My Mirror Image by Maybe Not (Candice And Alex’s) novel Chapter 539

Ellis seemed to be the most content among them as they ate the dinner in silence.

Alex had been experimenting with different baby food recipes, and Ellis seemed to adore them, showing excitement at every meal.

Glancing at Candice, Alex hesitated before speaking up, "You don't have to rush back. I'll be here for a while."

Candice didn't raise her eyes and responded sharply, "I'm not accustomed to living in someone else's home."

His expression darkened slightly as he looked at Ellis, countering, "Edward mentioned it's good for Little Mulberry to have some of my homemade baby food, and she seems to enjoy it."

Candice paused briefly. She acknowledged that Ellis liked the food Alex made, but that was precisely why she needed to take Ellis away. She understood the power of habits all too well.

If Ellis became accustomed to having Alex around, it would be even more difficult to separate them later.

"I've begun searching for a professional nanny again," she stated. "Thank you for your assistance with Little Mulberry these past few days."

"I still have work to coordinate with Darius. It would be more convenient if you stayed," he suggested.

"Work should be handled at the office," Candice retorted, setting down her utensils. "I'm full."

Her rejection was evident.

Though Alex felt disappointed, he didn't press the issue further and redirected his attention to Ellis.

The child was eating eagerly, charming anyone observing.

Candice had been encouraging Ellis's independence early on, hence why the little one had her own tiny spoon and was quite committed to using it.

When she caught Alex's gaze, she paused and offered him a smile.

Alex felt a bittersweet sensation in his heart.

It was obvious that he should have been there for Ellis's growth, but he hadn't even been present for her birth.

After dinner, Candice prepared to depart.

Alex took the initiative to grab Candice's luggage and offered, "Let me. I'll check the surroundings too; I'm still worried."

Lately, Ellis had been learning to walk and refused to be carried, preferring to toddle on her own. However, she didn't get far before feeling tired and sitting down on the ground, waiting for someone to pick her up.

Candice approached to lift her up, but Ellis squirmed, searching for Alex.

"Mommy's got you, be good and listen to me," Candice soothed her softly, unaware that Ellis's first instinct was to seek Alex.

Stretching out her arms, Ellis asked for Alex to hold her, as she had gotten used to playing the "lifted high" game with him every day.

Seeing his daughter do this melted Alex's heart. He gently said, "Let me take her."

Taking Ellis from Candice's arms, as soon as she was free, Ellis clung to Alex's arm, eager to play the lifting game with him.

Candice looked away, unable to bear watching the joy on Ellis’s face.

The house felt unfamiliar after days of being unoccupied.

Alex carried the luggage inside, scanning the surroundings. He then suggested, "I’ll check the surroundings."

After inspecting everything and finding the fridge empty, he asked, "Should we go buy groceries together, or should I bring some over?"