Ch. 911..920
Chapter 911
What kind of photo is it that she mustn't see? Is it another woman?
Feeling her patience wane, Candice said, "I'm going back now."
Elio approached her and remarked, "I'll go with you and explain everything to your family."
"No, you can't." Candice quickly stopped him, her nerves showing. "Let me first see how they feel about it. We can decide based on that."
"No matter the situation or the outcome, I'm willing to bear it all alone. You don't have to worry about me," Elio reassured her.
Worrying there might be unforeseen events, he was anxious to solidify their relationship and get the marriage certificate so he could finally be at ease.
"There's no need to rush. Let's take it slow. I'll persuade my family, and you can do the same with yours. Is that okay?" Candice asked.
Still, Elio was worried that something might go wrong. However, he couldn't be too hasty and risk scaring Candice, as it might potentially ruin everything. "Okay, I'll follow your lead."
Candice curiously pointed at the covered photo, smiling calmly and feigning indifference as she inquired, "Whose photo is that?"
Elio glanced at the bedside table, feeling guilty. "It's a picture of myself."
In truth, it was a photo he had secretly taken of Candice.
He planned to confess everything after they got married. For now, he couldn't tell her that he had planned all his actions.
Despite Michaela's strong opposition, he used his influence in the Recruitment Department to ensure Candice passed the interview and joined ND Group.
He had intentionally arranged for her to accompany him on business trips abroad, distancing her from her family and creating opportunities for them to be intimate, hoping she would get pregnant. He never used protection during their encounters, as he wanted her to conceive.
He couldn't tell Candice this yet, fearing she would think he was despicable, that his methods were dirty and unscrupulous.
After they married, he planned to admit his mistakes and slowly make amends, hoping for her forgiveness.
Candice didn't ask further and turned to leave the room.
Elio followed closely, cautiously extending his hand to support her, worried she might slip on the stairs.
Seeing Elio's careful demeanor, Candice couldn't help but smile and pushed his hand away. "You don't have to be so nervous. I'm not that far along yet."
مادر
This child was his only hope for happiness. He couldn't afford to lose it. Thus, Elio held her hand gently and spoke softly, "Be careful You're not alone now."
Candice felt a twinge of bitterness and muttered unhappily, "You just want a child that badly?"
"I want you," Elio murmured.
Candice was taken aback, staring at him in surprise, wondering if she had misheard. She blinked, looking at him in confusion. "Hmm?"
Elio smiled tenderly, guiding her down the stairs. "If you're not in a hurry to go home, why not stay a bit longer? If there's anything you want to eat or do, just let me know. I'll keep you company."
Candice didn't have any particular cravings or desires. Normally, she'd still be asleep at this hour on a weekend.
As they reached the living room, there was a knock at the door. Sean opened it and walked in.
Startled, Candice quickly withdrew her hand and stepped away from Elio.
Sean noticed her nervous gesture, and her actions pained Elio. He spoke tensely, "Mr. Hoffis, Ms. Hudson is here."
No sooner had he spoken than Josie walked in uninvited, smiling brightly. "Leo, you—"
She stopped mid-sentence upon seeing Candice in the room, her expression freezing. Candice, feeling awkward, greeted politely, "Hi, Josie."
Chapter 912
Chapter 912
Josie looked somewhat taken aback. "Candice, you're here too?"
Elio asked, "Is there something you need to talk to me about?"
Josie forced a smile. "I wanted to discuss our wedding next month. Mrs. Hoffis has been pressuring me, and I had no idea what to do. I thought we could talk it over."
Candice felt a wave of anxiety washing over her, and she nervously clenched her fists.
Turning to Candice, Josie smiled and asked, "Candice, I wish to talk to Leo for a moment. Could you...?"
Candice quickly responded, "I have something to attend to. You two talk, I'll head out."
Just as she finished her words and was about to leave, Elio grabbed her wrist. "You don't need to go. Stay and listen."
Candice was stunned.
Josie's face darkened, and she said in embarrassment, "Leo, this isn't appropriate. This is between the two of us. Candice is an outsider."
Elio replied solemnly, "She's not an outsider. She's my wife."
Candice was shocked by his words. Josie was even more so. Both women stared at Elio in disbelief.
Candice felt overwhelmed. Had she just become his wife so quickly?
Josie awkwardly forced a smile and asked, "Are you... are you two really together now?"
