The unexpected event left Candice feeling uneasy, and she lost her appetite.
She reported the incident to the police with a serious expression and meticulously checked every corner of the house, worried that something might have gone overlooked.
Alex wore a solemn expression as well. After making a few phone calls, he approached Candice and said, "I'll stay until this situation is resolved. It seems like the perpetrator is a repeat offender. I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving you and Little Mulberry alone."
Candice perused news reports on her phone, observing that the stalker had been active in the area for days without any police arrests.
Despite cleaning the red paint on the window, some traces remained.
Candice decided to have Alex nail shut all the living room windows as she couldn't shake the terrifying memories from their time in Dorrington. Back then, someone would come and smash their windows in the middle of the night because Ivor was in debt.
Given the circumstances, Alex's offer to stay seemed much more reliable than that of the perpetrator, especially with Ellis at home. The presence of a man could provide additional security in case of an emergency.
Despite the tension among the adults, Ellis seemed unaffected and even more lively.
Unaware of the situation, she happily played with toys on the floor, most of which Alex had bought for her during this time. Among them, her favorite was a teddy bear. She sat beside it, pulling at its ear and babbling in her baby language.
Seeing her like this, Alex gently picked her up. Ellis reacted quickly, hugging Alex's neck and giggling.
While Ellis played, Alex reassured Candice. He said, "I've checked. The security in this area isn't that bad. Most likely, the purpose is to intimidate you."
"Intimidate me?" Candice looked up.
Alex hesitated, then suggested, "Still, it's better to be cautious. I think we might be targeted. If you don’t mind, you could stay at my place. It's close by and has everything you need. Just bring some clothes to change into."
Considering the situation, Candice agreed without much hesitation. However, upon arriving at Alex's house, she realized she was too quick to have agreed to come here, as staying at a nearby hotel might have been another option.
Alex, understanding Candice's concerns, smoothly took her luggage while holding Ellis a bit higher in his arms.
He reassured her, "A single woman with a child can be an easy target. At the very least, you'll be safe here."
Still innocent and oblivious to her mother's concerns, Ellis simply clung to Alex's ear, expressing her longing for elevation.
Alex couldn't help but smile imperceptibly as he lifted Ellis higher and carried Candice's luggage into the room.
His house appeared sparse but clean.
Starting from the entrance, a thick carpet covered the living room floor, where Ellis was already seated.
"I've been expecting your arrival and was worried that I wasn't prepared on time. So, I started decorating the room beforehand," Alex explained softly, noticing Candice hesitating at the entrance.
He glanced at Candice and then Ellis on the floor. Suddenly, he opened a cabinet behind him, neatly filled with plush toys and various dolls.
"I noticed that other little girls like these, so I bought some too."
Describing it as 'some' was an understatement. Two cabinets were overflowing with toys, making it seem like Alex was setting up a toy store.
Despite Candice's discomfort, Ellis adapted much better, surrounded by toys and visibly happy.
"I've prepared something for you too," Alex said, his gaze deep as he pushed open the doors leading to the balcony.
Immediately, a colorful array of flowers came into view.
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