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 gasped. “My mom and Fenna?”

Candice simply hummed in affirmation.

Mila reassured her. “Candice, please don’t cry. With Leo by your side, there’s nothing to fear. He loves you more than you realize and won’t give up on you easily. No one can tear you apart as long as you stay strong.”

“But Aunt Chubs, I’m terrified! I’m worried your mother won’t accept our relationship. I can’t even bring myself to go with Elio to meet your parents.” Mila sighed deeply, her mind racing with thoughts of Michaela’s stubbornness, Fenna’s deceitful tactics, and Josie’s manipulations. A shiver of dread ran through her as she worried for Candice.

After a brief pause, Mila said, “Candice, don’t be afraid. My parents do like you. It’s just that they view Leo’s marriage as a strategic alliance. They believe Josie would be a better match for him due to her influence and capabilities, not because they genuinely prefer her over you.”

“So, how can I make them accept me?”

Mila gave a gentle smile. “You don’t need to bend over backward to impress them. Just continue to be the person Leo loves, and you’ll naturally win them over.”

“Is it really that simple?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you, Aunt Chubs,” Candice said, managing a smile through her tears.

Mila smiled warmly. “Stop crying now. You’re a grown-up. Be brave in pursuing your happiness. And remember, if you ever feel helpless, Jasper is there to help you.”

“Alright.”

After finishing work for the day, Candice returned home in the evening to find that Elio hadn’t arrived yet.

The cook had dinner ready and

offered to serve her, but she chose to wait for Elio so they could eat together. She suggested the cook

and the maid take the rest of the day off Content belongs to

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As the time ticked by, her hunger grew more insistent. Candice sat on the living room couch, occasionally glancing at her silent phone.

She debated whether to send Elio a message to check on his whereabouts. Torn, she toyed with her phone, unsure whether to reach out or wait a little longer.

The clock showed 9:00 pm when she heard the door finally open. She leaped up from the couch, her eyes wide with anticipation as she turned toward the entrance.

Elio strode in, momentarily taken aback to find Candice waiting. He mustered a smile and walked over to place his phone on the coffee table. “When did you get back?” he asked.

Candice noticed his posture was tense. Though his smile was charming, his eyes betrayed a trace of sadness.

Unable to hold back, she

approached and wrapped her arms

tightly over his waist. She pressed her face against his chest and whispered, “You’re clearly upset. Why try to hide it?” Content belongs to NovelDrama.Org

Startled, Elio instinctively pulled her closer, his arms encircling her shoulders. He cradled the back of her head, kissed her fragrant hair, and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to steady himself. Content belongs to NovelDrama.Org

“Candice, is he really that important?” Elio asked tentatively, his voice tinged with a bitterness that seemed to come from a deep, unresolved issue.