Ch. 961..970
Chapter 961
Chapter 961
Candice stayed quiet. The room was still.
Elio switched off the lamp and drew her closer, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. His nerves wouldn't ease until they exchanged vows and became husband and wife.
…
The next day, Mila boarded a military helicopter bound for Phoenicia. She rushed to the hospital to visit Michaela, who had been injured.
Unexpectedly, Michaela greeted Mila with a hint of dissatisfaction. "It's just a minor injury. You didn't have to rush back from work," she scolded.
Deeply concerned, Mila gazed at Michaela, who was now paralyzed from her waist down. It pained her to see Michaela brush off her condition so casually. Nevertheless, Mila stayed by her side at the hospital for hours.
At dinner time, Fenna arrived at the hospital carrying homemade dishes. It irked her to see Mila again. "Wanda?" she blurted out, surprised.
Mila offered a faint smile, rising politely. "It's been some time, Ms. Hudson."
Fenna forced a strained smile, her irritation growing as she noticed Mila's ageless beauty despite nearing 50. Mila maintained a youthful appearance. Fenna pushed herself to remain courteous. "Yeah, it has been quite some time."
Mila looked at the food Fenna was carrying, and said, "We've hired a nutritionist and chef to handle the cooking. You can leave it to the experts and save yourself the trouble from now on."
Fenna felt awkward, unsure whether to put down the food container or take it away.
Michaela quickly interjected. “Fen’s cooking is fantastic and I love it. Please, bring it in.”
Her intervention brought relief to Fenna, brightening her expression. Fenna quickly approached and smoothly nudged Mila aside. She opened the food container and began serving the meal.
“I cooked your favorite pot roast today,” Fenna announced cheerfully.
Mila moved aside, her expression clouding over.
Michaela pressed a button on the remote, and the head of her bed gradually elevated. She looked at Fenna with admiration, saying, “You’re truly impressive, juggling an influential career while mastering the art of cooking at home. You manage both effortlessly. Josie is equally remarkable.”
Mila’s face twisted in disdain as though she had tasted something foul. She couldn’t shake the memory of Fenna’s harsh criticism, accusing her of incompetence in caring for Nathan.
In the past, Fenna employed sneaky, manipulative tactics to undermine and ridicule Mila. Each time those memories returned, they stoked her anger.
She had once confided in Michaela about Fenna’s actions, only to receive a dismissive response.
“Nathan’s a remarkable man, and it’s natural for him to draw many admirers. Fenna’s behavior wasn’t beyond reason. She was just pursuing the man she desired, which isn’t exactly a crime,” Michaela had remarked.
Since then, Mila realized that Michaela held questionable beliefs. Michaela consistently valued competence and power above all else, often placing self-interest ahead of empathy.
Elio and Candice would inevitably drift apart if things continued in such a way. Mila felt it was time for her to intervene.
Throughout the meal, Fenna tended to Michaela with a closeness that resembled that of a daughter rather than just a visitor.
After dinner, Michaela needed to rest. Mila said her goodbyes and left the ward. As she stepped out, Fenna hurried after her, calling out, “Wanda!”
Mila paused and turned to face her.
Fenna approached confidently, wearing a smug smile. “It’s been many years since we last met. How’s Nate?”
Despite both of them being married to others for over two decades, her curiosity about Nathan persisted.
“He’s doing fine,” Mila replied calmly.
“Did he come back with you?” Fenna probed further.
Mila dropped all pretense of politeness and sternly questioned, “Does your husband know you’re still so interested in another man?”
Fenna’s face darkened, and she fell silent.
Mila’s expression turned icy with a hint of smirk. She continued, “I recall Cameron’s daughter as quite decent—smart, kind, and lovely. When did she start going after other people’s husbands, much like you did when you were younger?”
Chapter 962
Chapter 962
Fenna's expression hardened visibly. Gritting her teeth, she exclaimed sharply, "Watch your words, Wanda!"
"What? Did I say anything inappropriate?" Mila replied nonchalantly.
Fenna seethed with anger as she responded, "It's a matter of timing. I was together with Nathan after your divorce. You got involved in our relationship later."
"You consider a boss-subordinate relationship being together? When will you snap out of your illusions?" Mila countered.
Fenna's face twisted with anger, her fists clenched so tightly they trembled, and she gritted her teeth so hard it seemed she might shatter them.
