The Wrong Woman

Candice took Elio's arm as they pulled away from each other. She confidently led him toward the living room and said, "Josie's here. Let's go join her."

Josie couldn't help but notice the smile on Elio's face and the intimate way he had hugged Candice. She felt a sense of unfamiliarity creeping in. This was a side of Elio she had never seen before.

Elio's eyes were filled with tenderness as he looked at Candice, his voice soft and gentle as he spoke to her. Josie wasn't the only one taken aback. Michaela and Tristan also looked surprised.

Michaela watched as Candice and Elio walked over, arm in arm. She casually asked, "Just finished work?"

Elio's expression tightened and he responded with a subdued hum.

The duo settled onto the couch opposite Josie and Michaela. Candice intertwined her fingers with Elio's.

Tristan found it intriguing and asked, "Wasn't the event supposed to go until 9:00 pm tonight?"

"The main event's done. I skipped the after-party," Elio replied.

"Marriage truly changes things. When you have someone special waiting at home, you find yourself wanting to return earlier," Tristan remarked. Josie's expression darkened at his words.

Michaela gave an awkward smile and said pointedly, "It's unusual to see you home early. Did you rush back for dinner because Josie's here?"

was coming," Elio replied curtly. He unwittingly embarrassed Josie to

preparing dinner, Robert called everyone to the dining table. Candice took Elio's hand

asking, "Dinner's ready.

turned and explained, "I'm taking

responded with

remarked, "He follows her like a lost

infectious energy always brings life to the

liven things

Leo seems to have found his smile with

words made Michaela go silent all

with an unmistakable expression of displeasure. She struggled to contain her simmering

but they bore no ill will toward Candice. In fact, they were quite

gathered around the dinner table and began discussing the economy, Candice

sullen expression. It was a

the oppressive atmosphere of the house was dampening

placed a piece of meat on Elio's plate and leaned

it and responded,