Chapter 0010 When Candice arrived at the Elysians ' residence , dinner was about to begin . She gave the present to the maid and spotted Alex , who was already at the table . The man was on his phone and he simply glanced at her when she arrived . Daniel furrowed his brows and said sternly , " You're late , Candice . Alex said you were not coming . " " I got stuck in traffic . Happy birthday , Daniel . " Candice showed a flawless smile as she sat down beside Alex . She accidentally spotted Alex chatting with Sonia . Alex noticed her prying gaze , so he put the phone down on the table . He leaned toward her , whispering , " I thought you were no show . " " You told me to wait for you at the parking lot , " Candice said . Alex paused for a moment . "I forgot . " He added frankly , " It was going to rain , so I sent Sonia home first . You can drive anyway . " " You didn't reply to my text . " Candice narrowed her eyes to conceal her emotions . She sounded as calm and confident as usual but her hand was tightly clenched . " You didn't even answer my call . I thought something happened to you . " He forgot about her because he was sending Sonia home . Many relatives came to celebrate Daniel's birthday . Helen was too busy hosting the guests to give Candice a hard time . Candice was smart enough to stay away as well . When Alex's marriage was brought up in a conversation , Helen reluctantly looked at Candice and simply said , " Her ? It's still early , everything is still up in the sky . " The relatives were surprised by her words . " I thought Candice and Alex were together for years now . They are not tying the knot ? " Even though it was not news that Helen looked down on Candice , Candice had 1/3 +15 BONOS Even Daniel had acknowledged their relationship, so everyone thought Candice would eventually join the Elysian family . Helen was displeased . She was fed up with the relatives , so she called Candice over . She looked at Candice with a meaningful gaze and said , " What should I tell people about you and Alex ? " What else could Candice say about her relationship with Alex ? Helen was aware of Sonia's existence , so Candice was forced to be honest . " It's still early . Alex and I are still young , we should put our careers first . " Talking to Helen was uncomfortable . Candice endured Helen's sneers for several minutes before she left with a stiff look . Before she walked away , she heard the relatives talking to Helen , " You're really strict with her . If she really marries Alex , things won't be smooth for you two . " Helen was not afraid at all . She openly said , " Alex won't marry her . " Candice froze for a moment . She stiffly moved to the other corner of the living room . As she made her way there , she walked past Alex who was having a video call . Candice heard his charming giggles . " There's no one here , I'm all alone . " She was petrified on the spot . She wanted to leave but Sonia spotted her through the screen and cried in shock . Candice did not hear what the girl said to Alex . Alex turned around with a frosty gaze . " You're eavesdropping on me ? " Candice curled her lips . " I was just passing by . " . She wanted to leave but the man grabbed her wrist . Alex stared at her grimly . Candice pondered for a moment and said , " I heard nothing . " Alex sized her up carefully and ultimately saw the bracelet on her right wrist . His brows furrowed . " You're still wearing it. " Candice rotated her wrist . " I got used to it . " Alex gave her the bracelet when she was still in university . It was not something 2/3 +15 BONOS Alex released her wrist and said , " It's been years , about time to get tired of Title: A Fated Encounter In "A Fated Encounter" by CrushReels, a captivating modern romance unfolds. Emma Brown finds herself entangled in a complex web of family obligations when her father, Henry, pressures her to marry Tommy Anderson in place of her sister Bella to salvage their struggling business. As Emma navigates this unexpected turn of events, she discovers that Tommy is not the man rumors portray him to be. Their relationship evolves beyond mere obligation, revealing layers of depth and emotion amidst the backdrop of societal expectations and personal desires. This novel delves into themes of duty, love, and self-discovery as Emma grapples with conflicting emotions and the realization that fate may have a different plan in store for her. With nuanced character development and a unique twist on the conventional romance narrative, "A Fated Encounter" stands out as a compelling tale of love and sacrifice. Experience this engrossing story online at CrushReels and immerse yourself in a world where destiny intertwines with the complexities of the heart.