Candice still felt like she was dreaming.
Elio calmly replied, "Yes, we decided on our marriage just a moment ago."
Josie's smile was strained, but she forced out a congratulations.
"Let's talk on the couch," Elio said, leading Candice to sit down.
Josie followed and sat with a heavy sigh. "My relatives have already received the wedding invitations. They've been calling to congratulate us. Mrs. Hoffis came over today and insisted that the wedding must go on. She said she'd drag you to the altar if necessary and asked me to be rest assured."
Elio asked, "What's your thought on it?"
Josie glanced at Candice and said helplessly, "What can I do? I've been your girlfriend for so many years. I'm in a tough spot."
Elio quickly looked at Candice and whispered, "Our relationship was fake. She was never my girlfriend."
Candice, still dazed, nodded quickly, feeling unexpectedly valued.
Josie forced a stiff smile, trying to remain calm, and teased, "Leo, seriously? You've just confirmed your relationship and you're already this defensive?"
Candice smiled awkwardly, finding the situation surreal. Here she was, listening to Elio and Josie discuss a wedding that was never real, forced upon them by their families.
Elio turned to Josie and said, "I'm9 truly sorry. My poor decision back then put you in this awkward situation will compensate you financially, but I won't attend the wedding. If you don't want to be humiliated, I suggest you don't attend either."
Josie's face filled with worry. "What about my parents? They'll become the laughingstock of everyone."
"We've made our stance clear. If they insist on making a scene, it's their fault," Elio replied firmly.
Josie felt a deep sense of disappointment. She had been looking forward to this wedding.
Even if Elo wouldn't come, she was determined to be there. What itagainst all odds, his family forced him to show up and complete the ceremony?
"Are you not afraid of driving your parents to their graves?" Josie asked.
Elio replied, "They've been prepared for this for a long time. They won't die that easily."
Chapter 913
Chapter 913
Josie offered a wry smile, her gaze shifting to Candice, who sat quietly, absorbing the conversation.
"Candice, you know, in terms of family hierarchy, you should call Leo 'uncle.' If you two end up together, how will your families cope? How will Aunt Chubs face such a complicated relationship?" she asked. The question caught Candice off guard.
Before she could respond, Elio interjected angrily, "Are you here to cause trouble right in front of me?"
Quickly, Josie defended herself, "As a friend, I'm just curious about how Candice plans to handle this. How is that causing trouble?"
"This is between Candice and me. We'll figure it out. Focus on your issues. If you're done talking, you can leave," Elio said firmly.
Josie's smile vanished, replaced by a serious expression. "Elio, our relationship might have been fake, but our years of friendship are real, aren't they?"
"What are you trying to say?" Elio asked.
"I'm advising you as a friend. Candice and you are never going to work. Your families will never accept it. Don't ruin her life and end up with nothing," Josie warned. Elio's expression darkened further.
Rising to her feet, Josie concluded, "I've said all I needed to say. I should go now. Take care."
Neither Elio nor Candice rose to see her out. The door closed heavily behind her, leaving the living room in silence.
Candice and Elio exchanged glances, caught in a few awkward moments. Candice lowered her head and murmured, "Josie is right. Our families will never easily agree." Elio spoke sincerely, "Don't worry about them. Just agree to be with me and marry me."
Candice affirmed with a nod.
Elio's gaze lingered on her lovely face, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed. After a moment of silence, he suddenly asked, "Candice, may I kiss you?" Stunned by his question, Candice's mind went blank, her heart racing as she stared at him in shock.
As she hesitated, Elio leaned in, pressing her down onto the couch, and initiated a deep kiss.
The sudden intimacy left Candice flustered. He kissed her for a long time, their lips meeting and parting in a prolonged embrace.
By evening, Candice returned home, still feeling dazed, as if everything that had transpired was surreal, like a dream.
In just one day, her relationship underwent a seismic shift.
She couldn't muster the courage to confide in her family about her pregnancy. Nor could she bring herself to discuss the idea of marrying Elio with them. It was a
conversation she couldn't initiate.
As Josie had predicted, neither family would approve, especially not Elio's parents.
In the living room, Florence and Gary sat together, enjoying some fruits. Curious, Florence asked, "Candice, where did you go today?" Candice walked over and settled beside them, hugging a pillow. "I went to a friend's house."
"Have some fruit."