She suppressed her seething rage and said, "Elio and Josie have been together for years. They were each other's first love and were already discussing marriage. Yet, Candice swooped in and stole Josie's fiancé. How would you justify that?"
Mila was left speechless. She smirked and quipped, “Ms. Hudson, are you truly that oblivious, or are you simply pretending not to see the obvious?”
“What do you mean?”
“Josie was aware from the start that Elio was only using her as a front to deceive my mother. How could she ever believe their relationship was real?”
Fenna offered a faint smile but stayed quiet, her eyes ablaze with smoldering fury, turbulent like stormy seas. Having missed her chance with Nathan before, she now appeared resolute in aiding Josie to win over Elio as a form of redemption.
After a pause, Fenna emphasized each word through clenched teeth. “Wanda Hoffis, nothing is decided yet. Everything’s still up in the air. It’s uncertain who Elio will ultimately pick.”
With that, she brushed past Mila, who called out firmly, “Fenna.”
Fenna halted in her tracks.
Mila turned, her eyes locked on Fenna’s silhouette as she warned, “Your husband didn’t climb to his current position easily. Sometimes, those who ascend too high forget their roots.
“I advise you to stay grounded. Don’t let obsession destroy the future of those around you and your own.”
Ignoring the advice, Fenna snorted disdainfully as she marched out of the hospital.
Watching her leave, Mila couldn’t shake the feeling that Fenna had become even more ruthless, reckless, and unrestrained. Recalling Elio’s mention of Candice’s near-miss overseas, Mila now harbored suspicions that Fenna might have played a part.
After leaving the hospital, Mila waited by the roadside.
Soon, a sleek luxury car pulled up, and Jasper stepped out from the driver’s seat. He approached Mila with a gentle smile and said, “Mom, please get in the car.”
Mila returned his warmth with a smile as she settled into the passenger seat. “Thank you, son.”
Jasper returned to the driver's seat, started the car, and they began their journey. As they drove, his curiosity got the better of him. “Mom, did you return this time because Grandma was injured, or because of Candice’s marriage?”
“Both,” Mila replied.
“This hinges largely on Grandma’s decision. If she approves of Candice marrying Elio, then everything will be fine despite any schemes Josie might cook up.” Jasper stated.
Mila nodded in agreement, her gaze studying Jasper’s striking features. She asked gently, “And what about you? You’re nearly 26 but haven’t even held a woman’s hand, let alone had a girlfriend. Are you struggling with some hidden ailment, or perhaps you’re gay?”
Her words startled Jasper, causing him to cough violently. After catching his breath, he grumbled, “Mom, what kind of mother speaks about her son that way?”
“How else then? You should find someone nice and start dating.”
Jasper smiled with resignation. “I’m just not into it.”
Chapter 963
Chapter 963
Ello was startled awake by a phone ringtone early in the morning. He opened his eyes to find Candice still soundly asleep in his arms.
He swiftly reached over to silence the phone, his face souring as he glimpsed Mervyn's name on the caller ID.
He disconnected the call and placed the phone down. Then, he softly kissed Candice on the forehead and pulled her closer, hoping to drift back to sleep.
Moments later, the phone rang once more, thoroughly irritating him. Carefully shifting Candice aside, he grabbed the phone and headed to the balcony to answer it.
Mervyn's voice was gentle as it came through the phone. "Good morning, Candice! Today-
Elio cut him off, his tone icy. "Candice is still asleep. What do you need?
There was a moment of silence before Mervyn's tone became distinctly different. He asked with a deep sense of annoyance, "Why are you answering her phone?"
"I didn't want to answer initially, so I ended the call. But you kept ringing back, so I figured it must be urgent, or you wouldn't be so persistent, would you?"
"Just pass her the phone. I need to speak with her," Mervyn demanded.
"I told you she's not awake yet," Elio stated.
They engaged in a silent battle through their phones.
Mervyn's voice tightened with anger as he cautioned, "Engaged or not you should respect her privacy and stop answering her calls."
There's no privacy between us," Elio replied pointedly
Mervyn's frustration boiled over. "Elio, don't push me too far."
With a tone as cool as the morning air, Ello warned, 'From now on, please keep your distance from my fiancée, maintain the boundaries of a normal friendship, and let go of any false hopes you may have about her.
