The Wrong Woman

Somebody was skeptical. "How's that possible? You-"

Tristan interrupted with a serious tone. "We're somewhat related, yes. But didn't you notice she called us by our first name?"

While the others continued to laugh and joke, Candice was quietly moved by Tristan's words.

Tristan's recognition of her meant that her recent efforts hadn't been wasted. However, Michaela remained unconvinced. She was fond of Candice but disagreed with her marrying Elio.

After a long day, Candice returned home late at night. She bid farewell to Tristan and Michaela and returned to her room. Then, she indulged in a hot bath and massaged her sore shoulders and neck before settling into bed.

Her phone buzzed. She picked it up and saw it was a message from Elio. "Open the door. I want to see you."

Candice sat up in bed and typed a reply. "It's too late."

Though she longed to spend more time with Elio, they were under his parents' roof, and Michaela had made her wishes clear-Elio and Candice were to sleep in separate rooms. Candice didn't want to cause any upset.

response came promptly. "Seven days a week, including weekends, you're always with my parents. What

she rose from her bed

as the door was opened, Elio slipped inside quickly. He wrapped one arm around

about to speak, but Elio silenced her

her. He effortlessly lifted her light frame and carried her

against Elio's chest, finally turning her face aside to break free from his kiss. Elio's

said, "Elio, we shouldn't. It wouldn't be good if your

the curve of Candice's neck, breathing heavily. The warmth of his breath against her skin sent a shiver down her spine leaving her utterly weakened. He paused before murmuring "Candice, I miss you.

each other every day,"

until Candice was lying on top of him. He cradled the back of

other doesn't count. You spend all your time with them. What about

offered a helpless smile. "I'm doing this for our future together, isn't that what we

don't have to seek their approval. I'll only marry you in this