"No,
g you." Candice hesitated,
with how to broach feeling inexplicably
"Grandpa, Grandma, if... if,
to..."
"Yes, what is it?"
"If I were to have feelings for someone, but being with him goes against moral and ethical standards, would you approve?"
Florence immediately interjected, "Absolutely not!"
Going against moral and ethical standards? That's akin to being a homewrecker! Definitely not.
Gary's voice turned serious as he
chimed in, "Of course not, Candice. Never entertain such thoughts f
your parents catch wind of this,
they'll ground you."
Candice nervously swallowed, refraining from delving deeper into the conversation.
Physically, Candice felt well despite her pregnancy. Other than the absence of her monthly cycle, she experienced no discomfort.
She continued to work as usual.
Elio would anxiously text her, inquiring, "Have you spoken to your family yet?"
She'd reply, "Not yet. Let's give it a bit more time."
Chapter 914
Chapter 914
Elio replied, "I don't want to wait anymore. Let me handle this."
"No, no, I'll take care of it," Candice insisted.
Three days later, just as Candice mustered the courage to come clean with her family, she noticed blood.
Terrified, she rushed to the hospital, fearing a miscarriage. However, it turned out to be her period.
Sitting before the doctor, Candice listened as she explained that sometimes pregnancy tests could be inaccurate and the only way to be sure was through a medical examination.
It turned out to be a false alarm.
While not being pregnant should have brought relief, Candice felt an inexplicable sense of sadness. What saddened her most was that her dream of marrying Elio was now shattered. There was no chance of a shotgun wedding.
She didn't know how to explain this to Elio. Whenever Elio texted her, she chose to avoid him.
A week passed quickly.
In the design department, Sean personally went to find Candice, addressing her respectfully, "Ms. Morrison, Mr. Hoffis wants to see you."
Candice lowered her head, staring at her stomach, feeling a wave of sadness.
"Sorry, something came up at home. Tell him I'm unavailable." Candice grabbed her bag and left the office in a daze, unsure of how to explain things to Elio.
She weighed the idea of deceiving Elio, waiting until they were officially married to tell him the truth. But the idea of resorting to a fake pregnancy to secure their marriage filled her with despair.
Elio sat in his office. He was engrossed in pregnancy-related books online, learning about prenatal care, check-ups, and more, when Sean knocked on the door and entered.
His excitement dimmed as he saw Sean enter instead of Candice. "Where's Candice?"
"She's gone home."
Elio reclined in his chair, shutting his eyes as if to ease his frustration.
What was Candice up to? She had avoided him for an entire week.
In an instant, Elio's eyes snapped open, his hand reaching for his phone on the desk as he rose to his feet.
"Mr. Hoffis, where are you going?" Sean inquired.
Elio strode out of the office. "To Morrison Residence."
"Shouldn't you inform Ms. Morrison first?" Sean followed, offering a reminder.
"No need."
"Mr. Hoffis, please, give her some time to explain to her family..." Sean's plea trailed off. He feared the Morrisons.
Elio cut him off firmly, "I've waited
for over ten years, and from the She agreed to marry me till
now 've waited another week. I don't want to wait anymore.
"Mr. Hoffis." Sean was concerned about the potential repercussions of Elio with the Morrison family. "You can't rush into it."
Deeply troubled, Elio continued, "Candice never truly wanted to marry me. If I wait any longer, she may have already gotten rid of the baby."
Sean's anxiety heightened upon hearing Elio's words. As his trusted assistant, Sean couldn't let such a thing happen.
Meanwhile, at Morrison Residence, Candice was barely home when she spotted Elio at the door.
The Morrison family greeted him warmly.
Candice retreated to her room, torn about how to face him.
She had never encountered such complicated situation before and didn't know how to handle it. Yet, she was unable to seek guidance from her male cousins.
Suddenly, the door creaked open. Expecting a family member, Candice was surprised to find Elio standing there.
He stormed into her room, locking the door behind him. Advancing toward her, he grabbed her wrist, pushing her into a corner, his face twisted with anger.
"Candice, what's on your mind?"
Chapter 915
Chapter 915
"Why are you in my room?" Nervously, Candice urged him to leave. "You need to go. If my family finds out you sneaked in here, we'll be in trouble."
Elio paid no heed to her warnings. Even if faced with imminent danger, he would get his closure.
