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 you two off

explained, "I'm taking Elio to

with a resigned

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

infectious energy always brings

liven

to have found

made Michaela go

and Tristan with an unmistakable expression of displeasure.

knew that Michaela and Tristan disapproved of Candice's decision to marry Elio, but they bore no ill will toward Candice. In fact, they were quite

began discussing the economy, Candice naturally felt

noticed that Elio had

a sullen expression. It was

during meals with

that the oppressive atmosphere of the house

a piece of meat on Elio's plate and leaned in to whisper. "Elio, I've got a joke

help but smile even before hearing it

said, "But you've got to eat

head to dig into the meal and the meat she had served him.

swallowed her food