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."

for discussion,"

meaningful glance at

to sit beside Elio, gently hugging his arm. "Elio, can you please let me try? Maybe I can make it work, who knows?" she said in a

them better than you do. It's not going to change anything no matter how hard you try. It will only cause you more

up her forehead,

for your secret weapon?" Jasper

quivered as though she was on the verge of tears, her big, round eyes welling up. In a tremulous voice, she asked, "Elio, don't you

thrown into a state of panic. He had never seen Candice look so forlorn and close to tears

morning dew, looking incredibly vulnerable. Her tears glistening on her lashes

Elio reached out to cradle her face. "Candice,

going to pack my things and go home!" Candice snapped, shoving

scrambled after

hand. But she immediately shook it off. He reached for her again, only for her to slip away once

and softly pleaded, "Candice, please don't do this. I'll listen to you

mouth

tightly. Slowly, she raised her hand and flashed an "okay" gesture to Jasper,

Candice had mastered the art of playing the innocent. A few tears from her were all it took to melt the hearts of everyone in the

invite Jasper to stay for dinner,