"I gave you time, Candice. You were supposed to talk to your family about our marriage." Elio's disappointment ran deep, his eyes reflecting a melancholic hue. "I just spoke to your grandparents, and it was clear you hadn't mentioned anything."
"I..." Candice faltered.
Elio lowered his head, closing the distance between them, his warm breath brushing against her skin, leaving her unsettled. His magnetic voice echoed, "Do you not wish to marry me?"
Candice knew that deceiving Elio into marriage was wrong. It would only lead to more lies, leaving her feeling empty. "I'm sorry, Elio. I'm not pregnant."
Elio felt as if a dagger had pierced his chest, making each breath a struggle.
Candice lowered her gaze. "I'm sorry. It wasn't intentional. My period was delayed, and I bought expired pregnancy tests from a local pharmacy, leading to this misunderstanding."
She quickly added, "I'm not pregnant, so you don't have to bear any responsibility, and we don't have to proceed with the marriage."
Elio leaned against the wall, bowing his head in front of her, his demeanor filled with desolation. A bitter smile played on his lips, the pain evident in his expression.
Observing his downturned head, Candice asked nervously, "Elio, what's wrong?"
"Candice, do you know how great the impact is to fall from heaven to hell in an instant?" Elio's voice trembled slightly, its depth resonating with emotion.
Candice watched him, her heart aching. How deeply did he yearn for this child to be so devastated?
"I'm sorry," Candice uttered.
Elio took a deep breath before lifting his head to meet her gaze. His eyes were bloodshot, a mixture of sadness and anger, making Candice nervous. She tried to console him timidly. "Elio, don't be upset. You're still young. Someday, you'll have children of your own."
"What am I to you?" he suddenly asked.
Candice froze, her heart heavy with sadness. What significance did he hold for her? He was the man she secretly admired yet lacked the courage to confess. It was adove
without validation.
As Candice thought in silence, Elio's face remained stern, masking his inner grief. "Is getting pregnant the only way for you to marry me?"
Candice was taken aback.
"When is your ovulation period?" Elio pressed on.
Candice was at a loss for words.
Elio whispered, "We don't have to wait for your ovulation. We can try every day, two or three times ife needed, as long as you get pregnant, as long as you..."
Candice blushed furiously, her anger rising. "Elio, have you lost your mind?"
Elio breathed heavily, gazing into her clear eyes, his breath ragged. "Yes, I have. I want to marry you. I want it so badly."
Candice's heart raced at his words, her whole body trembling with shock. She stared at him dumbfounded, feeling both surprised and flattered.
Elio said he wanted to marry her so badly.
Taking a deep breath, Elio
音ぺ
composed his impulsive emotions. He let his hands drop as he took a step back, saying calmly, "I'm sorry. I lost control."
With those words, Elio covered his face and turned, leaving her room.
Candice stood still, her mind blank.
Their encounter felt surreal, like a dream, yet undeniably real.
She wasn't imagining it. Elio had indeed expressed his desire to marry her so earnestly.
At that moment, her head spun with a whirlwind of emotions, and she dashed out, regardless of everything.
Elio descended the stairs, making his way toward the living room.
Chapter 916
Chapter 916
Candice dashed downstairs, positioning herself at the corner of the staircase, and called out to Elio's departing form, "Elio, let's get married!"
Her voice rang out clearly through the house.
The once lively living room fell silent in an instant as if struck by a bombshell. All eyes turned to Candice; shocked expressions etched on everyone's faces.
The entire household stood frozen in stunned silence.
Elio's body froze in place, trembling. Initially, he thought he misheard, but the collective astonishment confirmed the reality of Candice's words. His heart raced uncontrollably.
Turning to face Candice, Elio found her smiling sweetly, her eyes sparkling with joy, radiating a carefree demeanor as if she were a carefree child who could ignore everything as long as Elio liked her and wanted to marry her. She could bravely approach him.
Candice repeated, "Elio, let's get married."
Tears welled up in Elio's eyes. He mustered a light smile and nodded in agreement, declaring, "Yes."
The atmosphere in the living room shifted to solemnity.
Jasper rose to his feet. "I object. What does it mean for my uncle to marry my cousin?"
Gary grabbed Jasper's hand, pulling him back onto the couch. "Mind your own business. Their affairs are none of your concern," he scolded him in a hushed tone.
