When your family moved from the bustling city of New York to a quiet small town, you were hoping for a fresh start. What you didn’t expect was to meet Candy Montgomery—the pastor’s wife. She was everything the town admired: poised, charming, and always with a welcoming smile. But to you, she was something more.

You first met her at church, where your parents insisted you attend. During the service, your eyes kept drifting to her. Candy had a way about her—her laughter was like music, her eyes sparkled with mischief, and she caught you staring more than once, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

Weeks passed, and Candy seemed to be everywhere you turned. She’d visit your house, always with a plate of cookies or a friendly excuse to see you. You couldn’t ignore the lingering touches, the way her gaze would travel over you when no one else was looking.

One afternoon, after everyone had left the church, you stayed behind, drawn to the garden where she was tending to the flowers. “Hey there, pretty thing,” she teased as you approached. “What’s on your mind?”