Candice dashed downstairs, positioning herself at the corner of the staircase, and called out to Elio''s departing form, "Elio, let''s get married!"


    Her voice rang out clearly through the house.


    The once lively living room fell silent in an instant as if struck by a bombshell. All eyes turned to Candice; shocked expressions etched on everyone''s faces.


    The entire household stood frozen in stunned silence.


    Elio''s body froze in ce, trembling. Initially, he thought he misheard, but the collective astonishment confirmed the reality of Candice''s words. His heart raced uncontrobly.


    Turning to face Candice, Elio found her smiling sweetly, her eyes sparkling with joy, radiating a carefree demeanor as if she were a carefree child who could ignore everything as long as Elio liked her and wanted to marry her. She could bravely approach him.


    Candice repeated, "Elio, let''s get married."


    Tears welled up in Elio''s eyes. He mustered a light smile and nodded in agreement, dering, "Yes."


    The atmosphere in the living room shifted to solemnity.


    Jasper rose to his feet. "I object. What does it mean for my uncle to marry my cousin?"


    Gary grabbed Jasper''s hand, pulling him back onto the couch. "Mind your own business. Their affairs are none of your concern," he scolded him in a hushed tone.


    Deeply troubled, Jasper hurried to Candice''s side and gazed at her. "Candice, are you joking with Uncle Elio? Your rtionship seems distant and cold. How did this sudden decisione about? Weren''t you supposed to marry Mervyn?"


    Elio''s expression grew somber as he approached Jasper, draping an arm around his neck and guiding him to the couch.


    The tension in the room became palpable, hanging thick in the air.


    Elio courteously extended his apologies to the elders, "I apologize for the suddenness of my visit today. I shall take my leave now. Next time, I''lle withThis is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


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    engagement gifts for a more formal


    visit."


    Florence interjected, "No worries. You can leave first. We''ll have a conversation with Candice. She tends to be a bit headstrong and does as she pleases. We apologize for any inconvenience caused."


    With a cheerful farewell, Elio nodded and stole onest nce at Candice before exiting with a spring in his step. Jasper hurriedly followed suit.


    Outside, Jasper grabbed Elio''s arm.


    "Uncle Elio, what''s going on between you and Candice? You''ve both been silent all this time and suddenly you''re talking about marriage. The news has caught everyone off guard."


    cing a hand on Jasper''s shoulder, Elio spoke clearly, "Jasper, from now on, keep an eye on Candice for me Speak highly of me to your family. If anything goes wrong, or if she refuses to marry me, you''ll be held ountable."


    Jasper was taken aback. "I opposed your rtionship. Now you want me to mediate?"


    "Your objections won''t make a difference," Elio said with a smirk. "By the way, I''ll have you be the ring bearer at our wedding." "No way!" Jasper scoffed.


    "When did you start liking Candice? Why wasn''t I informed?" Jasper pressed again.


    Elio stayed quiet, his hand on the car door, indicating his intention to leave.


    Jasper grabbed him again, holding back his departure. "If you two got married, what should I call you? Brother-inw?"


    Elio detested this topic of discussion.


    He furrowed his brow as he replied calmly. "You can call me Uncle Elio and her as Candice. Or refer to me as your uncle and her as your cousin. "Since we won''t be interacting much in the future, there''s no need to worry about how to address us."


    Jasper smiled helplessly.