Once a girl reached adulthood, it was time for her to tie the knot. As Candice reveled in her happiness, she remained unaware of her family's underlying concerns regarding her forthcoming marriage. Marrying Elio was far from a simple endeavor; it required the approval of his parents. The next day, Elio assembled extravagant engagement gifts himself, emphasizing the significance. In the living room, Sean diligently inspected the gifts until the door swung open unexpectedly. Michaela, accompanied by Josie, stepped inside. "Good day, Mrs. Hoffis, Ms. Hudson," Sean greeted them respectfully. Michaela's warm smile radiated as she asked, "Are these the engagement gifts for Josie?" Sean wiped his forehead, stealing a glance toward the bedroom, silently hoping for Elio's timely arrival. Approaching with an authoritative air, Michaela addressed Sean, "I'm asking you a question." Nervously, Sean responded, "They're for Ms. Morrison." Josie's expression dimmed slightly. With a
Elio loaded the car with all the engagement gifts and drove away from the villa. Josie supported Michaela as they walked to the entrance, her expression troubled as she watched the car disappear into the distance. Michaela remained silent while Josie's eyes blazed with barely contained anger. She spoke softly, "Mrs. Hoffis, although Candice is a spoiled little princess and may not be suitable for Leo, if he loves her, let him marry her. Please don't worry about my feelings. I'm fine with it." Josie's approach was strategic, hoping to elicit sympathy from Michaela and gain more support. Unexpectedly, Michaela sighed lightly and said, "It's Elio who isn't suitable for that young lady from the Morrison family." Stunned, Josie stared at Michaela in disbelief. Michaela continued in a soft voice, "That young lady is like a delicate flower raised in a greenhouse, pure as a blank sheet of paper. She deserves someone as innocent as her, not my son." Her implication was clear. El
After listening to Florence, Sienna glanced at Elio. Elio nervously swallowed, his mind racing with worry that Sienna might reject his proposal to Candice. His hands, damp with sweat, fidgeted against his pants, a clear sign of his anxiety. Sienna lifted the envelope slightly, saying, "Elio, actually…" Before Sienna could finish her sentence, Elio bowed his head. He was trembling with nerves. "Aunt Sienna, I will cherish Candice even more than you do. Please, allow me to marry her."Sienna was taken aback. Daniel chuckled softly, murmuring, "Look at what you've done to poor Elio."Sienna quickly explained, "I just wanted to say that all these formalities aren't necessary. Our family is very easygoing; we won't make things difficult for you two young people."Elio breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Aunt Sienna.""Please, have a seat," Sienna gestured, taking her own seat and motioning for him to do the same.Elio sat down, picked up his cup, and took a sip, looking visib
The Morrisons had always doted on Candice.Upon her request, they responded with warm smiles, saying, "Certainly, you two take care of it.""Thank you, Grandpa Gary and Grandma Florence," Elio expressed with sincerity, "and to Uncle Daniel and Aunt Sienna, thank you as well."Elio's eyes gleamed with gratitude, a gentle curve gracing his lips.Observing his joy, Candice couldn't help but feel a warmth blossom inside her.Elio maintained his hold on her hand, discreetly caressing it when no one was looking.Even after dinner at Morrison Residence, Elio remained in good spirits. He joined the elders for a few extra drinks, relishing their animated discussions about life.Meanwhile, Candice retreated to her room to freshen up and prepare for bed."Leo, you've had a few too many drinks. It's not safe for you to drive. Why don't you stay the night?" Gary's speech was slurred from the alcohol's influence.Just as Elio was considering the offer, Florence stepped in, placing her hand
After their kiss, Candice found herself breathless.Reluctantly, Elio withdrew from her tender lips, their foreheads meeting as they exchanged heavy, tangled breaths.The atmosphere in the room grew charged, infused with an undeniable sense of desire.Feeling shy and overwhelmed, Candice lowered her eyes, unable to muster the courage to meet Elio's intense gaze."I should go now," Elio broke the silence, his voice barely above a whisper."Okay," Candice replied softly."Perhaps if you find the time, you should come and see me more often," Elio murmured gently.Candice felt a pang of confusion. Why was it up to her to initiate their dates?"Can't you be the one to come visit me?" Candice whispered.Elio suppressed a smile, his lips curling slightly. "I could. It's just that your family is always around, and your office is quite busy."Candice now understood his implication. He preferred meeting in private, either in his office or at home.In a gentle tone, she replied, "Sure.
Candice's lips formed a gentle smile as she nodded in acknowledgment.Reaching for a piece of candy, Josie couldn't help but let out a sigh. "You know, Mrs. Hoffis actually prepared all these sweets for me. It seems like he's just trying to cut corners by re-gifting them to you."Candice's smile gradually faded at Josie's words.As if realizing her mistake, Josie swiftly attempted to backtrack, offering a feigned apology, "I'm sorry, Candice. I was just speaking my mind. I hope I didn't upset you."Candice forced a polite smile and shook her head."I sincerely wish both of you a lifetime filled with love and happiness," Josie added."Thank you," Candice replied.As Josie savored her coffee, she couldn't help but cast a cold glance at the scattered candies on the table, feeling a twinge of resentment stirring within her.Placing her cup back on the table, she began, "I'm here today to talk about Elio.""Sure, go ahead," Candice responded."Do you have any idea why Leo decided
As Josie vanished from sight, Candice retrieved her phone, promptly settling the bill for the two coffees before departing herself.On her way back to the office, she couldn't resist glancing at her phone to check the date.With the wedding arranged by the Hoffis family for Josie and Elio just over 20 days away, the pressure on Josie must have been mounting.Despite this, Candice's inner resolve rang clear. "As long as Elio remains unattached and still wishes to marry me, I'll hold firm in my carefree, love-struck state, regardless of others' opinions."However, there was one thing she couldn't tolerate—betrayal.…As the evening approached and the workday persisted, Candice's phone buzzed with a message from Jasper."Candice, I've received orders from Uncle Elio. Starting today, I won't be able to give you rides home. He'll be handling that instead."Candice swiftly replied, "But we travel the same route, unlike him."Jasper responded, "That's true, but he's the one calling t
As Josie turned, her gaze fell upon Candice. Instantly, her smile froze, and the light in her eyes dimmed.Meanwhile, Candice was surprised to find Josie lingering nearby.Her discomfort grew as she observed Josie approaching Elio—a situation that became increasingly unsettling given Josie's previous interaction with Candice.With a gentle curve of her lips, Candice greeted, "Hey, Josie."Meanwhile, Josie managed a tight smile. "I need to speak with Elio."Stealing a glance at Elio, Candice inquired, "Should I excuse myself?"Without hesitation, Elio moved forward, gently clasping Candice's hand. "It's fine, you can stay."Josie's frown deepened as she murmured, "Leo, this is a private matter.""Whatever it is, there's nothing between us that Candice can't hear," Elio affirmed, holding Candice's hand as they walked toward the office.A warmth spread through Candice as she observed their intertwined hands, her smile impossible to contain.Josie followed them into the office, t