The Wrong Woman

Candice took Elio's arm as they pulled away from each other. She confidently led him toward the living room and said, "Josie's here. Let's go join her."

Josie couldn't help but notice the smile on Elio's face and the intimate way he had hugged Candice. She felt a sense of unfamiliarity creeping in. This was a side of Elio she had never seen before.

Elio's eyes were filled with tenderness as he looked at Candice, his voice soft and gentle as he spoke to her. Josie wasn't the only one taken aback. Michaela and Tristan also looked surprised.

Michaela watched as Candice and Elio walked over, arm in arm. She casually asked, "Just finished work?"

Elio's expression tightened and he responded with a subdued hum.

The duo settled onto the couch opposite Josie and Michaela. Candice intertwined her fingers with Elio's.

Tristan found it intriguing and asked, "Wasn't the event supposed to go until 9:00 pm tonight?"

"The main event's done. I skipped the after-party," Elio replied.

"Marriage truly changes things. When you have someone special waiting at home, you find yourself wanting to return earlier," Tristan remarked. Josie's expression darkened at his words.

Michaela gave an awkward smile and said pointedly, "It's unusual to see you home early. Did you rush back for dinner because Josie's here?"

"I didn't know she was coming," Elio replied curtly. He unwittingly embarrassed Josie to the core with just that sentence.

After the maids finished preparing dinner, Robert called everyone to the dining table. Candice took Elio's hand and led him toward the bathroom.

stood up, asking, "Dinner's ready. Where are

turned and explained, "I'm taking Elio to

responded with

and Michaela walked alongside each other toward the dining room, he remarked, "He follows her like a lost puppy. He's getting drawn into her world

chatty, but her infectious energy always brings

laughter liven

seems to have

words made Michaela go

and Tristan with an unmistakable expression of displeasure. She struggled

they bore no ill will toward Candice. In fact,

everyone gathered around the dinner table and began discussing the economy, Candice naturally felt left out of

noticed that Elio

with a sullen expression.

during meals

oppressive atmosphere of the house was dampening his

plate and leaned in to

couldn't help but smile even before hearing it

"But you've got to eat while you

and the meat she had served him. "Alright, go ahead,"

swallowed her food