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.

said, "I asked the chef to prepare some of your favorites-stuffed

was momentarily startled. It took her a second to

invitation quite sudden? And how had he managed to prepare her favorite dishes so quickly?

past him

she was struck by the sight of the table laden with her favorites-six dishes and a soup,

you've really laid it on thick

accepted the bowl of soup Jasper handed her. She began to sip it quietly. Jasper sensed there was more to the situation but chose to remain silent with a smile, focusing instead on

etiquette was marked by elegance and formality. He ate quietly, without speaking or making any

exchanged a glance before turning to observe Elio. They admired his posture at the table;

intensity of their

looked up and caught Jasper's and Candice's warm gazes. Embarrassed, they quickly lowered their heads and resumed eating awkwardly. The remainder of the dinner unfolded in a quiet and cozy

to leave as it was only 8:00 pm. The maid brought some fruit, and the trio settled into the living room to watch a movie. The