The Wrong Woman

Jasper drove back to Morrison Residence. He allowed Candice to get out of the car before he parked it.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Candice slipped into a pair of fluffy slippers at the entrance, where a maid approached to take her bag. "Ms. Candice, we have a guest," the maid informed her. "Oh, thank you," Candice replied, handing over her bag absentmindedly.

Her thoughts were elsewhere as she entered the living room. There, she was greeted by the familiar faces of Gary, Florence, Daniel, Sienna, Taylor, and Tobias. Candice announced cheerfully, "Everyone, I'm back."

Everyone turned toward her, including the guest. Candice halted her step, and her smile froze as she stared at Elio-the last person she expected to meet. The Morrisons were a large family. Daniel and Sienna resided at Maple Abode, Nathan and Mila at Sudvilla, while Duke and Daphne lived independently. Each of Candice's cousins chose to live separately from their parents. Candice, however, preferred the lively atmosphere of staying with Gary and Florence. "Candice, you're back?"

"Have a seat, Candice."

"Look who's here, Candice. Come say hello."

Candice felt a buzzing in her ears, and a wave of nervousness washed over her. As she approached Elio, she noticed his deep, intent gaze fixed quietly on her.

She was unsure how to greet him, feeling a mix of guilt and embarrassment, with the latter dominating her emotions. She was concerned about offending her family by using Elio's first name, yet she knew he disliked being called "Mr. Hoffis".

After a moment's thought, Candice simply said, "Hello."

Sienna frowned disapprovingly. "Candice, why didn't you address him as Mr. Hoffis?"

Candice pouted and took a seat next to Sienna, looking visibly upset. "Mom, he doesn't like it when I call him that."

The room fell silent, and everyone was surprised. Elio responded calmly, "Yes, that was my request. Please, don't blame Candice."

Sienna and Daniel exchanged knowing looks while Gary asked, "Then, what should she call you?"

"Just call me Elio," Elio suggested.

Florence quickly added, "Yes, since you two are nearly the same age, why not just call him Elio like the rest of us instead of Mr. Hoffis?"

Elio nodded in agreement.

With a smile, Florence said, "Candice, there's no need to call him Mr. Hoffis and be so formal. It only makes you two seem more distant. Just call him Elio."

"Okay, Grandma," Candice responded meekly. Then, she greeted Elio sweetly, "Hello, Elio."

Elio didn't respond verbally but

nodded slightly, a small, embarrassed smile spreading. across his face. With Candice joining them, the conversation picked up where it had left off.

"Why the sudden change, Elio?" Daniel asked.

"It wasn't a sudden decision to call off the wedding. My mom announced the wedding at the banquet without my consent, organized the wedding, and even sent out invitations—all without consulting me," Elio explained.

Candice stared at Elio in shock, her mind reeling. Had she heard him correctly?

Florence sighed. "Your mother is a

wonderful woman in many ways but her controlling nature can be overwhelming. She insists on dictating your life according to her

plans."

"I learned from Jasper that you all had started preparing a lavish wedding gift for me. I felt I needed to come in person to explain and apologize," Elio said regretfully.

Gary waved his hand in response. "No, no, there's no need for all that. We're all family here. A simple phone call would have sufficed."

"Yeah. It's a shame, though. You and Cameron's daughter seemed like a good match," Taylor added.

"So, you're not planning to marry Josie after all those years with her?" Sienna asked.