Deeply troubled, Jasper hurried to Candice's side and gazed at her. "Candice, are you joking with Uncle Elio? Your relationship seems distant and cold. How did this sudden decision come about? Weren't you supposed to marry Mervyn?"
Elio's expression grew somber as he approached Jasper, draping an arm around his neck and guiding him to the couch.
The tension in the room became palpable, hanging thick in the air.
Elio courteously extended his apologies to the elders, "I apologize for the suddenness of my visit today. I shall take my leave now. Next time, I'll come with
swnevernet
engagement gifts for a more formal
visit."
Florence interjected, "No worries. You can leave first. We'll have a conversation with Candice. She tends to be a bit headstrong and does as she pleases. We apologize for any inconvenience caused."
With a cheerful farewell, Elio nodded and stole one last glance at Candice before exiting with a spring in his step. Jasper hurriedly followed suit.
Outside, Jasper grabbed Elio's arm.
"Uncle Elio, what's going on between you and Candice? You've both been silent all this time and suddenly you're talking about marriage. The news has caught everyone off guard."
Placing a hand on Jasper's shoulder, Elio spoke clearly, "Jasper, from now on, keep an eye on Candice for me Speak highly of me to your family. If anything goes wrong, or if she refuses to marry me, you'll be held accountable."
Jasper was taken aback. "I opposed your relationship. Now you want me to mediate?"
"Your objections won't make a difference," Elio said with a smirk. "By the way, I'll have you be the ring bearer at our wedding." "No way!" Jasper scoffed.
"When did you start liking Candice? Why wasn't I informed?" Jasper pressed again.
Elio stayed quiet, his hand on the car door, indicating his intention to leave.
Jasper grabbed him again, holding back his departure. "If you two got married, what should I call you? Brother-in-law?"
Elio detested this topic of discussion.
He furrowed his brow as he replied calmly. "You can call me Uncle Elio and her as Candice. Or refer to me as your uncle and her as your cousin. "Since we won't be interacting much in the future, there's no need to worry about how to address us."
Jasper smiled helplessly.
Chapter 917
Chapter 917
Jasper had no choice but to accept this reality.
Elio stepped into the car, and the vehicle slowly began its departure from Morrison Residence.
In the back seat, Elio quietly observed the passing scenery outside the window, his lips betraying a subtle smile that he couldn't suppress.
Equally delighted, Sean chimed in, "Congratulations, Mr. Hoffis."
Breaking his silence with an unusual response, Elio replied, "Thank you."
He appeared genuinely in a good mood.
However, before allowing Elio to revel too much in it, Sean posed a sobering question, "Mr. Hoffis, how do you plan to gain approval from Mrs. Hoffis?"
Elio's expression instantly darkened. Inside the car, silence reigned.
Meanwhile, in the living room of Morrison Residence, everyone received the news and hurried back home.
Daniel and Sienna were left astounded when they learned that Candice had proposed to Elio in front of the family.
Seated among her family, Candice found herself bombarded with questions from all sides.
"What's going on between you and Elio? When did it start? Why the sudden rush to marriage?"
In response, Candice laid everything bare. "I've never officially dated him, but I have had a crush on him since childhood. I want to marry the man I've always loved." "And how does he feel about you?" came the next question.
"He wants to marry me too," Candice replied.
Daniel clenched his fist in annoyance. "You've always been naive, oblivious to the ways of the world. It must be Elio, scheming and plotting all along."
Sienna intervened, "Let's not jump to conclusions. Regardless of whether he's scheming or not, his character is unquestionable. Apart from that fake fiancée, he's been scandal-free."
Reluctant to let go of his cherished daughter, Daniel questioned, "He's aloof, sensitive, and reserved. Is he really suitable for Candice?"
Sienna countered, "I believe he's a good fit. Candice has always been innocent, carefree, and cheerful. She complements Elio's sensitive and reserved nature."
Florence, feeling disheartened, added, "I still think Candice is too young. There's no need for her to marry so early."
"Yes, I agree."
"True, she's still young. There's no need to hurry into marriage."
Sensing the shift in opinion against Elio, Jasper swiftly interjected, "But now it's Candice who wants to marry Unele Elio. She proposed herself. After making the proposal, who would then stand someone up?
All eyes turned to Candice.
Candice nodded vigorously, a radiant smile lighting up her face. "I'm the one who wants to marry him."
