The Wrong Woman

"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 Jasper's knowing smile and teasing gaze, a wave of embarrassment washed over her.

"Why are you here, Jasper?" Candice asked, settling onto the couch.

Jasper leaned back against the couch with a casual air. "Just checking in to see how you're settling in," he replied.

Candice offered a faint smile. "I'm settling in well."

"That's good to know," Jasper responded earnestly. "My mom's on my back to make sure you and Uncle Elio tie the knot without hiccups."

Candice furrowed her brows in confusion.NôvelDrama.Org copyrighted © content.

Jasper chuckled and continued, "My mom wants me to take you back to visit Grandma Michaela tomorrow to talk about the wedding."

Candice turned with an anxious look on her face.

Elio emerged from the kitchen with a few dishes and set them on the dining table. Catching Jasper's words, he approached and said casually, "Tomorrow isn't the right time."

"Uncle Elio, you can't keep avoiding this. Sooner or later, Candice has to meet your parents," Jasper replied with a displeased tone.

Elio was determined to shield Candice from any discomfort. He said firmly, "There's no need to meet anyone we don't have to."

Candice grasped Elio's intent immediately. Meanwhile, Jasper was completely stumped.

Mila had wanted Candice to show courage and confront her challenges directly. However, Elio seemed intent on avoiding others and keeping Candice close to him alone.

Jasper's tone turned grave. "Grandma Michaela, Fenna, and Josie are all aligned against you two. They’re determined to tear you apart and Candice's outmatched by them. There’s no point continuing if you both handle your relationship this way."

Elio's face was clouded over with concern.

Candice glanced anxiously at Jasper, asking, "It's not that serious, is it, Jasper?"

Frustrated by their indifference, Jasper replied sharply, "Candice, this isn't just my take. It's our family's stance."

Elio’s face fell, and he lapsed into silence. Candice hung her head, torn by inner turmoil.

Jasper continued with sincerity, “Uncle Elio, I get it. You want to shield Candice from hardship and keep your marriage solely around the two of you. But remember, this isn’t just about the two of you.

“It represents the coming together of two families. You need your parents to accept Candice for this marriage to work.”

Candice appreciated Jasper’s well-meaning advice. She knew that without Elio’s parent’s blessings, their marriage would feel incomplete and obstacles would litter their path ahead.

She turned to Elio and said earnestly, “Elio, Jasper’s right. We need your parents’ approval before we proceed with marriage.”

Elio slapped his forehead and replied despondently, “They’ll never agree.”

“Then, we’ll put the wedding on hold,” Candice said.

Elio’s face fell, his gaze fixed on her in disbelief. Unspoken fear flooded his eyes, and his voice shook as he uttered, “Candice…”

After some thought, Candice said, “I want to return home with you and live with your parents until they come around and accept our marriage. Only then will we tie the knot.”

Jasper clapped his hands enthusiastically. “That’s an excellent idea! I agree.”