Chapter 943

Elio remained silent as he wrapped his arms around Candice’s shoulders and pulled her close. He gazed up at the night sky, trying to calm the anxiety and unease within him by feeling the comforting warmth of her presence in his arms.
His apparent generosity was nothing more than a façade, and his understanding was just an act. Deep down, he despised seeing Candice interact with Mervyn.
Even though their relationship was purely platonic, Elio was overwhelmed by jealousy and bitterness so intense it drove him to madness. He simply couldn’t stand it.
Yet, Elio chose to keep this side of himself hidden from Candice, not wanting to reveal how petty and jealous he could be. He believed it was best to conceal his flaws until after they were married to avoid complications.
It was a bright, sunny morning when Mervyn arrived. Candice and Elio were walking to the front yard of the villa when they saw him approaching.
The two men exchanged no greetings. Their hostile glances were like a silent duel. Despite the storm of emotions raging within them, both managed to maintain a calm exterior.
“Mervyn, you’re here?” Candice greeted him politely.
Upon seeing Candice, Mervyn’s expression softened. He took her wrist and led her toward his car. “Come on, get in,” he urged.
“Where are you taking me?” Candice asked.
“Don’t ask questions. Just follow me.”
Candice turned as they walked, wanting to say goodbye to Elio, but Mervyn hurried her along and practically shoved her into the car.
Elio stayed calm from the start and stood silently with an unreadable gaze fixed on Candice, keeping his thoughts hidden.
As the car started pulling away, Mervyn shot a sharp glare at Elio and muttered, “Such a faker. He’s clenching his fists so hard they might crack, yet he keeps up the act of being a gentleman.”
Candice felt a wave of anxiety wash over her at Mervyn’s words. She rolled down the window and glanced back. Sure enough, Elio’s calmness was belied by the anger in his tightly clenched fists.
As the distance between them increased, Candice glanced in the rearview mirror. Elio still stood rigidly in place, his presence both unsettling and intimidating.
Candice’s unease deepened. Why didn’t Elio speak up if he disapproved of her going out alone with Mervyn?
She pulled out her phone, intent on sending a message, but she set it down again after a moment of hesitation. Instead, she turned to Mervyn. “Why did you come tooking for me so early in the morning?”
Mervyn suppressed the urge to scold her. “I want you to see the kind of man you’re planning to marry. I’m trying to snap you out of your love-struck haze.”
“I’ll figure out who he is on my own.” Candice felt exasperated. Earnestly, she said, “Mervyn, my family supports my relationship with Elio. You’re my best friend. Why do you keep opposing it?”
“Because…” Mervyn halted, his words catching in his throat. He couldn’t bring himself to confess his feelings, fearful it might drive Candice away. After a pause, he continued, “Because I don’t want you to end up with regrets.”
Candice offered a resigned smile. “Who can predict the future? Even if I don’t marry Elio and choose someone else, can you guarantee I won’t have regrets then?”
“That’s just twisted logic,” Mervyn snorted in response.
Candice took a deep breath. “Where exactly are you taking me? I need to get to work.”
“Take a day off,” Mervyn demanded.
“I already took a day off yesterday,” Candice replied.
With a smirk, Mervyn asked through clenched teeth, “So, you can takeza day off for Elio for no reason, but you can’t do the same for me? Does our 20-year friendship meantess to you than he does?”