Curious, Florence inquired, "How far have you two gone in your relationship?"
Candice nervously glanced at Florence, her cheeks suddenly flushing red. She was at a loss for words.
Daniel swiftly intervened, "They're already discussing marriage. It doesn't matter how far they've gone." Candice smiled knowingly. She was pleased to have such understanding family members.
She had expected outrage over her relationship with Elio, expecting berating directed at him and
concerns about the dynamel net
between their families.
Yet, to her surprise, such worries were absent.
For her family, the connection itself took a backseat. Elio was what truly mattered.
Daniel pressed on, "Candice, was this decision spontaneous?"
Passion and impulsiveness were fundamental to marriage.
Candice responded, "Dad, I genuinely love Elio. I've loved him since I was little. I used to think he had a girlfriend, so I never dared to let anyone know. I just silently admired him."
Daniel chuckled helplessly. "And now you're boldly declaring it to everyone?"
Candice smiled knowingly, blushing as she averted her gaze. "Because he doesn't have a girlfriend or a fiancée. He's single."
The entire family couldn't help but marvel at Candice's bashful demeanor.
Chapter 918
Chapter 918
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 gentle smile and a soft tone, Michaela directed, "Take them to the Hudsons."
"But..." Sean hesitated and turned back.
Michaela settled on the couch, her expression serious. "There's no need to look. I've instructed you to deliver them, so do it. Consulting Elio won't change a thing."
With a beckoning gesture, she invited Josie to sit beside her. "Josie, please, take a seat."
Josie complied, offering a soft smile as she whispered to Michaela, "Mrs. Hoffis, these gifts were prepared by Leo for the Morrisons. Please, don't make it difficult for him."
"He intends to marry you, so the engagement gifts should rightfully be yours," Michaela replied with a faint sigh. "While I'm fond of the girl from the Morrison family, she's not yet suited to be Elio's wife.
"She lacks the ability to support his career, and he'll likely need to care for her in life. She doesn't possess your level of maturity and capability, especially given our families relationship."
Elio exited his room, adjusting his cufflinks as he descended the stairs.
His voice, cold and calculated, cut through the room, "She provides me with emotional fulfillment. Simply being in her presence can brighten my entire day. I'm seeking a life partner, not a mere business associate."
His handsome features were pleasing to the eye. Seeing him descend, Josie rose nervously. "Leo," she greeted softly.
Michaela looked over, her attitude firm as she interjected, "I disagree."
Elio adjusted his blazer and turned to Sean, ignoring both Michaela and Josie. "Is everything ready?"
"All set."
"Load them into the car."
Sean nodded respectfully. "Understood." With that, he began moving the items.
Angrily, Michaela exclaimed, "Elio,
I'm your mother. Everything you have today is because of me. Now
that you've come of age, you dare to defy me?"
Elio remained composed as he faced her. "Mom, please don't meddle in my marriage."
"The wedding venue is booked, invitations sent, the dress ordered. Everything is set. If you don't marry Josie, what will become of her?"
Elio glanced at Josie, who forced a smile. She said faintly, "It's alright, Mrs. Hoffis."
He had never promised to marry Josie. The situation had escalated due to Michaela's unilateral actions.
After a brief silence, Elio suggested, "Mom, why don't you marry her?"
Michaela's face turned red with fury. "What nonsense are you spouting?"
Ignoring her outburst, Elio assisted Sean with moving the engagement gifts before striding out of the house.
Chapter 919
Chapter 919
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. Elio needed a partner who matched his status, personality, and capabilities.
Josie finally understood why Michaela liked Candice but didn't want her as a daughter-in-law.
Michaela was looking for a partner who could be a valuable ally for Elio. To put it bluntly, she wanted someone who could be mutually beneficial to him in terms of interests and support.
A wave of anxiety swept over Josie. Was Michaela, a shrewd woman, considering Josie as a potential daughter-in-law simply because of her complex thoughts, formidable tactics, and the influence she wielded?
As Josie wondered about it, Michaela turned to her and said, "I'll take care of your wedding arrangements. The rest is on you."
Feigning confusion, Josie asked, "Mrs. Hoffis, what do you mean?"
Michaela gave her a knowing smile, one that clearly said, "You're smart-you understand."
Without another word, Michaela left, with Josie hurrying to follow.
Josie fully grasped the situation. With the wedding preparations already underway, she only needed to disrupt Elio and Candice's relationship to take her place.
