My Mirror Image by Maybe Not (Candice And Alex’s) novel Chapter 502

Candice's birthday celebration was lively, extending into the late hours of the night. Holding the exhausted Ellis, Candice was ready to head home. Ellis had already dozed off.

"Let me take her," Hanley offered softly.

The scent of barbecue lingered in the air. Hanley was not fond of greasy food, and he hadn't eaten much, leaving his clothes free of the smoky aroma.

Ellis had grown heavier over the past three months, making it challenging for Candice to carry her for an extended period. Grateful for Hanley's offer, she handed the baby to him.

"How did she get so heavy in just three months?" Hanley remarked.

"You've noticed it's been three months," Yana interjected as she rejoined them. "In that time, flowers could have withered. You took forever to come back. Mulberry might not be the only one who's changed; she could have gotten a new sibling by now."

Yana's words slipped out as she had been drinking, causing Candice to feel embarrassed, but Hanley simply chuckled.

"What's so funny?" Candice questioned him, shooting him a glare.

"I'm just grateful the flowers haven't wilted," Hanley replied with a light laugh.

Candice wanted to say something but hesitated, deciding against it.

A few days after the birthday celebration, Candice's colleagues had to return to South City to finish their unfinished work.

Candice assumed Hanley would accompany them, but he mentioned staying a few more days.

"Do you still have business to attend to in Dorrington? Last time you returned, you mentioned some important matters," Candice asked.

After a moment's pause, Hanley responded, "There are some other things, but the most important one has been taken care of."

Candice grunted in response, not pressing further when Hanley didn't elaborate.

After a brief silence, Hanley burst into laughter, his eyes full of resignation as he asked, "Aren't you curious about what the important matter might be?"

"Is it work-related or something concerning your family?" Candice asked seriously, her intentions genuine.

Hanley found himself at a loss for words. After a moment's pause, he sighed and replied, "Apart from celebrating your birthday, I can't think of anything more significant. Candy, you make me feel like a fool."

It was rare for Hanley to joke around. He genuinely felt helpless with Candice and thought she would at least ask him about it. Reflecting on his assumption, he couldn't help but laugh at himself.

Since the day he had met Candice, he should have realized she was all about boundaries, never crossing them.

Candice felt a twinge of embarrassment at his laughter.

"You're not foolish, but I didn't consider that," she admitted.

Just as she finished speaking, her phone rang.

The smile vanished from Candice's face as soon as she answered.

Daniel's voice came through the line, asking, "Have you thought about bringing your daughter to see me?"

With just that one sentence, he abruptly ended the call.

Candice's expression darkened completely. She had been hesitant to reveal her daughter's existence, mainly because of Daniel. If he could be ruthless with her, he could pose a threat to Ellis as well.

Candice wanted to leave as soon as possible because as long as they stayed in Dorrington, there was always a chance that he would find them.