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."

makes more sense for

we could benefit from spending more time together. Considering your busy schedule and

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

"Yes?"

"Where are you?"

the office," Candice

I really want to see you right now," Elio

already 5:00

her engagement had circulated among her colleagues, especially following the distribution of her engagement treats. If Elio were

Candice urged, quickly rising from her seat and rushing toward the elevator doors.

"Okay," Elio replied softly.

that, the call

the elevator, awaiting

elevator bell

with tenderness, a gentle smile gracing

to meet Candice. Nevertheless, his smile waned as he

over two decades, Josie witnessed a side of him she had never seen before-a tenderness that took her by

his tone becoming more subdued. "What

Josie remarked, "I just happened to be in the area and thought I'd stop by to see you."