With those final words, Elio ended the call. He lingered on the balcony, phone in hand, watching the sunrise slowly ascend above the horizon. After a moment, he returned inside.
Candice was already awake, seated on the bed, rubbing her sleepy eyes while searching for her phone. She murmured, "I remember leaving my phone on the nightstand."
Elio approached and handed it to her. "Mervyn called twice. I didn't want him to wake you, so I answered."
Taking her phone with a puzzled expression, Candice asked, "Did he say what he wanted?"
"It didn't sound urgent. He just wanted to chat, Elio explained.
Candice offered him an awkward smile after taking back her phone.
"No, it's fine. He probably didn't have anything important," Candice replied.
'You should call him back, just in case there's something urgent," Elio suggested as he headed into the walk-in closet.
Candice noticed a hint of unhappiness in his expression. Despite his composed demeanor and insistence that she return the call, she sensed an undercurrent of jealousy.
After a moment's hesitation, she dialed Mervyn's number. His voice greeted her cheerfully as he answered, "Candice, is that you?"
"Yes, it's me."
"Candice, I found a super cool restaurant. How about we check it out for dinner tonight?" Mervyn suggested.
"Maybe another time, Mervyn," Candice replied without hesitation.
"Are you busy?"
"A bit."
"What about tomorrow?
"I'm not free then either."
"The day after? Or maybe over the weekend-
Candice's voice grew stern. "Mervyn, don't you understand? I don't feel comfortable going to dinner alone with you. It wouldn't sit well with my fiancé."
In a mocking tone, Mervyn retorted, "So, just because you're engaged, you can't have dinner with a friend? Are you a prisoner? Are you not allowed any freedom?"
"I could join you for dinner, but I'd have to bring him along," Candice responded.
Chapter 964
Chapter 964
Mervyn sneered, "What's the meaning of this? Why should you bring him along?"
"Because he's my fiancé," Candice replied firmly.
Mervyn snorted in response. "Well, things just got more intriguing!"
Candice sighed softly before saying, "I've already gone over everything. I'm quite swamped at the moment. Let's reschedule for another time.
Her suggestion to reschedule seemed more like a polite brush-off that was unlikely to happen. She set down her phone and headed into the walk-in closet.
Inside, Elio was busy adjusting his tie. Candice approached and gently took the tie from his hands, her fingers slightly clumsy as she carefully tied it for him.
Ello paused, his gentle eyes gazing intensely at her. His voice, though hoarse, camed a tender tone. "Did he have something urgent to discuss with you?"
Feeling a blush rise to her cheeks, Candice answered softly, "He invited me to dinner tonight."
A shadow flickered across Elio's eyes at her words.
Noticing the drastic change in his expression, Candice smiled reassuringly and added, "I declined."
Elio's face immediately brightened with a subtle smile. He cradled the back of her head and leaned in to kiss her lips. "I have a banquet tonight with some important political figures. I'll be back soon. Wait for me at home, and no dating with Mervyn."
The mention of dating made Candice feel slightly awkward. It dawned on her that Elio saw her relationship with Mervyn as complicated.
Rising onto her tiptoes, Candice returned his kiss and said, "I'll be waiting for you."
Elio's body tensed, his gaze lingering on her shy demeanor. Her initiative to kiss him stirred something deep within him. Unable to hold back, he pressed her against the large mirror, leaning in to kiss her.
Candice hadn't expected her simple peck to result in her being pinned against the mirror and kissed with such depth and passion. The intense kiss finally ended after she pushed him away several times. Had it continued, Elio might have been tempted to skip work and whisk her away to bed.
As evening fell, a grand and opulent banquet unfolded in the ballroom of a prestigious five- star hotel. The air buzzed with the presence of political heavyweights, high-ranking officials, and some of Phoenicia's wealthiest tycoons.
This banquet was organized to propel Phoenicia's development for the coming decades. Officials hoped to secure investments from wealthy tycoons to foster a brighter future for Phoenicia. alone at home. Besides, he couldn't shake off his concern that Mervyn might try to approach her again and ask her out.
"Leo." A gentle voice reached his ear. He turned to see Fenna approaching arm in arm with her husband, Philip Durand.
In his 50s, Philip had a balding head and a plump, aged appearance, yet he remained a notable political figure.
