My Mirror Image by Maybe Not (Candice And Alex’s) novel Chapter 538

On their way back from the hospital, they swung by a shopping center to restock Ellis's nearly finished formula. Both Candice and Alex browsed the aisles with Ellis in tow.

"Any cravings for tonight?" Alex inquired, taking charge of their meals lately besides the regular cleaning done by a maid service.

Though not a seasoned chef, Alex relied on recipes and online tutorials. Despite Candice's reluctance to admit it, she couldn't ignore how contentedly Ellis devoured his meals.

"What cuisine are you in the mood for?" Alex asked, to which Candice responded with indifference, "Anything's fine."

Then, turning to Ellis, Alex queried, "What do you think Mommy wants to eat?"

Ellis blinked and pointed at the roasted chicken on display, saying, "Want, want."

Raising an eyebrow, Alex declined firmly, "That's not happening."

Ellis had taken a liking to roasted or fried foods, particularly after tasting Alex's roasted chicken once. Since then, she'd been pestering him for it during their shopping trips.

Initially, Alex had caved in, but after learning about safe dietary practices for children, he became stricter and refused to indulge her.

Seeing Ellis's pitiful expression, she clung to Alex's neck, acting adorable.

Candice observed from the side, and her emotions were complicated.

Ellis had been spending a lot of time with Alex while Candice was preoccupied with work. He was the one playing with her, teaching her to walk, and introducing her to various languages.

Candice noticed Ellis not only getting comfortable with Alex but also growing increasingly attached to him.

This situation concerned Candice, who pressed her lips together, pondering whether she should limit their interactions.

On their way back, they passed by Ellis's favorite lawn, and she insisted on playing there.

Since the weather was pleasant, Candice didn't object.

As summer approached, Ellis grew taller and seemed even more energetic and playful.

As they neared Candice's house, she mentioned she needed to retrieve her camera, which she used to document Ellis's growth. They had left it behind during their sudden move, and it remained unclaimed.

"Want me to come with you?" Alex offered.

"No, it's close by. Just watch her," Candice instructed.

Ellis looked thrilled, clearly not wanting to leave.

"We'll wait here for you," Alex assured.

Candice hadn't been home for days. From the yard gate, she spotted the red paint marks on the window. Even though they had been cleaned, they still stood out.

Her heart sank as she noticed the disturbance below the window, almost as if someone had walked over it.

Hurrying inside, everything appeared normal and unchanged.

She swiftly retrieved the camera and returned.

Unaware, a figure lurked around the corner of the house after she departed.

Upon Candice's return, she found Ellis and Alex crouched together on the ground, deeply engrossed in something.