The Wrong Woman

As Josie vanished from sight, Candice retrieved her phone, promptly settling the bill for the two coffees before departing herself.

On her way back to the office, she couldn't resist glancing at her phone to check the date.

With the wedding arranged by the Hoffis family for Josie and Elio just over 20 days away, the pressure on Josie must have been mounting.

Despite this, Candice's inner resolve rang clear. "As long as Elio remains unattached and still wishes to marry me, I'll hold firm in my carefree, love-struck state, regardless of others' opinions." However, there was one thing she couldn't tolerate betrayal.

As the evening approached and the workday persisted, Candice's phone buzzed with a message from Jasper.

"Candice, I've received orders from Uncle Elio. Starting today, I won't be able to give you rides home. He'll be handling that instead."

Candice swiftly replied, "But we travel the same route, unlike him."

Jasper responded, "That's true, but he's the one calling the shots."

Undeterred, Candice insisted, "Wait for me after work. I'll have a conversation with him to clear things up.'

Without a moment's hesitation, Candice pressed the call button, swiftly dialing Elio's number.

After just two rings, Elio answered, his voice gentle as he greeted, "Hey, Candice."

chauffeur me. It makes more sense for me to commute with Jasper," Candice

benefit from spending more time together. Considering your busy

swiftly cut in, "Hey, your time is precious. Let's not rush things. We have our entire lives ahead of us. There's no need to fret over every single moment." Nevertheless, Elio's concern lingered-he worried they wouldn't have ample opportunity to nurture their relationship further, especially with the recent disruption to their

"Yes?"

"Where are you?"

at the office,"

I'll have Jasper take care of your commute, but I really want

her phone. It was already 5:00 pm.

especially following the distribution of her engagement treats. If Elio were to

quickly rising from her seat and

"Okay," Elio replied softly.

that, the call

the elevator, awaiting

elevator bell

a gentle

meet Candice. Nevertheless, his smile waned as he caught sight of the woman inside

had never seen before-a tenderness that took her by surprise. Overflowing with excitement, she stepped

becoming more subdued. "What brings you here?" he

"I just happened to be in the area and thought I'd stop by to see you." Holding out the candies she