Candice felt her hands sweating from nervousness as soon as the question was asked. She clenched her fists and lowered her head. She couldn't meet Elio's gaze, yet her ears remained sharply attuned to his voice.After stealing a glance at Candice, Elio thought for a moment before saying, "Josie isn't my girlfriend.""What?" Everyone fell into stunned silence.Candice looked up, her eyes wide with shock as she stared at Elio in disbelief. Her reaction was so over the top that Elio almost laughed. He found her astonishment adorable and struggled to keep a straight face.With a frown, Daniel asked, "What's the matter?"Elio turned to Daniel and explained with a polite tone, "My mom was pressuring me to find a girlfriend back then. Out of desperation, I convinced my best friend to pose as one. We kept up the act for so long that everyone believed we were actually together.""Why did you stop pretending?""My mom found out.""That explains it."Candice was dumbfounded, her mouth sl
The moment Candice locked eyes with Elio, she quickly lowered her head. She twirled the hem of her clothing between her fingers, her cheeks coloring a deep red.Elio watched her intently for a few seconds before reluctantly looking away. Shortly after, a maid entered the room to announce that dinner was served. Everyone gathered at the dining table and began to eat.Candice seemed preoccupied throughout the meal. She hurried upstairs as soon as she finished eating. Alone in her room, she pondered over Elio's visit.Did he really come to clarify things because her family had begun preparing a lavish wedding gift for him? Were his words sincere? And if so, why had Josie misled her? Could it have all been an act?The more she pondered over those questions, the more her head hurt. Eventually, she decided to stop overthinking and drifted into a peaceful sleep.…The next morning, Candice awoke from a comforting dream in high spirits. Elio's words from the past suddenly echoed in her m
The elevator stopped at the design department's floor. "Candice, you're up," Jasper said as the doors slid open.After stepping out, Candice turned to face the elevator. She waved at Jasper with a smile, her gentle gaze naturally drifting toward Elio. Elio's gaze met hers—intense, deep, and unflinching.As the elevator doors began to close, their eye contact was broken. Candice touched her chest, feeling her heart flutter with nervous excitement as she sighed. With no more need for secrecy, she could openly admire Elio without the guilt of desiring someone she thought was taken.Still, she wasn't completely certain about his relationship status. Although he wasn't with Josie, could there be someone else?Regardless, Candice felt optimistic about where things might lead. With a joyous smile, she covered her face, ducked her head, and briskly made her way into the design department office.Candice found her work in the design department incredibly fulfilling. Passionate about fash
"That's out of my responsibility. You should speak with the HR director or consult Uncle Elio directly," Jasper said.Candice paused, her thoughts swirling. It seemed like a flimsy excuse to approach Elio. He could easily resolve the issue with just a few words. She wondered how she could keep their conversation going. Pursing her lips in thought, she absentmindedly fiddled with her bag's buckle.Meanwhile, Jasper focused intently on the road, his concentration broken only when his phone rang. He grabbed his Bluetooth earpiece, fitted it into his ear, and pressed the answer button."Hello, Uncle Elio," Jasper greeted. Candice's head shot up, her expression turning anxious.From the other end came Elio's voice. "Come over. I have an important document for you.""Uncle Elio, could Sean possibly deliver it instead? I'm driving Candice home right now, and it would be inconvenient to change direction," said Jasper."It's very important. I don't trust anyone else with it." Elio was a
Candice rose to her feet as well. Elio seemed slightly flustered. He quickly suggested, "Since you're already here, why not stay for dinner?"Jasper hesitated, glancing at Elio, who gestured toward the dining table where a maid set out the dishes."It's already dark outside. You'll be hungry if you head back now. Why not eat here?" said Elio.Jasper looked over at Candice. Unperturbed, she replied, "I'm fine with either option."Feeling a twinge of sympathy for Elio's loneliness, Jasper headed over to the dining table with a faint smile. "Alright, let's stay and have dinner with Uncle Elio."Candice pulled out her phone and sent a message to Florence. "Grandma, Jasper and I will have dinner out tonight. Don't wait up."After sending the message, she rose from the couch and nearly collided with Elio as she stepped out. Startled, she took a step back, and her gentle gaze met his. Elio's emotions seemed heightened, his typical cold and handsome face now revealing a hint of warmth.
The conversation dwindled into another round of silence. To bridge the emotional gap, Elio tried to change the subject. "Are you facing any challenges at work?" he asked.Suddenly reminded of the layoffs, Candice turned to face him, her voice tinged with anxiety. "Is the company planning to lay anyone off?"A gentle smile finally crossed Elio's face the moment she met his gaze. "You don't have to worry. You're not on the list.""What about my friend, Vanessa Yates? Can you make sure she's safe, too?""Vanessa Yates?" Elio echoed.Candice nodded in response."Okay, I'll make a note of it.""Thank you," said Candice. Overwhelmed by his intense gaze, she shifted her gaze to the television."Candice, about what happened last time, we—" He was cut off by Jasper approaching them. Elio's words hung unfinished in the air.Feeling a mix of guilt and anxiety, Candice whispered, "Let's not talk about the past. It's all behind us now."She was afraid that Jasper might overhear their
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
"Is it just the two of us, Elio?" Candice asked.Elio nodded. "Yes.""Oh," said Candice. Excitement rushed through her as she climbed into the passenger seat and buckled her seatbelt. Elio shut her door, then walked around to the driver's side. He slid into the car, started the engine, and they pulled away just as the sunset bathed the sky in a palette of deep reds.Inside the car, a heavy silence hung in the air, deepening the awkwardness that enveloped them both. Candice felt the weight of the quiet bearing down on her. She desperately searched her thoughts for something to say, but nerves tied her tongue.Suddenly, Elio's voice cut through the tension. "Does Jasper know you're out buying flowers with me?""No, I told him I was going shopping with Vanessa," Candice replied.Elio felt upset, and his expression darkened. Going to a garden center to buy flowers wasn't anything to be ashamed of. Was he so unpresentable that she couldn't even be honest with it? Did she really