After her words, Candice swiftly turned and left. She walked to the street, hailed a taxi, and returned to her office. She felt a heavy weight in her chest throughout the day. Eventually, she couldn't contain her emotions any longer and dialed Mila's number.Stationed at the frontier, Mila was taken aback by the call from Candice. At first, she thought Candice was simply missing her, but it soon became clear that she was seeking help.With a troubled tone, Candice asked, "Aunt Chubs, why did your mother do this? She went through Elio's diary and even showed it to Josie. Why is she so intent on forcing Elio to marry someone he dislikes?" Candice slumped over her desk, silently weeping. Her heart ached for Elio. The more she thought about the situation, the more her frustration grew.Baffled, Mila asked, "Candice, what's wrong? What happened?""They're trying to force me and Elio apart. I'm just so devastated!" Candice replied."Who?""Your mother and Josie's aunt?"Mila gaspe
Candice replied impassively, "Yes, but he's not as important as you are.""Did he tell you to leave me?" Elio asked.Candice fell silent.Elio's face turned sour. He tightened his embrace, closed his eyes, and whispered into her ear, "Candice, ignore what anyone else might say. Don't even think about leaving me. Now that you're in my life, I'll never let you go."Candice's heart ached with sympathy, sensing the deep, unspoken love Elio harbored for her. Though she harbored feelings for him, too, her love was different—much purer. She cherished him deeply but had restrained herself, never acting on her feelings or crossing any boundaries.She wrapped her arms around Elio's neck, pulled herself up on her tiptoes, and whispered into his ear, "Let me tell you a secret."Curiosity piqued, Elio tilted his head down, his ear brushing close to her lips, ready to catch every word."I have been in love with a man for ten years," Candice murmured.Instantly, Elio's body tensed, and his ex
"I truly love you and want to marry you," Candice said earnestly.Overcome with excitement, Elio was momentarily speechless. He gently cradled the back of her head and leaned in to kiss her deeply and passionately. His other arm wrapped tightly around her waist, pulling her close as if trying to meld her into his very being.While they were kissing in the kitchen, Jasper entered the living room, scanning around. As he approached the kitchen door and saw what was inside, he spun around, his cheeks reddening with embarrassment. "Uncle Elio!" he called out.Startled by Jasper's voice, Candice's face flushed as she hurriedly pushed Elio away. She gasped for breath before saying, "That was Jasper's voice."Reluctant to break the moment, Elio murmured breathlessly, "Just ignore him.""We can't," Candice said, placing her hands on Elio's chest and firmly pushing him back.With a sigh, Elio finally let her go.Candice hurried out of the kitchen into the living room. As she spotted Jaspe
Elio's expression hardened abruptly. "No way," he said firmly.Jasper and Candice were taken aback. They stared at Elio's concerned face."Why?" Candice asked."You won't be able to change their minds. Staying with them will only bring you more suffering and harm. I disagree," Elio replied."That's not true. They've always treated me kindly," Candice argued."Candice, things are different now. You're not in the same position as you were before.""I want to try, Elio. Please, can you just let me try? I believe I can convince them to accept me."Jasper supported her, adding, "I'm with you on this, Candice."Elio shot Jasper a cold glare. "Don't you have anything better to do today?"Jasper shrugged. "Not really. Even though my mom's far away, she's really concerned about Candice's marriage. She insisted I keep an eye on her.""This isn't open for discussion," Elio stated firmly.Jasper threw a meaningful glance at Candice. She caught on quickly and moved to sit beside Elio,
With a smile, Michaela suggested, "Why not follow Jasper's way of addressing us?"Candice pouted and playfully said, "No, I prefer keeping it casual with your first names—Michaela, Tristan." Her voice was as sugary-sweet as honey, her smile as innocent as a cherub's.Tristan felt a warm glow in him at her words. His grin stretched wider, and he blurted out, "Aw, you're so sweet."Michaela's smile faded, her demeanor turning serious. She quickly changed the subject. "Leo mentioned you'd be staying with us for a bit. We're thrilled and already set up a room for you. Let me show you there."Candice linked her arm with Michaela's, saying, "Thank you, Michaela."Michaela sighed, feeling somewhat defeated. Despite her displeasure, Candice's sweet tone and contagious smile made it hard to resist.Candice followed Michaela as they climbed the stairs to check out her room, only to find she wouldn't be sharing the room with Elio. Michaela had deliberately set up her room to be as far awa
Candice took Elio's arm as they pulled away from each other. She confidently led him toward the living room and said, "Josie's here. Let's go join her."Josie couldn't help but notice the smile on Elio's face and the intimate way he had hugged Candice. She felt a sense of unfamiliarity creeping in. This was a side of Elio she had never seen before.Elio's eyes were filled with tenderness as he looked at Candice, his voice soft and gentle as he spoke to her. Josie wasn't the only one taken aback. Michaela and Tristan also looked surprised.Michaela watched as Candice and Elio walked over, arm in arm. She casually asked, "Just finished work?"Elio's expression tightened and he responded with a subdued hum.The duo settled onto the couch opposite Josie and Michaela. Candice intertwined her fingers with Elio's.Tristan found it intriguing and asked, "Wasn't the event supposed to go until 9:00 pm tonight?""The main event's done. I skipped the after-party," Elio replied."Marriage t
Candice caught Elio's smile and struggled to hold back her own. Michaela, Tristan, and Josia paused their discussion on economics. They were surprised by the lighthearted moment between Candice and Elio over dinner.However, the most astonishing change for them was Elio. Known for his composed, dignified, and reserved demeanor, he seemed completely different tonight. The trio was dumbfounded to find Elio laughing more in one evening than they had seen him laugh in the past year.Elio chuckled and softly asked, "Is there more?"Candice took a sip of her soup, paused, and began a tale, "A tortoise wanted to race a hare. But the hare, with a condescending tone, said, 'Your kind won once by fluke. Quit dreaming.'"Undeterred, the tortoise tried every method to persuade the hare, who remained unmoved. Finally, the tortoise pulled out a wad of cash and said, 'Consider this your fee for turning up!'"A broad grin immediately spread across the hare's face as it responded, 'Mr. Tortoise,
A goofy grin spread across Tristan's face as he responded, "This is the first time I've seen Michaela dance. She's actually quite graceful."Flushed with embarrassment at the compliment, Michaela was soon guided in front of the camera by Candice, who taught her another few simple dance steps. Caught up in the moment, Michaela danced along, her laughter tinged with shyness.Her somewhat awkward movements reminded Tristan of a clumsy penguin, which made him laugh. Their laughter filled the living room, but Josie felt like an outsider amid the joy.She had always been aware of everyone's fondness for Candice, but now she understood why. Candice's natural charm and youthful innocence were simply irresistible.Josie felt completely disconnected from everyone there. She returned to her room and texted Fenna, "Aunt Fenna, there's no hope left between Elio and me. I'm giving up."Almost instantly, Josie received a text message from Fenna. "Don't give up just yet. The outcome remains unc