Chapter 119 Is This Child Your Biological One?
Candice hesitated.
It wasn't that she was unwilling. If she could, she'd want Elijah to stay with her for good.
But was it appropriate?
And besides, Brandon probably wouldn't agree, would he?
She instinctively glanced at Brandon, holding her answer.
Seeing her silence, Brandon assumed she was reluctant. "If Ms. Elikin feels it's an imposition, we won't force it," he said, his tone clipped and cold, clearly laced with frustration.
It took Candice a moment to process his words.
Did he mean he was agreeing with Opal's suggestion?
Noticing Candice's hesitation, Opal's eyes welled up again. "Candice, is it really not possible? Elijah has never been like this, not in all these years. He doesn't take to other women, it's like you're the only one he'll accept."
"I heard from Brandon that Elijah is only attached to you," Opal continued, her voice thick with emotion. "But if you're truly unwilling, we won't blame you. It's just... Elijah might never get better."
At this, Opal's composure finally broke, and a tear slid down her cheek.
Something tugged at Candice's heart.
She could feel Elijah's affection for her. It had been there from the moment they met—an immediate, unguarded warmth.
Her gaze fell to the boy in her arms.
Elijah was sleeping soundly, his small face peaceful and soft. The absolute trust in his posture, the way he leaned into her, made her heart ache.
How could she possibly say no?
Lifting her head, Candice met Brandon's eyes. "If Mr. Obelon is willing," she said, "I can take Elijah home with me. I'll bring him back once he's fully recovered."
Opal's spirits lifted instantly. "What's there for him to be unwilling about? Look at the state Elijah's in under his care! He's a man—not attentive enough to raise a child properly!" She declared.
"Even if he disagrees today, I'm making the executive decision. You take Elijah home, Candice. You don't even have to bring him back!"
Candice couldn't help but laugh at Opal's dramatic pronouncement.
"Are you sure?" She teased. "I might just take you seriously."
Opal's mood brightened considerably. "I'm absolutely serious!" She said with a grin.
'And if Candice becomes Elijah's mom, then it will all come true anyway,' she thought, wisely keeping that part to herself.
With Opal having settled everything, Brandon didn't argue.
The decision made, Opal promptly sent Brandon to handle the discharge paperwork. He complied without a word of protest.
By the time he returned, Elijah was awake, still nestled securely in Candice's arms, refusing to budge.
Candice, indulging him, took the opportunity to ask softly, "Elijah, would you like to come home with me? You could live with me for a while. How does that sound?"
Elijah blinked his wide eyes and nodded without a second's hesitation.
Brandon watched the exchange, a complicated expression on his face. The son he had raised from birth wasn't showing a shred of attachment to him.
Elijah was ready to ditch his own father for Candice.
Candice, oblivious to Brandon's inner turmoil, beamed at Elijah's nod. She gently caressed his soft cheek. "Such a good boy, Elijah! Let's get you packed up, and we'll go!"
Elijah nodded again, agreeable to whatever she suggested.
Soon, the group was ready to leave the hospital.
Seeing that Candice had been holding Elijah for a long time, Brandon moved to take him. "Let me," he offered.
But Elijah recoiled at the sight of his father's hands, pressing himself even tighter against Candice's body.
Brandon sighed and let his hands fall to his sides.
Candice understood Elijah's reluctance completely, and her heart melted. "It's okay," she told Brandon. "I've got him."
"Alright," Brandon conceded, not pushing the issue.
They reached the hospital entrance. Noticing the lingering stiffness between Brandon and Candice, Opal jumped in with a warm invitation. "Candice, you must come to the Obelon Manor for dinner tonight! I'll have the kitchen prepare all your favorites."
"We haven't had a real chat in ages," she added. "And you've helped Elijah so much. It's only right that Brandon shows his gratitude."
Candice shook her head, politely declining. "That's not necessary, Mrs. Obelon. I adore Elijah, and I'm happy to take care of him."
But Opal was insistent. "That's a separate matter. We haven't seen each other in years. Can't you just have one meal with me, for old times' sake?"
Framed that way, Candice felt she couldn't refuse. "Okay," she agreed reluctantly.
Opal beamed, satisfied. Before leaving, she made sure to give Brandon one last order. "You will personally pick Candice up tonight. Do you hear me?"
Brandon picking her up? Candice was about to protest.
But Opal cut in, "Just let him play chauffeur. It's probably the only thing he's good for at this point."
The deliberate jab at Brandon made it impossible for Candice to refuse. A smile tugged at her lips. Opal was as endearingly blunt as ever.
Brandon, thoroughly demoted but unable to argue, had to agree. "I know. I'll pick her up."
Satisfied, Opal got into her own car and departed.
Brandon didn't immediately tell Knox to drive. Instead, he turned to Candice. "Are you going to the institute or home?"
"The institute," Candice replied. "Elijah can come with me." The second phase of her research project was launching today; she couldn't miss it.
Brandon glanced at Elijah, who was still clinging to her like a limpet. "Will he interfere with your work?"
Candice shook her head. "I don't think so. He can be in the lab with me. I'll just have him sit nearby while I'm busy. It should be fine."
Seeing her confidence, Brandon didn't object.
He did, however, address Elijah directly. "Candice has to work. You can be with her, but you can't cause any trouble. Can you do that?"
Elijah, in a spectacular display of the cold shoulder, completely ignored him.
Brandon let out a huff of amused exasperation. The kid was definitely still mad at him for trying to keep them apart.
Shaking his head, he gave up and held the car door open for Candice. "Let's go. I'll drive you."
Candice didn't refuse. With Elijah glued to her, driving herself was out of the question.
Once they were all in the car, Brandon drove them to the institute.
Before they parted, he said, "Text me when you're done. I'll come get you both. Grandma gave me a direct order, and she'll probably have my head if I don't follow through."
Candice hesitated for a second before nodding. "Okay. And could you bring Elijah's things when you come? If he's staying with me for a while, he'll need more than the clothes on his back."
Brandon nodded. "Right. I'll bring them with me."
With nothing else to arrange, Candice carried Elijah into the institute. Brandon watched them go before driving away.
The lab was buzzing with energy that morning.
When Candice walked in with Elijah, she was immediately surrounded. Her team members stared at the beautiful little boy, barely restraining the urge to reach out and pinch his cheeks.
"Ms. Elikin, whose kid is this? He's gorgeous!"
"What's your favorite color?"
"Ms. Elikin, he isn't your son, is he? He looks a little like you!"
"I was thinking the same thing! From this angle, your noses and mouths are practically identical! Is he secretly yours?"
"I thought Yasmin was the peak of cute kids, but then this one shows up! He's just too adorable."