The Wrong Woman

Candice's heart raced as she clutched her phone with both hands, her gaze locked on the message from Elio. She read it repeatedly, striving to grasp every word. Was Elio asking her out, just the two of them? Should she accept?

Feeling conflicted, she glanced at Jasper, who was behind the wheel. Hesitantly, she said, "Jasper, you don't have to pick me up from work tomorrow." "Why not?" Jasper asked.

"I..." Candice faltered, knowing that Jasper would soon discover her lie if she claimed to be working late. She made up an excuse. "I'm going shopping with a friend." "Which friend? Where are you headed?" Jasper questioned.

Feeling a twinge of guilt, Candice responded, "Vanessa. We're just going around the office area."

Jasper seemed unconcerned. "Alright, just be careful and make sure you come home early."

A wave of relief washed over Candice, and she leaned closer to Jasper, offering him a sweet smile. "Thanks, Jasper."

Bemused, Jasper chuckled and replied, "Why are you thanking me? Enjoy your time."Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Then, he pulled a black card from his pocket and offered it to Candice. "Feel free to use this as you like."

"No, no. I have enough money."

Jasper smiled warmly as he pressed the card into her hand, saying affectionately, "Take it. Spend mine and save yours to become a rich lady."

With a bright smile, Candice said, "Thank you, Jasper."

She glanced at her phone and realized she had yet to respond to Elio's message. In the chat window, she could see Elio typing, pausing, then starting again. Yet, no message came through. Candice began to type her reply.

Meanwhile, in his study, Elio alternated between checking on his phone and tapping out responses he never sent. He anxiously waited for Candice's response.

Why wasn't she responding? Was she hesitant about going out with him but didn't know how to decline?

Suddenly, his phone buzzed. Elio snatched it up and opened the message eagerly.

"Sure! But I have work tomorrow, so I'll only be free afterward."

Elio's eyes crinkled with joy, and a smile crept across his lips as he quickly texted back. "Great, I'll wait for you. See you tomorrow." "See you tomorrow."

Elio's smile widened as he left the study with his phone in hand. He swiftly ascended the stairs and entered his bedroom.

He stepped into his walk-in closet

and meticulously selected an outfit for the next day. It needed to strike the perfect balance-neither too formal nor too casual, youthful yet fitting with Candice's charming style.

Seldom wearing cologne, Elio took his time that night to carefully sample each fragrance before choosing one that felt just right After getting aside his outfit, he pulled out his phone and dialed his butter, Matthew Aldrich.

When Matthey picked up, Elio instructed, "Tomorrow morning, I need a thorough cleaning of the house, inside and out. I want it spotless. Also, please have the chef prepare a dinner based on Candice's favorite dishes."

"Yes, sir," Matthew replied.

Elio set his phone down and browsed through Candice's messages once more. Each message brought a smile to his face. Then, he headed into the bathroom with his pajamas.

The following day, Candice clocked out of work at 5:30 pm and exited the office building. Standing outside the plaza, she was about to text Elio when a luxury car smoothly pulled up in front of her. Before she could react, Elio emerged from the driver's seat. He walked around to her side and opened the passenger door.

"Get in," he said softly.

Candice was taken aback. She stared at him, momentarily speechless. Normally, Elio was chauffeured by his assistant or his driver. Why had he chosen to drive himself today?