Fenna had strategically married him solely for his potential to surpass Nathan in power, fueled by her ambition to outshine Mila.
Over two decades had passed, and while Philip hadn't surpassed Nathan's influence, he had established a significant political position.
Elio politely shook hands with Philip and exchanged a friendly greeting.
"I've heard you're considering building the world's largest fantasy amusement park in Phoenicia, Fenna remarked with a faint smile.
"It's still under consideration, Elio responded, returning the smile.
He wasn't eager to invest. Rather, it was the officials who were pushing for his funding. They seemed unconcerned about the potential risks to Elio's finances. They aimed to make their governed regions flourish, focusing solely on superficial efforts.
Upon hearing Elio's hesitation, Philip couldn't help but launch into a lengthy spiel, painting a grand vision of the project and boasting about Phoenicia's promising development prospects.
Elio listened with unruffled calm as Philip spoke.
Meanwhile, Fenna excused herself to the dining table, where she picked up two glasses of wine. After glancing around to ensure no one was watching, she discreetly spiked one of the glasses
Chapter 965
Chapter 965
Fenna returned to Elio and Philip, offering each of them a glass of wine. It was customary for the men to socialize over drinks at the banquet.
By the banquet's end, Sean noticed Elio still hadn't shown up. Worried, he went inside to search for Elio, but there was no trace of him anywhere. Unable to reach Elic by phone, Sean grew frantic and immediately called Jasper.
Half an hour later, Josie received a call. She hurried outside and spotted Fenna's car parked by the roadside. Climbing in, she was shocked to find Elio unconscious in the back seat.
"Aunt Fenna, what's happening?' Josie asked.
As Fenna drove away, she said, "I brought him here for you. The rest is up to you."
Confused, Josie replied, "I don't understand, Aunt Fenna."
Fenna glared at Josle. 'You fool! I'm taking you both to a hotel. Your responsibility is to watch over him. If he shows any reaction, be prepared to spend the night with him.
Tomorrow morning, I'll arrange a police raid targeting illegal activities, with the press in tow. You'll be front-page news as his girlfriend who spent the night with him at the hotel."
Josie was awestruck by Fenna's audacious plan. "Oh my goodness! Aunt Fenna, that's amazing!"
Fenna smiled with a hint of satisfaction, saying, "After this, he'll have no choice but to marry you. If he tries to shirk responsibility, it could harm his business.
"His parents won't tolerate such a scandal. They'll do everything to ensure he marries you into the Hoffis family."
"And that's not all." Fenna's smile grew wider with pride as she continued, "A month later, whether it's true or not, you'll announce that you're expecting."
As Fenna revealed more, Josie became increasingly thrilled. She couldn't help but smirk. saying, "Aunt Fenna, you're brilliant."
Fenna responded with a smug smile. The car pulled up to another five-star hotel. As Fenna turned off the engine, she glanced through the glass and found Jasper standing in front of the car. Both she and Josie were stunned.
With hands casually tucked in his pockets, Jasper stood tall and imposing. He possessed the strikingly handsome features of his parents, Nathan and Wanda, enhanced by a roguish charm. His eyes flickered with a teasing mockery, almost as if daring them, saying, "Run! Let's see where you can go!"
Josie's voice trembled with nervousness as she stammered, "A-Aunt Fenna, how did Jasper find out we'll be here? What should we do?"
Fenna turned to check the back seat. Elio remained unconscious, hidden from the view on the outside. "Stay calm. Don't panic. I've got this." Fenna reassured Josie before stepping
out of the car.
As she approached Jasper, the door of the adjacent vehicle swung open. Mila emerged, her expression stern, her stride confident and commanding.
Fenna was taken aback once more when she saw Mila. She couldn't understand how Wanda
and Jasper had discovered her careful planning and arrived so swiftly.
Without a word, Mila walked up to Fenna and delivered a resounding slap across her face. The sharp crack echoed in the quiet. The slap was powerful and ruthless, laden with long- standing and recent grievances.
Stunned, Fenna held her throbbing cheek. Once she recollected herself, she glared at Mila, her eyes blazing with anger. Emphasizing each word, she snarled, "Wanda Hoffis, how dare you-l'
Before she could finish her sentence, Mila raised her other hand and delivered another sharp slap, striking Fenna's opposite cheek. The crisp sound of the second slap reverberated through the air.
