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
Somebody was skeptical. "How's that possible? You—"Tristan interrupted with a serious tone. "We're somewhat related, yes. But didn't you notice she called us by our first name?"While the others continued to laugh and joke, Candice was quietly moved by Tristan's words. Tristan's recognition of her meant that her recent efforts hadn't been wasted. However, Michaela remained unconvinced. She was fond of Candice but disagreed with her marrying Elio.…After a long day, Candice returned home late at night. She bid farewell to Tristan and Michaela and returned to her room. Then, she indulged in a hot bath and massaged her sore shoulders and neck before settling into bed.Her phone buzzed. She picked it up and saw it was a message from Elio. "Open the door. I want to see you."Candice sat up in bed and typed a reply. "It's too late."Though she longed to spend more time with Elio, they were under his parents' roof, and Michaela had made her wishes clear—Elio and Candice were to sle
The early morning sun filtered through the window, casting a gentle glow across the room as it peeked through the curtain gaps.Candice lay curled up in Elio's arms, both sound asleep in the warmth of the bed, completely naked and entwined. She stirred slowly, blinking away the remnants of sleep as she woke.Her movements roused Elio, who gazed fondly at her blushing face with contentment. He leaned in to kiss her forehead.Candice smiled at him, closed her eyes, and whispered, "Good morning."Unable to hold back, Elio affectionately nuzzled her cheek, his voice enticing and husky. "You're awake?"Candice responded with a soft hum.Elio rolled over gently, positioning himself above her, and buried his head in her neck, showering her with kisses and nuzzles. Feeling ticklish, Candice squirmed and pushed against his strong chest with her hands."Leo, let's not start the morning like this," she murmured shyly.Hearing her call him "Leo" thrilled him even more, deepening his sens
Candice was about to defend Elio when a sudden force gripped her arm, yanking her up from her chair. Before she fully understood what was happening, Elio had pulled her to his side.His face contorted in anger as he glared at Michaela. He exuded a strong and intimidating presence as he spoke sharply, "I know I'm not worthy of Candice, but I don't need your well-meaning advice."I'm not a tool you've crafted to take over the family business. I'm a person and your son. Don't I have the right to love? Don't I deserve happiness?"Michaela's expression turned steely as she fixed a stern glare on Elio and said, "You need to know your place."Upon hearing her harsh words, the pain Elio had suppressed for more than 20 years suddenly burst forth. His voice rose to an almost hysterical growl. "I want to embrace life, too, to be lively and engaging. But did you ever give me the chance?"Since childhood, even a simple soccer game was forbidden and dismissed as a distraction from my studies. I