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?"

she was coming," Elio replied curtly. He unwittingly embarrassed

finished preparing dinner, Robert called everyone to the dining table. Candice took Elio's hand and led him toward the

up, asking, "Dinner's ready. Where are you

turned and explained, "I'm taking Elio to wash up,

responded with

toward the dining room, he remarked, "He follows her like a lost puppy. He's

chatty, but her infectious energy always brings life to the house,"

cheerfulness and laughter liven things

to have found his smile

words made Michaela go silent all of a

behind Michaela and Tristan with an unmistakable expression of displeasure.

ill will toward Candice. In fact, they were quite fond of her. It left Josie

the dinner table and began discussing the economy,

noticed that Elio had lost his appetite and was eating with a sullen expression. It was a stark contrast to his

that the oppressive atmosphere of the

plate and leaned

before hearing it and responded, "You've got a joke