The Wrong Woman

Elio glanced at the contract briefly before closing it and placing it in the drawer.

Candice asked, "Mr. Hoffis, is there anything else?"

Elio looked up at her indifferently. His cool and unreadable gaze unsettled Candice, making her heart race.

"You" Elio started to speak but was interrupted by the sound of the door opening.

"Leo," called out Josie's gentle voice.

Josie, who walked in without knocking, paused for a moment when she saw Candice. She quickly smiled and said, "Candice, you're here too?"

Candice nodded politely. "Hello, Josie."

Josie beamed. "Am I interrupting? Should I come back later?"

Elio immediately interjected, "No need." He then turned to Candice and said, "That's all for now. You may leave."

Candice felt a pang in her chest. She didn't understand why she felt so sad.

had been dating for years. They were getting engaged next month. Of course, she could enter without

did it hurt so much? She tried to comfort herself, but the dull ache in her heart remained. Lowering her head, she bid farewell and left the office. Once she exited his office and entered the

pain in her chest. She wiped away her tears anxiously and took deep breaths to

secretly was agonizing. Her 12 years of feelings for Elio

he would treat her kindly, like her other cousins, and

becoming a full-time employee, Candice received an unexpected assignment from

business trip with

trip?"

to attend ND's international fashion

was both

with excitement. Even seasoned designers were envious, yet

A newbie

impactful event. All attendees were top fashion industry leaders and renowned designers

replied, "It's the company's decision. If you have

the decision, none

business trip. Her five causing all came to see her off at the airport, each offering their own advice, making