The Wrong Woman

Elio's expression hardened abruptly. "No way," he said firmly.

Jasper and Candice were taken aback. They stared at Elio's concerned face.

"Why?" Candice asked.

"You won't be able to change their minds. Staying with them will only bring you more suffering and harm. I disagree," Elio replied.NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

"That's not true. They've always treated me kindly," Candice argued.

"Candice, things are different now. You're not in the same position as you were before."

"I want to try, Elio. Please, can you just let me try? I believe I can convince them to accept me."

Jasper supported her, adding, "I'm with you on this, Candice."

Elio shot Jasper a cold glare. "Don't you have anything better to do today?"

Jasper shrugged. "Not really. Even though my mom's far away, she's really concerned about Candice's marriage. She insisted I keep an eye on her."

"This isn't open for discussion," Elio stated firmly.

Jasper threw a meaningful glance at Candice.

She caught on quickly and moved to sit beside Elio, gently hugging his arm. "Elio, can you please let me try? Maybe I can make it work, who knows?" she said in a sweet, cajoling voice.

Elio's heart melted slightly, and his voice took on a soothing tone as he replied, "Candice, I know them better than you do. It's not going to change anything no matter how hard you try. It will only cause you more trouble and pain."

Scrunching up her forehead, Candice pouted with discontent.

"Candice, maybe it's time for your secret weapon?" Jasper murmured from the side.

Candice's demeanor shifted dramatically at Jasper's suggestion. Her lips quivered as though she was on the verge of tears, her big, round eyes welling up. In a tremulous voice, she asked, "Elio, don't you love me anymore?"

Elio was immediately thrown into a state of panic. He had never seen Candice look so forlorn and close to tears before.

She resembled a rose covered in morning dew, looking incredibly vulnerable. Her tears glistening on her lashes ignited a deep, unexplainable pain within him.

Feeling as if everything was spiraling out of control, Elio reached out to cradle her face. "Candice, it's not what you think... I do love you. I—"

"No, you don't. I'm leaving you. I'm going to pack my things and go home!" Candice snapped, shoving Elio's hands aside in frustration. She quickly stood up and hurried to the second floor.

Elio scrambled after her, desperately grabbing her hand. But she immediately shook it off. He reached for her again, only for her to slip away once more. After several futile attempts, Elio's panic surged.

He pulled her into his arms and softly pleaded, "Candice, please don't do this. I'll listen to you and do whatever you want."

Jasper covered his mouth to stifle his laughter.

Elio held Candice tightly. Slowly, she raised her hand and flashed an "okay" gesture to Jasper, who couldn't help but be impressed.

Having been pampered all her life, Candice had mastered the art of playing the innocent. A few tears from her were all it took to melt the hearts of everyone in the family.

Elio didn't invite Jasper to stay for dinner, opting instead for some alone time with Candice.

After dinner, Candice returned to her room to pack her belongings, preparing to move into Hoffis Manor. Meanwhile, Elio instructed Robert to prepare a room for her.

That night, Candice found little rest. Elio had swept her into making love three times, and she didn't fall asleep until almost dawn.

...

The following afternoon, Candice arrived at Hoffis Manor in Elio's car. Known as the wealthiest family in Norvania, the Hoffises truly lived up to their reputation. Hoffis Manor was as grand and opulent as a castle.

Tristan and Michaela were already waiting in the living room when Candice and Elio arrived. A few maids carried their luggage inside, while Robert escorted them to where Tristan and Michaela were seated.

Candice felt a twinge of unease. Tristan and Michaela greeted her with warm smiles. Michaela extended her hand and said, "You're here, Candice."

With a bright smile, Candice approached and gently grasped Michaela's hand. In a soft voice, she said, "In the past, I used to call you both 'Grandma' and 'Grandpa' like Jasper. Would it be alright if I start calling you by your first name?"

Michaela and Tristan shared a look, their smiles faltering slightly.

Even Elio was taken aback. He hadn't anticipated Candice's assertiveness. She was bolder than he had imagined.