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.

ready. Where are you two off

"I'm taking Elio to wash up,

with

each other toward the dining room, he remarked, "He follows her like a

but her infectious energy always brings life to the

laughter liven things up," Michaela

have found his

words made Michaela go silent

unmistakable expression of displeasure. She struggled to contain

but they bore no ill will

began discussing the economy, Candice naturally felt left out

noticed that Elio

appetite and was eating with a sullen expression. It was a

meals

figured that the oppressive atmosphere of the house was dampening his

plate and leaned in to

hearing it and responded, "You've got a

said, "But you've got to eat while you

meal and the meat she

her food