The Wrong Woman

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?" Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

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?"