Chapter 11 This Confession, Completely Unbearable
Candice couldn't help but laugh.
Was her charm that powerful?
Being confessed to by a little boy two days in a row!
Most importantly, Elijah's expression was so sincere, not fake at all—how could anyone resist that?
Besides, he came all by himself, and she couldn't just turn him away immediately.
After thinking it over, Candice didn't have the heart to refuse. "Alright, you can come in first."
Elijah was instantly thrilled.
She was willing to let him in, which meant she was open to being friends with him!
He happily followed Candice inside.
Candice settled him on the couch. "Sit here for a bit while I go freshen up."
"Go ahead! I'll wait right here like a good boy!"
Elijah nodded, sitting obediently on the couch.
Candice smiled and turned to brush her teeth, wash her face, and change clothes.
When she returned, she found Elijah swinging his little legs, waiting contentedly on the couch.
Looking at that little face that resembled Brandon so much, Candice thought about how strange life could be.
She never imagined she'd one day be under the same roof with her ex-husband's son.
Since Candice hadn't eaten breakfast, she casually grabbed a bottle of milk for herself and one for Elijah, too.
His eyes lit up as he politely said, "Thank you!"
Though he held the milk in his hands, he seemed reluctant to drink it.
Candice noticed but didn't comment, only asking, "What's your name?"
"I'm Elijah!" He answered enthusiastically.
Candice nodded, feeling she needed to have a proper talk with Elijah.
She began, "Elijah, I appreciate that you like me, but a child shouldn't be wandering around alone. After you finish your milk, I'll have someone take you home. Your family will worry if they can't find you."
Elijah hadn't expected she'd want to send him away so soon.
His expression fell as he asked quietly, "Don't you like having me around?"
"That's not it," Candice denied. "I'm just being practical. Plus, I have plans this afternoon and can't look after you."
Yesterday, Gray had called asking her to take on a special therapy case. The patient's situation intrigued her, so she'd accepted and scheduled an afternoon meeting.
Hearing this, Elijah's disappointment deepened.
He'd thought that when she let him in, they could spend more time together.
Instead, she wanted to send him away so quickly.
Elijah looked crestfallen as he pleaded, "Can I stay a little longer? I'll just be alone at home anyway."
"Alone?"
Candice asked with surprise. "Why would you be alone? Don't you have other family members at home?"
Elijah shook his head. "Dad's really busy, he's working most of the time. Plus, his health isn't good, and when he has problems, he can't take care of me. My grandparents are overseas, so it's just me at home."
Candice found this puzzling.
Elijah mentioned his grandparents, but why nothing about his mother?
Didn't Vesper look after him?
She also recalled Elijah mentioning his father's illness before.
Was Brandon really sick?
How could that be?
Before their divorce, she remembered clearly that he had been in perfect health!
Besides, even if he were ill, with the Obelon family's influence, what doctor couldn't they get?
Maybe she was mistaken—perhaps the person who spoke with Elijah on the phone last night wasn't Brandon at all?
Candice couldn't help asking, "Can you tell me your father's name?"
He didn't hide anything and simply told her, "My dad's name is Brandon."
Hearing this, Candice's heart skipped a beat.
So she hadn't been wrong, but what was going on?
She pondered for a while but couldn't make sense of it, so she eventually gave up.
They had divorced long ago; Brandon's current situation had nothing to do with her. Why was she asking so many questions?
Candice had no intention of gossiping, but she also couldn't let Elijah stay with her indefinitely.
After some consideration, she said, "In that case, you can stay a bit longer. We'll have lunch together, and then you can go home afterward. Does that sound okay?"
When Elijah heard this, his face immediately brightened. He nodded happily, "Yes! Thank you!"
He moved closer and affectionately kissed Candice's cheek.
His soft little body and eyes that curved when he smiled resembled her Yasmin with about seventy percent similarity!
They truly looked like half-siblings!
Having made plans with Elijah, Candice went to prepare lunch.
The temporary housekeeper had stocked fresh ingredients, so she didn't need to make a trip to the supermarket.
Seeing this, Elijah excitedly followed her, asking enthusiastically, "Do you need any help?"
Candice looked down at him and asked amusingly, "Do you know how?"
Elijah looked delicate and pampered, clearly raised with privilege.
He answered honestly, "I don't, but I can learn! I'm very smart and pick things up quickly!"
"Alright!"
Candice actually appreciated this quality.
When teaching Yasmin, she always encouraged her to do things herself.
Since Elijah offered, she didn't refuse and even got him a little stool.
"Stand on this stool and help wash the vegetables. First, pick the leaves like this."
She taught him how to prepare the vegetables.
Sure enough, Elijah learned quickly.
"Aren't I awesome?"
He looked at the vegetables he'd prepared, beaming with pride and accomplishment.
Candice didn't hold back her praise, "Yes, Elijah, you're amazing!"
While the atmosphere here was harmonious and pleasant, the Obelon household was in complete chaos.