My Mirror Image by Maybe Not (Candice And Alex’s) novel Chapter 386

"She’s pregnant, so she should stay at home and take care of her unborn baby instead of running around," Henry said to Alex with a warning tone while furrowing his brows.

"Although my family isn't wealthy, I’ve showered Candy with love since she was little. I don’t care that you’re rich and powerful—I won’t let you off if you dare to mistreat her."

"What are you talking about, Henry? I never knew you were so protective. It's a matter between the young couple. Why are you getting involved?" joked someone on the side.

Henry shot the commenter a death glare and stated firmly, "She’s my daughter; of course, I have to be protective of her, especially since they aren’t married yet. But even after they get married, she will still be my baby girl!"

Listening to their back-and-forth, Candice found the situation unbearably dull.

However, she felt that the two ‘actors’ Henry had brought in were skillful in steering the conversation.

In just a few sentences, they had shifted to the topic of marriage.

After considering for a moment, Henry looked at Alex and Candice.

If Candice hadn't seen Henry’s true colors that day, she might have been moved by the seemingly genuine concern on his face now.

Henry directed a question at Alex. "Now that Candy is pregnant, when do you plan to get married?"

Candice's heart sank instantly. She spoke in a cold tone, "We’re not getting married."

"What did you say?" Henry raised his voice while glaring at Candice. "What are you talking about, silly girl? Why are you throwing a tantrum at a time like this?!"

He then turned to Alex, still frowning, but with a hint of probing in his tone. "Since Candy is carrying your child, you will take responsibility for her, right?"

Alex casually tapped his finger on the table as his gaze, which was devoid of emotions, slowly drifted back to Candice's face.

This time, he paused for quite a while.

Candice was alarmed by his intense scrutiny, and then she heard his nonchalant words.

"It's mine. So, of course, I'll take responsibility."

Henry nodded approvingly. "Great. Now, what’s the bride-dowry your family have decided on—"

Before he could finish, a loud crash interrupted him.

Candice had slammed a teacup onto the table. Exasperated, she looked at Henry, and then at Alex, who wore a numb expression.

"Stop talking about marriage, bride-dowry, and whatnot. I've said it's impossible. I have nothing to do with him, and the child in my belly is not his."

Candice rarely felt such intense anger. She glared at Henry, but before she could finish her words, a resounding slap echoed as Henry's hand landed on the table.

He scolded, "Candy, what are you doing? I’m discussing important matters with Alex. This is for your own good. Why are you so stubborn?! You’re carrying his child. I’m not just talking about the house and bride-dowry—he should provide for other things too! You’re my baby girl; do you think I’ll just let you bear children for him for nothing?"

Henry's emotions seemed genuinely that of a protective father advocating for his daughter. But what kind of a father was he if his first reaction upon learning of his daughter's pregnancy was to demand a house and money from the man involved?

And what about the 'other things' he had mentioned?

Candice didn't dare to dwell on what those might be.