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.

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

and explained, "I'm taking Elio

responded with a resigned

"He follows her like a lost puppy. He's getting drawn into her world soon." "Exactly. He's reverting to

be chatty, but her infectious energy

cheerfulness and laughter liven

have found his smile

made Michaela go silent

and Tristan with an unmistakable expression of displeasure.

to marry Elio, but they bore no ill will toward Candice. In fact, they were quite fond of her. It left

began discussing the economy, Candice naturally

that Elio

was eating with a sullen expression. It was a stark contrast

during meals with

of the house was dampening

leaned in to whisper. "Elio,

but smile even before hearing it and responded, "You've got

said, "But you've

into the meal and the meat she had

her food