The Wrong Woman

Candice rose to her feet as well. Elio seemed slightly flustered. He quickly suggested, "Since you're already here, why not stay for dinner?"

Jasper hesitated, glancing at Elio, who gestured toward the dining table where a maid set out the dishes.

"It's already dark outside. You'll be hungry if you head back now. Why not eat here?" said Elio.

Jasper looked over at Candice. Unperturbed, she replied, "I'm fine with either option."

Feeling a twinge of sympathy for Elio's loneliness, Jasper headed over to the dining table with a faint smile. "Alright, let's stay and have dinner with Uncle Elio."

Candice pulled out her phone and sent a message to Florence. "Grandma, Jasper and I will have dinner out tonight. Don't wait up."

After sending the message, she rose from the couch and nearly collided with Elio as she stepped out. Startled, she took a step back, and her gentle gaze met his. Elio's emotions seemed heightened, his typical cold and handsome face now revealing a hint of warmth.

he said, "I asked the chef to prepare some

momentarily startled. It took her

did he know she liked these dishes? Wasn't this dinner invitation quite sudden? And how had he managed to prepare her favorite dishes so quickly? "Thank you,"

moved aside, allowing her to walk past

sight of the table laden with her favorites-six dishes and a soup, precisely what she

Elio, you've really laid it on thick

her gaze and accepted the bowl of soup Jasper handed her. She began

and formality. He ate quietly, without speaking or

to observe Elio. They admired his posture at the table;

the intensity of their

Embarrassed, they quickly lowered their heads and resumed eating awkwardly. The

it was only 8:00 pm. The maid brought some fruit, and the trio settled into the