The Wrong Woman

Somebody was skeptical. "How's that possible? You—"

Tristan interrupted with a serious tone. "We're somewhat related, yes. But didn't you notice she called us by our first name?"

While the others continued to laugh and joke, Candice was quietly moved by Tristan's words.

Tristan's recognition of her meant that her recent efforts hadn't been wasted. However, Michaela remained unconvinced. She was fond of Candice but disagreed with her marrying Elio.

…

After a long day, Candice returned home late at night. She bid farewell to Tristan and Michaela and returned to her room. Then, she indulged in a hot bath and massaged her sore shoulders and neck before settling into bed.

Her phone buzzed. She picked it up and saw it was a message from Elio. "Open the door. I want to see you."

Candice sat up in bed and typed a reply. "It's too late."

Though she longed to spend more time with Elio, they were under his parents' roof, and Michaela had made her wishes clear—Elio and Candice were to sleep in separate rooms. Candice didn't want to cause any upset.

Elio's response came promptly. "Seven days a week, including weekends, you're always with my parents. What about me?" A crying emoji followed his words.

Candice felt a pang of sympathy. Resignedly, she rose from her bed and opened the door.

As soon as the door was opened, Elio slipped inside quickly. He wrapped one arm around Candice and locked the door with his free hand.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Candice looked up at him, about to speak, but Elio silenced her with a deep, passionate kiss.

The intensity of his sudden kiss overwhelmed her. He effortlessly lifted her light frame and carried her toward the bed.

As they fell onto the bed together, Candice pressed her hands against Elio's chest, finally turning her face aside to break free from his kiss. Elio's lips started to trail down.

She caught her breath and weakly said, "Elio, we shouldn't. It wouldn't be good if your parents found out."

Elio buried his face in the curve of Candice's neck, breathing heavily. The warmth of his breath against her skin sent a shiver down her spine, leaving her utterly weakened. He paused before murmuring, "Candice, I miss you. I miss you so much."

"We see each other every day," Candice replied.

Elio adjusted their positions until Candice was lying on top of him. He cradled the back of her head and waist, his gaze intense and earnest. Each word he spoke was stressed with emotion.

"Just seeing each other doesn't count. You spend all your time with them. What about me? Don't you want to be with me?"

Seeing the jealousy in his eyes, Candice offered a helpless smile. "I'm doing this for our future together, isn't that what we both want?"

"You don't have to seek their approval. I'll only marry you in this lifetime." Elio reassured her.

Candice cradled Elio's handsome face in her hands, lowering her head to kiss him gently. Craving more, Elio attempted to deepen the kiss. However, Candice quickly withdrew after their lips met. Moments earlier, when their bodies had pressed against each other, she could feel his intense desire.

"You should go back to your room. I don't want to upset your parents," Candice said gently.

"Candice, I want you," Elio replied.

Rolling over, he shifted their positions until Candice found herself beneath him, right at the center of the bed. His kiss on her earlobe stirred a rush of emotions within her.

As his hand slipped under her nightgown, Candice felt her resolve weakening. Overwhelmed by her feelings for him, she gave in to his desires, and they passionately embraced the moments when they indulged in each other.