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."

for you to chauffeur me. It makes

brief pause, Elio spoke up, "I was contemplating that we could benefit from spending more time together. Considering your busy schedule and my

to fret over every single moment." Nevertheless, Elio's concern lingered-he worried they wouldn't have ample opportunity to nurture their relationship further,

"Yes?"

"Where are you?"

at the office," Candice

but I really want to see

Candice checked her phone. It was already 5:00 pm. Lifting her gaze, she scanned the entire

distribution of her engagement treats. If Elio were to appear

there," Candice urged, quickly rising from her seat and rushing toward the elevator doors. "I'll go to

"Okay," Elio replied softly.

that, the call

patiently by the

the elevator bell

a gentle smile gracing

anticipation coursing through him, he awaited the opportunity to meet Candice. Nevertheless, his smile waned as he

him she had never seen before-a tenderness that took her by surprise.

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

to him, Josie remarked, "I just happened to be in the area and thought I'd stop by to see you." Holding out the candies she brought, she continued, "These are from