At that moment, Josie realized she was merely a tool in Michaela's eyes, someone to support Elio without being genuinely cared for.
The Morrisons were in shock. It was
only yesterday that Elio had
mentioned sending engagement
gifts, and they had expected it to et
take a few days. To their surprise, within a single day, he had prepared everything and filled their living room with lavish gifts.
Every item required by Norvania traditions was there, from jewelry and antiques to bedding and clothing, even fruits. All of them
were meticulously prepared
The
extravagance left both the married and unmarried members of the
Morrison family speechless.
A maid offered Elio some tea. Glancing around, he felt a pang of emptiness as he noticed Candice's absence.
The Morrison elders sat in the living
room, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Florence spoke up, "Elio, you didn't
1.n
have to go to such lengths. Our generation isn't as bound by old customs as our ancestors were. We can simplify things."
Elio replied firmly, "This is my sincere wish to marry Candice. Some things cannot be simplified."
He pulled an envelope from his pocket, stood up, and respectfully handed it to Sienna. Nervous, Sienna quickly stood and accepted it with both hands.
"Aunt Sienna, this is my formal proposal. I earnestly hope you will consent."
Sienna, having never seen a formal proposal, looked uncertainly at her in-laws. Gary and Florence were increasingly impressed by Elio's sincerity and dedication. "What should I do?" Sienna asked, looking unsure.
Florence, smiling warmly, said, "You don't need to do anything. Just accept his proposal for Candice. If you don't agree, you can return it to him."
Chapter 920
Chapter 920
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 visibly tense.
The elders of the family were delighted, especially the uncles, thrilled at the idea of their beloved little princess marrying the wealthiest man in Norvania, especially one they had seen grow up. Knowing his background, they were all satisfied with Elio.
As everyone chatted, Candice's cheerful voice rang out, "Wow, why are there so many gifts at home? Is it..."
Midway through her sentence, she followed Jasper into the living room. Upon seeing Elio there, she suddenly became demure, her playful demeanor replaced by shyness as she nervously glanced at him. Elio looked at Candice with an intense gaze.
"It's the engagement gifts sent by Leo," Florence explained.
Hearing they were engagement gifts, Candice's heart raced, feeling both bashful and nervous. She bit her lip, smiled shyly, and averted her gaze from Elio.
Sienna observed her daughter's reaction, then glanced at Elio, feeling that they didn't quite look like a couple.
The awkward shyness between them felt like they were still in the early stages of getting to know each other.
Florence continued, "Candice, in a
few days, you should also bring some gifts and formally visit his parents with Elio. Then we'll arrange a time for both families to sidown and discuss the wedding."
Candice was pulled by Jasper toward the sofa. She wanted to sit next to her parents, but Jasper deliberately pushed her toward Elio, saying, "Sit with your fiancé."
The word "fiancé" immediately made Candice's face flush with embarrassment. She awkwardly sat next to Elio, her face turning red as she avoided his gaze.
Elio looked at her tenderly, his smile gentle as he gazed at her. After she sat down, she looked up at Elio and smiled softly. Their eyes met filled with warmth and shyness.
Sienna sensed something amiss and quickly asked, "Leo, Candice, how long have you been together?"
Elio hesitated for a moment. Candice nervously glanced at Elio, then at Sienna. "We..."
He decisively replied, "A little over a month."
That was since the day they had become intimate. Their meetings were few, hardly enough to be considered spending time together or dating.
Sienna pursed her lips and smiled lightly, considering her daughter's future. She didn't want to rush things and risk the two being unsuitable for each other. "We'll accept the engagement gifts, but let's wait a bit longer for the wedding plans. There's no rush. Spend more time together and get to know each other better." Rushing into marriage without dating or spending time together to see if they were truly compatible would be irresponsible.
Elio didn't want to delay. If he could
he would have gotten the marriage certificate on that day to prevent any unexpected twists. Nervously he began, "Aunt Sienna, actually..."
Daniel interrupted, "Yes, spend more time together. Let's discuss the wedding plans after the new year."
Candice didn't see anything wrong with that.
Suddenly, Elio quietly grasped her hand, applying slight pressure. Surprised, Candice looked up at him and noticed his troubled expression. He didn't look pleased. Candice caught his hint and said to her family, "Let Leo and I decide on the wedding date, okay?"