio, can you please let me try? Maybe I can make it work, who knows?"

he replied, "Candice, I know them better than you do. It's not going

forehead, Candice

maybe it's time for your secret

demeanor shifted dramatically at Jasper's suggestion. Her lips quivered as though she was on the verge of tears, her big, round

immediately thrown into a state of panic. He had

morning dew, looking incredibly vulnerable. Her tears glistening on her lashes ignited a deep, unexplainable pain within

as if everything was spiraling out of control, Elio reached out to cradle her face. "Candice, it's not what you think...

things and go home!" Candice snapped, shoving Elio's hands aside

scrambled after her,

only for her to slip away once more.

pulled her into his arms and softly pleaded, "Candice, please don't do this. I'll listen to you

his mouth

Slowly, she raised her hand and flashed an "okay"

of playing the innocent. A few tears from her were all it took to melt the hearts of everyone

for dinner, opting instead for some alone time with