Chapter 590: A Particularly Bad Premonition
"Yeah," Susan choked up a bit. Caleb was always so thoughtful, it really got to her.
They'd been through hell and back together, and she knew how determined he was. She didn't wanna wait anymore.
"Once we sort out Candy's mess, let's get hitched and plan the wedding."
"Deal."
That little spark of hope made Caleb more pumped to push through the tough times ahead.
He was sure he could handle their relationships just fine.
"Don't rush it, just let me hold you for a bit."
Susan snuggled into Caleb's arms, quiet and sweet like a little lamb.
"You're so soft, it's like holding a cloud," Caleb closed his eyes, resting his chin on her head, soaking in the smell of her hair. It was light and fresh, and he loved it.
"Yeah," Susan felt safe and comfy in his arms. It was like they were recharging each other, and all their stress and worries melted away in that hug.
When Oliver opened the door, he saw them cuddling on the couch. He covered his mouth, giggling, "So lovey-dovey this early, huh?"
Susan felt a bit shy and tried to get up, but Caleb held her tighter and teased, "Never seen people being all lovey-dovey? Your mommy's mine."
"No way, she's mine," Oliver said, hands on his hips, chin up.
"Nope, she's mine."
"Mine."
Their silly argument made Susan smile, "Alright, you two keep at it, I'm gonna make breakfast."
"Mommy's mine," Oliver insisted.
"You little rascal, trying to steal my girl, see if I don't spank you," Caleb joked.
"Uncle Caleb's hitting me, Mommy, help..."
Listening to their playful banter in the living room, Susan felt her spirits lift, 'Things are gonna get better, they just have to.'
Over the next couple of weeks, Caleb tried to see Candy every few days, but she always refused.
"Put Candy on the phone!" Caleb demanded.
On the other end, Grace sighed, "Caleb, it's not that I don't want you to see Candy, but she doesn't want to see you. She doesn't even wanna hear your voice. You've broken her heart."
"Cut the crap!"
"She doesn't wanna talk. You really want me to force her? I can't do that. Caleb, I've done enough for you. Don't put more pressure on my daughter."
"You helped me? Your daughter? Grace, get it straight, Candy's custody is mine."
"But she wants to be with me. If it goes to court, that's what she'll say. Sure, your Eilish family is loaded and powerful. If you wanna take her by force, I can't stop you, but I'll tell Candy the truth. It's not that I didn't want her, but that I couldn't win against you."
"You're threatening me! Grace!"
"I'm just being honest. Why do you have to see me as the bad guy? Caleb, do you get now how it felt when I wanted to see Candy but couldn't?"
Caleb gripped the railing tightly, "Is this your plan, Grace? You've been setting this up just to get back at me!"
"Think what you want. You wouldn't listen to me anyway. I just want to say, you made me feel so low and hurt, and what you're going through now isn't even close to what I felt."
Caleb's eyes turned icy, "I told you, every move you make, the Bailey family will pay for it. One call from me, and the Bailey Group's history in this city."
"Sure, you can do that, but Candy loves her grandparents. If you do, I'll tell her it was you who wrecked her family."
Caleb gripped the handrail tighter. Grace was using Candy to blatantly threaten him, and he couldn't just act on impulse.
"Grace, Candy is not your pawn!"
"Of course not. I just want fair treatment. You cheated first. Why should Candy be with you? Caleb, don't you think that's unfair?"
"Fairness? You know how Candy came to be!"
"Even four years ago, you betrayed me first. If you hadn't changed your heart after our engagement, none of this would have happened. Caleb, it's all on you, don't pin it on me. Alright, Candy's calling me, gotta go."
"Grace, Grace... Damn it!" Caleb slammed the phone down and stormed out.
Seeing his cold expression, Susan quickly stopped him, "Where are you going?"
"Out."
"You're going to see Grace? Don't go!"
"Move."
"I can't let you screw up. Caleb, you're not thinking straight. If you force Candy back, have you thought about the fallout? Candy's already avoiding you. Do you want it to end like this?"
"So I should just let Grace blackmail me?" Caleb shouted.
"No, but it's only been half a month. Give Candy a bit more time."
"I don't want Candy with that witch Grace for even a second longer," Caleb gritted his teeth.
"But you have no choice. Candy chose Grace," Susan said softly, "Don't do something you'll regret. I believe blood is thicker than water, and Candy will come around."
Caleb held his head for a long time.
"Sorry, I lost it. I shouldn't have yelled at you."
Susan shook her head, "It's okay, I get it. You're worried about Candy. It's hard to keep cool, but I can't let you act on impulse."
"Yeah."
But over the next half month, Caleb still couldn't see Candy, and he got more and more anxious.
As June heated up, the temperature hit over 86 degrees by mid-month.
One weekend morning, Susan took Oliver to the pool.
After buying tickets, they turned around and bumped into Grace holding Candy's hand.
"Candy," Oliver lit up seeing her.
But Candy looked at him coldly.
"Candy, it's me, Oliver. Don't you remember me?" Oliver asked quickly.
Candy pouted, "I don't know you."
"How could you not know me? We clearly..."
"Oliver," Susan signaled him to stop.
At that moment, she finally got why Caleb didn't want Candy with Grace. In just a month, Candy had gone from a lively, cute girl to a gloomy, lifeless one.
Susan felt her heart break.
Grace, however, was all smiles, "What a coincidence, you guys here to swim too."
"Is it a coincidence or are you stalking us?" Susan said coolly.
Caleb had tried for half a month without seeing Candy, yet they ran into her here. It was likely that Grace had deliberately brought Candy to show them.
Susan had a particularly bad feeling about this.
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