Chapter 966
Chapter 966
Josie was taken aback witnessing Fenna being slapped twice. She couldn't stay seated any longer and swiftly exited the car. She approached with a frown, questioning, "Why did you hit her?
Mile exchanged a meaningful glance with Jasper, who understood her intention and moved to open the car door.
Josie was flustered. She hurried back to the car to intervene, but it was too late. Jasper had already noticed Elio lying in the back seat.
"You..." Josie began, guilt overwhelming her as she watched Jasper help Elio out of the car.
Keeping her anger in check, Fenna emphasized each word through clenched teeth. "Wanda, do you even realize who you just hit?"
"Of course, a criminal," Mila responded icily.
Frustrated, Fenna raised her voice. "Elio was drunk. I was just trying to get him home safely!" Mila gestured toward the hotel behind her, questioning, "Is this where he belongs?"
Fenna was left speechless, her anger simmering in silence.
When Josie saw Jasper carrying Elio into their car, she understood they couldn't retreat now. Rushing over, she attempted to clarify, "Mrs. Morrison, Aunt Fenna was simply bringing Leo back home. We happened to be passing by this hotel where she needed to handle something."
Mila sneered and sized Josie up with disdain, "Your father and my husband are best friends. Your father's a man of integrity and kindness. Why don't you follow his example? Instead, you are picking up on your aunt's underhanded tactics. Josie, you're a letdown."
Josie's face fell, utterly embarrassed, and she wished she could vanish then and there.
Mila then turned to Fenna with a stern warning. "If this happens again, there won't just be two slaps."
With that, she got into the car.
Jasper started the engine and drove off, leaving Fenna and Josie motionless. Their faces contorted with frustration, and they seethed with no outlet for their boiling emotions.
Still, Mila's words stirred something deep inside Josie. She felt a profound sense of shame, realizing how much she had veered off course and how distasteful she had become to herself.
On their way back, Jasper was driving when he asked, "Mom, how did you figure out what they were up to and locate them so fast?"
"I just called your dad and used a satellite to trace their path," Mila replied nonchalantly.
"But how did you know they'd pull that trick?"
*Fenna tried the same thing on your dad once.
Jasper was astonished. "Seriously? She pulled a fast one on Dad?"
Mila hummed in acknowledgment.
'Did it work?"
"No, it didn't."
"Who saved Dad? Was it you, too?"
Mila smiled faintly and shook her head. 'No, your dad managed to save himself. He was in far better condition than Elio and had a strong determination.
When he started feeling the drug's effects, he somehow subdued Fenna and locked her in the bathroom, then called the police. By the time I got there, the police had already arrived."
Jasper marveled, "Wow, Dad's really something."
*Fenna's methods are too deceitful," Mila commented, her hand pressed against her forehead in deep thought. "If we don't intervene soon, she'll continue sowing discard until she drives Elio and Candice apart."
'She's unhinged. I don't think she's doing this for Josie's sake anymore. It's purely about payback."
"Yeah, payback against me," Mila agreed.
Jasper tightened his grip on the steering wheel, his voice rising. "It all stems from Grandma's obsessive control over Uncle Elio."
Milla glanced at Jasper's profile and whispered, "Son, it's time we take a bold step to address your grandma's troubling actions and help Elio and Candice, too."
Chapter 967
Chapter 967
Jasper's eyes gleamed with anticipation as he eagerly nodded. 'Sure, Mom. What's your plan?"
First, you should start dating." Mila suggested with a faint smile.
Jasper was baffled. After a pause, he responded indifferently, "Mom, it seems you're just nudging me to get a girlfriend. Don't use helping Uncle Elio and Candice as an excuse."
Mila sounded mildly dismayed. "At 26, isn't it normal to be curious about romance? Why aren't you interested? Haven't you met anyone who interests you?"
'There are attractive women out there, but none captivated me. They all seem rather dull," Jasper sighed wearily. "That's why I'm not eager to get to know thern."
"That sounds like an excuse," Mila snorted.
"Whatever," Jasper muttered, clearly exasperated.
Half an hour later, they pulled up to Hillside Villa. As the car pulled into the driveway, Candice heard the noise and rushed out, surprised to see Mila and Jasper stepping out.
"Aunt Chubs, Jasper, what brings you here?" Candice asked.
