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.

I have Mervyn with me, don't

hint of reluctance, Sean eventually

Candice stepped into the restaurant, her eyes scanning

Mervyn called out,

approached Mervyn with easy, carefree steps, gracefully taking a seat

presence and captivating smile,

exclaimed, unable

lips as he admitted, "I never expected to bump into you

at his remark. "Nor did I,

a beat, Mervyn promptly retrieved the menu and offered it to her. "Take a

perusing the menu, Candice casually opted

cuisine, the ambiance exuded

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

Candice,

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

quite some time, and you've only

"Oh, stop it. I haven't had any cosmetic work done. How could there be such a drastic change that you

but chuckle, his

her laughter bubbling

conversation about her parents and contrasting genuine family, interest in

and a brisk north wind swept through the streets. Before they knew it, a torrential downpour