The Wrong Woman

Candice rose to her feet as well. Elio seemed slightly flustered. He quickly suggested, "Since you're already here, why not stay for dinner?"

Jasper hesitated, glancing at Elio, who gestured toward the dining table where a maid set out the dishes.

"It's already dark outside. You'll be hungry if you head back now. Why not eat here?" said Elio.Property © NôvelDrama.Org.

Jasper looked over at Candice. Unperturbed, she replied, "I'm fine with either option."

Feeling a twinge of sympathy for Elio's loneliness, Jasper headed over to the dining table with a faint smile. "Alright, let's stay and have dinner with Uncle Elio."

Candice pulled out her phone and sent a message to Florence. "Grandma, Jasper and I will have dinner out tonight. Don't wait up."

After sending the message, she rose from the couch and nearly collided with Elio as she stepped out. Startled, she took a step back, and her gentle gaze met his. Elio's emotions seemed heightened, his typical cold and handsome face now revealing a hint of warmth.

In a gentle voice, he said, "I asked the chef to prepare some of your favorites-stuffed mushrooms, pork knuckle, and ravioli."

Candice was momentarily startled. It took her a second to gather her thoughts.

How did he know she liked these dishes? Wasn't this dinner invitation quite sudden? And how had he managed to prepare her favorite dishes so quickly? "Thank you," Candice murmured, her voice soft with surprise.

Elio quickly moved aside, allowing her to walk past him toward the dining table, and followed closely behind.

As Candice took her seat, she was struck by the sight of the table laden with her favorites-six dishes and a soup, precisely what she loved.

While serving the soup, Jasper couldn't help but tease, "Uncle Elio, you've really laid it on thick with this meal. Everything here is exactly what Candice loves."

Elio gave no reply but simply took his seat across from them. Feeling her cheeks flush, Candice shyly lowered her gaze and accepted the bowl of soup Jasper handed her. She began to sip it quietly. Jasper sensed there was more to the situation but chose to remain silent with a smile, focusing instead on his meal.

Elio's dining etiquette was marked by elegance and formality. He ate quietly, without speaking or making any noise.

Candice and Jasper exchanged a glance before turning to observe Elio. They admired his posture at the table; he really did look graceful.

Sensing the intensity of their stares,

Elio looked up and caught Jasper's and Candice's warm gazes. Embarrassed, they quickly lowered their heads and resumed eating awkwardly. The remainder of the dinner unfolded in a quiet and cozy ambiance.

There was no rush to leave as it was only 8:00 pm. The maid brought some fruit, and the trio settled into the living room to watch a movie. The atmosphere was harmonious.

After a while, Jasper excused

himself to use the bathroom, leaving only Candice and Elio on the couch. Seated about three feet apart, they continged watching the movie, neither finding the words to break the silence.

Candice found the atmosphere particularly stiff and awkward, her heart pounding like a drum. She was torn, simultaneously wishing for Jasper's quick return and hoping he would stay in the bathroom a little longer. Her thoughts were scattered, making it impossible to focus on the movie.

Suddenly, Elio's deep, captivating voice broke through her anxious reverie. "Candice, you should come over for dinner more often," he suggested.

Her heart fluttered, skipping a beat. "Oh, okay, thank you!" she replied anxiously, her eyes glued to the TV screen.

Meanwhile, Elio watched her intently, his eyes lingering on her gorgeous face. "Did you enjoy tonight's meal?" he asked.

Candice nodded in response. "Yes, I did."