Jasper headed to the back seat and opened the door to help Elio, who appeared
unconscious, out of the car. Candice hurried over to offer help. "How did Elio get so drunk?" she asked.
"He's not drunk. He's 'Jasper began, but Mila interrupted sharply, "Jasper."
Jasper quickly grasped Mila's signal for him to keep quiet. Alongside Candice, he helped Elio into the house and settled him in his room.
Afterward, they descended to the living room where Mila was waiting. A maid brought refreshments as they entered.
"Aunt Chubs, when did you return? Candice asked.
"I returned as soon as I heard about Jasper's grandma's injury, Mila replied gently.
Candice's face creased with worry. "Her injury's bad. She can't walk at all right now."
Milla scooted closer to Candice, gently held her hand, and spoke eamestly, "Candice, you and Leo should go ahead and get married. You don't have to wait for my mother's approvall. From what I know of her, she rarely changes her mind once she's decided against something."
Candice voiced her concerns. "But if she never accepts me as part of the family, our life together will be challenging."
Mila shook her head. "No, even if she doesn't approve of you and Leo, she won't resort to manipulative tactics to separate you or make your lives difficult.
'But
You and Leo can build your life together without her interference. At her age, she doesn't
have the energy to meddle in your marriage." Mila reassured her.
'Do you think she'd be so furious that she'd have a meltdown if I married Elic?" Candice asked.
Jasper interjected. "You're underestimating my grandma's resilience. A minor thing like a marriage wouldn't deeply upset her. She might be annoyed for a few days at most."
"But she favors Josie, and-"
Mila cut her off. "Now that I'm back, you can put your worries about Josie aside. Give it some time, and I'll make sure her true colors are revealed."
Relieved, Candice smiled and nodded, humming in agreement.
Mila couldn't resist adding, "Are there single ladies among your friends or acquaintances? Maybe you could introduce them to Jasper. He-
Jasper interrupted with irritation. "Mom, enough. Can you please stop?"
There was a brief pause before Candice asked, "Aunt Chubs, isn't Jasper gay?"
Mila was taken aback.
Growing exasperated, Jasper responded sharply, "Candice, when did I ever say I was gay? Don't spread rumors. I'll sue you for defamation even though we're family."
'But that's what all your friends say," Candice replied with a cheerful smile.
Jasper was left seething, pointing a finger at Candice as if to scold her. However, he found himself unable to reprimand her. He ended up swallowing his anger like trying to choke down a cactus.
Chapter 968
Chapter 968
Mila looked at Jasper, her face creased with worry. Her gaze held the same poignant mix of heartache and resignation as a mother watching her son come out of the closet.
Feeling flustered under her gaze, Jasper hurried to explain, "Mom, I'm not gay. I'm straight, completely straight. I'm interested in women, not men."
Then, why don't you have a girlfriend?"
"I haven't found the right person yet," Jasper replied.
'So, you're not interested in women,' Mila stated firmly.
Jasper simply held his forehead and sank back onto the couch, uncertain how to reply.
After pondering for a moment, Mila suggested, "How about I arrange a blind date for you?" Jasper let out a heavy sigh. "Mom, I'm only 26. Isn't it a bit ridiculous to start setting up blind dates?"
"You're a 26-year-old man who hasn't even held a woman's hand. That's what's truly ridiculous, 'Mila retorted. "You're a catch, and many women are interested in you, yet you've remained single all this time. There must be something wrong with you."
Candice chimed in, "Yes, exactly, Aunt Chubs is right. There must be something wrong with you."
Jasper straightened abruptly, his demeanor becoming serious. 'Fine, set up the blind date. I'm curious to see how impressive this woman you arrange for me will be."
"She'll be beautiful, elegant, well-educated, graceful, and interesting." Mila replied confidently. Jasper smiled wryly. "I'm eager to see for myself."
Mila felt a wave of relief with his agreement. Sorting out Elio's marriage was her main task, and then she could focus on Jasper's love life. The future was starting to look more promising.
It was late at night, so Candice suggested that Mila and Jasper stay over.
"We won't be staying tonight. Leo might wake up later, and he'll need you," Mila said with a faint smile.
Thinking Elio was just intoxicated from drinking too much, Candice didn't worry much and calmly agreed. After saying goodbye to Mila and Jasper, she returned to her room only to find Elio missing from bed.
