The Wrong Woman

What kind of photo is it that she mustn't see? Is it another woman?

Feeling her patience wane, Candice said, "I'm going back now."

Elio approached her and remarked, "I'll go with you and explain everything to your family."

"No, you can't." Candice quickly stopped him, her nerves showing. "Let me first see how they feel about it. We can decide based on that."Copyright by Nôv/elDrama.Org.

"No matter the situation or the outcome, I'm willing to bear it all alone. You don't have to worry about me," Elio reassured her.

Worrying there might be unforeseen events, he was anxious to solidify their relationship and get the marriage certificate so he could finally be at ease.

"There's no need to rush. Let's take it slow. I'll persuade my family, and you can do the same with yours. Is that okay?" Candice asked.

Still, Elio was worried that something might go wrong. However, he couldn't be too hasty and risk scaring Candice, as it might potentially ruin everything. "Okay, I'll follow your lead."

Candice curiously pointed at the covered photo, smiling calmly and feigning indifference as she inquired, "Whose photo is that?"

Elio glanced at the bedside table, feeling guilty. "It's a picture of myself."

In truth, it was a photo he had secretly taken of Candice.

He planned to confess everything after they got married. For now, he couldn't tell her that he had planned all his actions.

Despite Michaela's strong opposition, he used his influence in the Recruitment Department to ensure Candice passed the interview and joined ND Group.

He had intentionally arranged for her to accompany him on business trips abroad, distancing her from her family and creating opportunities for them to be intimate, hoping she would get pregnant. He never used protection during their encounters, as he wanted her to conceive.

He couldn't tell Candice this yet, fearing she would think he was despicable, that his methods were dirty and unscrupulous.

After they married, he planned to admit his mistakes and slowly make amends, hoping for her forgiveness.

Candice didn't ask further and turned to leave the room.

Elio followed closely, cautiously extending his hand to support her, worried she might slip on the stairs.

Seeing Elio's careful demeanor, Candice couldn't help but smile and pushed his hand away. "You don't have to be so nervous. I'm not that far along yet."

مادر

This child was his only hope for happiness. He couldn't afford to lose it. Thus, Elio held her hand gently and spoke softly, "Be careful You're not alone now."

Candice felt a twinge of bitterness and muttered unhappily, "You just want a child that badly?"

"I want you," Elio murmured.

Candice was taken aback, staring at him in surprise, wondering if she had misheard. She blinked, looking at him in confusion. "Hmm?"

Elio smiled tenderly, guiding her down the stairs. "If you're not in a hurry to go home, why not stay a bit longer? If there's anything you want to eat or do, just let me know. I'll keep you company."

Candice didn't have any particular cravings or desires. Normally, she'd still be asleep at this hour on a weekend.

As they reached the living room, there was a knock at the door. Sean opened it and walked in.

Startled, Candice quickly withdrew her hand and stepped away from Elio.

Sean noticed her nervous gesture, and her actions pained Elio. He spoke tensely, "Mr. Hoffis, Ms. Hudson is here."

No sooner had he spoken than Josie walked in uninvited, smiling brightly. "Leo, you—"

She stopped mid-sentence upon seeing Candice in the room, her expression freezing. Candice, feeling awkward, greeted politely, "Hi, Josie."