The Wrong Woman

Candice studied Elio with a furrowed brow, perplexed by the bitterness in his tone.

Had she misinterpreted something?

Visibly disheartened, Elio met her gaze for a tense moment before abruptly exiting the car. "Sean, please take her," he instructed icily before slamming the door and striding away. Candice was utterly bewildered.

Following Elio's directive, Sean swiftly started the engine and executed a sharp U-turn.

As the car continued along the road, Sean spoke up, "Ms. Candice, do you have an address in mind? I'll take you wherever you need to go." Candice hesitated, puzzled by Sean's question.

Wasn't he supposed to take her back to the hotel to rest?

Just as Candice was about to respond, her phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, she saw it was Mervyn calling.

Upon picking up Mervyn's call, Candice was met with his inquiry about her work progress and dinner plans, followed by a request to meet up.

After a brief exchange with Mervyn, Candice turned to Sean and politely requested, "Could you please drive me to Regalia Restaurant? Thanks."

Sean acknowledged her request with a respectful nod. With that, he proceeded to navigate the car toward the restaurant.

Glancing into the rearview mirror, he caught sight of Candice engaged in a lively conversation with Mervyn over the phone, her face adorned with a radiant smile.

Observing this scene, Sean couldn't help but let out a resigned sigh.

Upon arriving at Regalia Restaurant, Candice disembarked from the car and informed Sean, "You can head back now. I'll arrange my own transportation back to the hotel later." "Ms. Candice, it's not safe for you to be alone," Sean insisted.

Mervyn with me, don't I?"

a hint of reluctance,

Candice stepped into the restaurant, her eyes

from his seat, Mervyn called out, "Candice, right

as she approached Mervyn with easy, carefree steps,

drawn to his radiant presence and captivating smile,

exclaimed, unable

Mervyn's lips as he admitted, "I never expected

but chuckle at his remark.

retrieved the menu and offered it to her. "Take a look and see what

menu, Candice casually

the restaurant's mediocre cuisine, the

air, while warm golden lights enveloped the space. With only a handful of other diners present,

Candice, a touch of nostalgia reflecting

lightly touched her cheek. "What's the matter? Do I

"It's been quite some time, and you've only become more

any cosmetic work done. How could there be such a drastic

help but chuckle, his amusement

in, her laughter bubbling

Candice in conversation about her parents and contrasting genuine family, interest in her work and delving into discussions

darkened, and a brisk north wind