Candice heard the sound of running water in the bathroom. She assumed he must have awakened. Yet she was puzzled to see him showering even though he was drunk. There was a danger he could slip and fall.
Candice hurried to the bathroom door and knocked. "Elio, are you showering? It's not safe after drinking so much."
There was no reply.
"Elio," she called and knocked again, but silence greeted her. Worry mounting, she feared he might have fallen and lost consciousness.
"Elio?" Candice hurriedly gripped the doorknob and turned it.
As she pushed the door, it swung open abruptly from the inside. Before she could react, Elio, naked and still dripping from his shower, pulled her into a passionate kiss.
Candice was utterly surprised by the kiss. Before she could gather her thoughts, Elio wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her effortlessly. She found herself carried toward the bed and abruptly pushed down.
Panic fluttered through her, and she instinctively pushed against Elio's chest
He undressed her as they kissed. As his kisses moved to her earlobe, he whispered," Candice, I think I might have accidentally taken some kind of drug. I feel really out of it."
Candice's eyes widened in shock and her body tensed.
'Don't worry. I'll be gentle." Ello reassured her.
Candice made a small, acknowledging sound. She closed her eyes and welcomed his approach, yet a wave of unease washed over her. She wondered which audacious scoundrel could have drugged Flio. Now, it all clicked why Jasper and Mila had personally escorted him home.
Chapter 969
Chapter 969
Chapter 969
Candice woke up early in the morning, her body aching all over. She had hardly slept a wink last night, unable to recall how many times Elio had been passionately intimate with her. All she knew was that his desire had been fervent and relentless.
Seeing Elio peacefully asleep beside her, Candice closed her eyes with relief, hoping to steal a bit more rest. Mila's words consumed her thoughts. Candice wondered if she would never marry without Michaela's approval.
Due to Elio's extraordinary nature, even a simple outing could expose him to dangers like being drugged. Candice felt their relationship hanging by a thread. She wondered if registering their marriage first might be wise. This way, it could deter other women who still harbored fantasies about Elio.
With these thoughts swirling in her mind, Candice drifted back into slumber. In her dream, she saw Elio holding hands with a bride, running through a picturesque meadow. Her heart raced with anticipation, assuming she was the bride.
Yet, when the bride turned around, Candice was stunned to see Josie's face. She woke up abruptly, startled by the vivid vision.
The room was flooded with bright sunlight streaming through the balcony, casting a warm, comforting glow. Candice turned to the space beside her. Elio had vanished, leaving only the lingering warmth in the sheets.
Sitting up, wrapped in a blanket, she glanced around the room.
Just then, the bathroom door swung open. Elio emerged, dressed casually in loungewear, looking fresh and appealing after his shower.
Spotting Candice awake, Elio's gaze softened. He approached and leaned over, hands bracing against the bed as he kissed her flushed cheek. "You must be tired. Why don't you sleep a bit more?" he whispered.
Candice shook her head. "No, I'm up now."
"Do you want to take a bath?" Elio asked.
Candice nodded, feeling discomfort coursing through her body.
Elio gently stroked her hair and murmured, "Just hold on. I'll get the water running." With that, he disappeared into the bathroom.
Snug in her blanket, Candice curled up and pulled her phone from the nightstand to glance at the date.
Soon, Elio reappeared, saying, "It's ready. Candice."
Candice began to get up from the bed, but Elio swiftly lifted her into his arms. "I can walk, you know," she said.
"I prefer carrying you," Elio responded softly.
Unable to resist his loving gesture, Candice relented.
Their intimate connection had long outgrown any initial awkwardness. Candice eagerly welcomed Elio's desire to stay in the bathroom while she bathed.
He settled on the bathtub's edge while she luxuriated in the warm, bubbly water, feeling completely at ease and peaceful.
After some consideration, Elio decided to address the previous day's events. "Candice, I want to apologize for last night."
"There's no need for apologies. It wasn't your fault," Candice responded with a reassuring smile.
"I'll ensure it doesn't happen again."
"Who was responsible?"
"Fenna."
Candice's expression turned grave as she stood up, her anxiety palpable.
Fenna had drugged him? It seemed like a scheme to steer him toward Josie.
The revelation deeply unsettled her, and she gazed up at Elio, her voice earnest. "Elio, let's get married."
