The Wrong Woman

Josie was certain that Candice didn't stand a chance of stealing Elio away.
Elio caused a commotion as he rushed down the stairs, prompting Mila and Nathan to emerge from their room, where they
unexpectedly met Josie.
"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Morrison," Josie greeted them with a polite nod.
"Josie?"
Furrowing her brow, Mila asked, "What brings you here?"
"My dad sent me to bring you some strawberries," Josie replied.
"Thank you," Mila responded politely, then turned to look downstairs.
She noticed Elio trudging back to the living room. He flopped down on the couch, shut his eyes, and sank back. He looked
drained, but it was apparent that his weariness wasn't merely physical.
"Where's Candice?" Mila asked.
"Candice had to leave for something," Josie answered.
Mila fell silent as she pieced things together. She knew Candice too well.
Candice would have at least said goodbye if she had left under normal circumstances. She would never leave without a word.
"Make yourself at home." Mila's tone turned icy. She pulled Nathan back into their room.
Josie savored her moment of triumph, feeling quite pleased with herself. She headed downstairs to comfort Elio. However, as
she reached the first floor, Elio abruptly grabbed his coat and stormed out of Sudvilla.
"Leo..." Josie called out nervously, chasing after him.
Elio jumped into his car and sped off. Josie tried to catch up, but it was futile. Frustrated, she stomped her foot hard on the
ground.
The days that followed were quiet,Candice remained blissful, buoyed by the love of her family. She was never overly
sentimental. She focused on staying happy and content.

Despite the heartache and disappointment caused by her thoughts of Elio, she never regretted falling in love with him or
continuing to harbor a secret crush on him. en.swhovels.net
At work, Vanessa often asked Candice, "What do you think of my brother? Is there really no chance between you two?"
When Candice got home, her cousins bombarded her with questions, concerned she might be facing mistreatment at work.
It was evening, and the sky was painted with colorful clouds. As Candice walked out of her office building, she spotted a familiar
car and a familiar face-Jasper.
Curious, she approached him and asked, "Jasper, why have you been picking me up lately? Where's the usual driver?"
Jasper caressed her head and softly replied, "Per my mother's instructions, I'll be the one driving you to and from work for the
foreseeable future."
"But why?" Candice was puzzled.
"Because I'm on a mission," Jasper said with a faint smile.
Candice chuckled in response. They climbed into the car, buckled their seatbelts, and drove off. Candice rested her forehead
against the window, her gaze distant and. melancholic as the landscape blurred past.
Jasper watched her for a moment before breaking the silence. "Candice, there won't be a wedding next month."
Confused, Candice turned to face him. "What do you mean?"
"Uncle Elio isn't getting married," Jasper explained, his voice tinged with resignation. "It's caused quite the strain with Grandma."
"Wasn't he deeply in love with Josie? Why is he refusing to marry her now?"
Jasper shook his head and sighed. "No one really knows what's on his mind."