My Mirror Image by Maybe Not (Candice And Alex’s) novel Chapter 481

After Christmas, the New Year was just around the corner. Candice decided to push her work aside for a while and spend time wandering around South City with Yana and the others.

Hanley had been to South City for work, and Yana, in her quest for social media-worthy locations, had explored the city like a special forces operative on leave. When Candice first arrived in South City, she was unfamiliar with the place and lacked friends. However, due to her pregnancy, she couldn't stay cooped up at home all day, so she would often take solitary walks.

Sometimes, she would watch kids skateboarding in the nearby square, and at other times, she would observe elderly folks exercising in the park. More often than not, she would drive around South City, and these pastime habits had now made her an unintentional tour guide, leading them to lesser-known spots.

Yana and Nadia were having a blast, capturing numerous moments on camera. While having dinner, they sat on the side, editing their photos.

Yana suddenly looked up, her eyes sparkling as she suggested, "Let’s go skiing on New Year's Day! The famous skiing resort in South City, the one all over the internet, was under maintenance the last time I checked. But the official announcement just said it would open during the New Year."

Candice hesitated, then Yana continued, "Hey, there's a villa there. You and Baby Mulberry can stay in the villa, and we can all celebrate the New Year together. Speaking of which, Zack seems to be around here lately. If you don't mind, we can invite him too."

At the mention of Zack, Candice recalled Yana's words from earlier. Almost immediately, Yana said, "Candice, you should get to know him better. I really think he's a great guy."

Before Candice could respond, a gaze fell upon them. Hanley, in his usual calm tone, asked, "Zack? Is he your friend in South City?"

"Not really. He's an ex-classmate. I just think he and Candice might get along. I’m just introducing them," Yana said with a mischievous smile, observing Hanley's reaction.

Truth be told, Yana initially thought Hanley might have feelings for Candice, and that they might end up together. However, considering the time that had passed, with Candice having a child and Hanley showing no signs, Yana had started to doubt her assumptions. Now, by praising Zack in front of Hanley, she hoped to see his real feelings. After all, Candice was a great woman, and she did not lack pursuers. If he didn’t make a move, he might regret it.

Candice, uninterested in Zack, walked out of the restaurant.

On the way back to the neighborhood, perhaps due to the festive season, the streets were bustling with people, and several cars were parked by the roadside. Yana and Ellis were engaged in some conversation, both smiling.

Ellis waved her hand around, wanting to touch Candice’s face, but Candice suddenly felt like someone was watching her. She instinctively scanned her surroundings but found nothing unusual.

Hanley, noticing Candice's hesitation, asked as he walked up to her, "What are you looking at?"

Thinking she might have been overthinking, Candice changed the subject, saying, "Nothing. It just feels crowded because of the holidays."

Hanley smiled faintly. "This will be our first New Year's celebration together."