Chapter 909
Chapter 909
Candice hung her head, her voice barely above a whisper as she uttered sadly, “I’m pregnant.”
Elio’s heart skipped a beat at her revelation; excitement electrified every nerve and fiber of his being.
He sprang up from his seat, almost feeling the urge to jump up and shout at the top of his lungs to release the excitement coursing through him. Yet, he managed to rein in his erations.
Candice was carrying his baby? Was he really going to be the father to Candice’s child? It felt surreal, like a cream. He struggled to contain the overwhelming happiness within him.
His reaction startled Candice. She glanced up and noticed his clenched fists, his back tumed toward her, and his head tilted upward. She struggled to decipher his emotions.
Was he, like her, grappling with the harshness of reality? Or did he share her sense of being lost and uncertain about the next steps?
Candice had steeled herself for this conversation. Softly, she said, Don’t worry. I’m not here to force any responsibilities on you. I just thought you should know. And if I decide to go through with an abortion, I would like you to be there with me.”
Her words struck Elic like a sledgehammer, crashing into him mercilessly. It felt like he had plummeted from the heavens to the earth in a split second.
He sank back into his seat, his expression grave as he asked with utmost seriousness, “What did you say? Abortion?
Candice met his gaze diffidently. “Yes, I can’t have a child without being married.”
She feared the repercussions if her family discovered her pregnancy before marriage. They would undoubtedly come after Clic.
Elio’s breathing quickened, his chest heaving as he tightly clenched his hands. His stern voice softened as he said, “Candice, you can’t go through with the abortion. Please, give me a chance to take responsibility, alright? I’ll be a good father.”
Candice stared at Ello with widened eyes, her expression one of utter bewilderment. This wasn’t the response she had anticipated. She had assumed Ello would want to get rid of the baby even more than she did, considering the danger their child’s existence posed to him.
In a panic, Elio pursed his lips and swallowed hard, his voice hoarse as he stammered, “If you don’t mind, I-I could be a good husband, too.”
His hands trembled as he rubbed them together, his breathing labored. He fixed his gaze on Candice as if silently pleading for her approval.
Getting her pregnant before marriage and then proposing because of the baby might be considered unethical, but it was his only way to be with Candice.
Elio was prepared to brave the wrath of the Morrisons, even if it meant facing the risk of being beaten to death, all for the sake of having Candice by his side.
Candice’s mind went blank. The situation had escalated far beyond her expectations.
After collecting herself, she responded rationally, “Elio, we can’t keep this baby. You and I are distantly related. If my family found out that I’m pregnant with your baby out of wedlock, they’I beat you to death.
‘I don’t care, Candice. They won’t deprive a child of its father. They might cripple me at worst, and if
that’s my punishment, I’ll accept it. I can endure it Elio replied with a resolved tone.
Candice shook her head. The thought of Elio being harmed by her family was unbearable, and she didn’t want him to stay with her merely because of the baby. She couldn’t bring herself to be so selfish by using a child as a means to trap him.
Elio’s heart sank when he saw Candice shake her head. It wasn’t solely about wanting to keep the child. What he truly needed was Candice by his side.
He couldn’t afford to let this opportunity slip away. He didn’t know if he’d ever get another chance to be connected to her in this lifetime.
A sharp, piercing pain seared through his heart, causing his eyes to redden. He pleaded earnestly, Candice, I’m begging you. Please don’t be so cruel. The child is innocent.”
Candice’s heart shattered upon hearing his words, reminding her of the child’s innocence. She bither lip to fight back tears. “I know, but the timing is all wrong. Let’s-”
“Let’s get married!” Flio cut her off.
Candice’s heart skipped a beat, and she fraze.