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.

days a week, including weekends, you're always

felt a pang of sympathy. Resignedly, she rose from her bed and opened

inside quickly. He wrapped one arm around Candice

speak, but Elio silenced her with a

sudden kiss overwhelmed her. He effortlessly lifted her

against Elio's chest, finally turning her face aside to break

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

buried his face in 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. I miss you

each other every day,"

was lying on top of him. He cradled the back of her head and waist, his gaze intense and earnest. Each word

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

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

approval. I'll only marry you in this