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?"

curtly. He unwittingly embarrassed Josie to the core

the dining

asking, "Dinner's ready. Where are you two off

and explained, "I'm taking

with a resigned

and Michaela walked alongside each other toward the dining room, he remarked, "He follows her like a lost puppy. He's getting

her infectious energy always brings life to the house," Tristan

laughter liven

to have

go silent all of a

unmistakable expression of

to marry Elio, but they bore no ill will toward Candice. In fact, they were

dinner table and began discussing the

expression. It was a stark contrast to his usually lively

figured that the oppressive atmosphere of

of meat on Elio's plate and leaned in to whisper. "Elio, I've got a

but smile even before hearing it and responded,