Elio froze, staring at her in disbelief. Overwhelmed by excitement, he crouched down, took her hand, and asked joyfully, "Are you serious? Should we get married today?"
Candice's cheeks flushed with warmth as she nodded, smiling.
Elio lifted her from the bathtub without concern for her dampness and embraced her tightly. He was so overjoyed that his words tumbled out incoherently. "Yes, let's do it. There must be an available slot today. We're getting married!"
"I need to inform my family first," Candice said.
His breath quickened, and he replied softly, "Of course, we'll inform them. And I'll contact the press. I want everyone to know that Elio Hoffis is getting married today!"
Candice looked at him with a hint of concern, asking, "Shouldn't we keep this private?"
Chapter 970
Chapter 970
"No,' Elio stated.
*I'll go along with your plan," Candice replied. She rested her cheek against his sturdy shoulder and closed his eyes, cherishing the warmth of his embrace.
By 4:00 pm, a crowd had assembled at city hall. Among them were Candice's extended family, including Mila and Jasper. Everyone was eager to witness the couple's mamage registration.
Reporters immediately engulfed Elio and Candice as they emerged from city hall. Flashbulbs popped and microphones were thrust toward Elio. The reporters bombarded him with questions about whether he was married, details about his bride, and his thoughts on marriage.
Usually reluctant with reporters, Elio found himself willingly engaged this time. Holding Candice's hand, he introduced her with pride and joy as his wife.
"How did you two meet? Who pursued whom?" asked a reporter.
"We've known each other since childhood. I've had a crush on her since we were young, and I was the one who pursued her,* Elio answered.
The reporters erupted in a chorus of excited admiration. Smiles of warmth spread among the Morrisons, except for Florence, who quietly wiped away tears, deeply moved by Candice's marriage at such a young age.
After leaving city hall, everyone returned to Morrison Residence. They indulged in a lavish feast featuring fine wines and delectable dishes, with Tristan in tow. Laughter and congratulations filled the air for the newly married couple.
Michaela's absence was noticeable amid the festive atmosphere. No one had told her about
it.
The next moming, Josie stormed into the hospital in a fury. She pushed open the door to Michaela's ward without consideration for her rest and blurted out, "Mrs. Hoffis, Leo and Candice got married yesterday!"
Michaela was shocked. Then, scoffing, she said, "Impossible. I didn't approve of their marriage. They wouldn't dare proceed without my consent. Also, how could they get married without even informing me?"
Josie opened her phone and showed Michaela the trending news. "Look, Leo even gave an interview. Their marriage is making headlines everywhere."
Michaela took the phone and read the headline. Her face first paled, then darkened with rage. Her hands trembled and her neck reddened as anger surged through her.
Overcome with fury, she clenched her teeth and hurled the phone across the ward. It smashed against the floor and shattered on impact.
Josie was startled at the sudden outburst but quickly regained her composure. Anxiously, she asked, "Mrs. Hoffis, what should we do now? Everyone knows he's married."
Michaela clenched her fists so hard they shook, her voice filled with indignation. "Do they see me as an outsider? They registered their marriage yesterday afternoon, and I'm just finding out now?"
In a low, distressed tone, Josie asked, "Mrs. Hoffis, do you approve of their marriage?"
"No, I don't!" Michaela declared. She longed to retum home, but her severe spinal injury limited her mobility.
Josie's heart sank. She felt overwhelmed by despair, seeing almost no way to reverse the situation. "What should we do next?" she asked.
Frustrated, Michaela pounded her leg and growled, "It's all because of these useless legs of mine!" Then, she pointed to a drawer and said, "Bring me my phone."
Josie retrieved the phone and handed it to her. Michaela wasted no time calling Tristan's number.
As soon as Tristan answered the call, Michaela's voice, brimming with fury, pierced through before he could speak. "Why did Leo and Candice get married without consulting me? They got married yesterday! Why didn't anyone inform me until now?
Visibly flustered, Tristan attempted to soothe her. Take it easy. Leo and Candice were already engaged. Their marriage was inevitable.
"You're still recovering in the hospital, and stressing out won't help your health. I didn't inform you because I wanted to wait until you were getting better-"
"Excuses, all of it!" Michaela interjected, her tone laced with anger.
Recognizing that reasoning with her in such a state was futile, Tristan replied impatiently, Enough. Now that you know, accept it. There's no use in causing a scene."