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Elizabeth had been quiet all day, keeping her distance from everyone. Ever since Alessandra's harsh words, she felt uncertain and uncomfortable. She barely spoke to Y/N and avoided Candice completely, which didn't go unnoticed.

Candice, always observant, found Elizabeth's behavior strange. Just the day before, Elizabeth had been lively and connected, but now she seemed withdrawn. Every time they crossed paths, Elizabeth offered a polite smile but quickly looked away, avoiding eye contact.

Concerned, Candice approached Elizabeth, hoping to talk. "Hey, Lizzie. Are you okay?"

"I'm just tired," Elizabeth replied, brushing it off with a wave.

Candice frowned, feeling something was definitely off. By early afternoon, her curiosity turned into worry. This wasn't like Elizabeth at all. As Y/N and the others laughed by the pool, sipping drinks and enjoying the sun, Candice felt compelled to find answers.

That's when she overheard something she shouldn't have.

Stopping just outside the guest bedroom, she noticed the door slightly ajar. Inside, Alessandra was speaking with Adriana, her tone sharp.

"I warned her," Alessandra said, her voice tense. "Elizabeth is getting too close. She has no business getting involved in Y/N and Candice's relationship. It's fragile enough as it is."

Adriana considered this, nodding slowly. "But you don't think Y/N notices? Or Candice? They can see what's going on."

"Of course, they notice," Alessandra replied coolly. "But Y/N is loyal to a fault. She's always been like that—too kind and too willing to give chances. I had to tell Elizabeth to back off before she complicates things further. I already struggle with Candice; I don't need Elizabeth back in Y/N's life too."

Candice's heart raced as the weight of Alessandra's words sank in. Had Alessandra really warned Elizabeth to stay away? And why would she say their relationship was "fragile"? Candice knew there had been tough times, but this felt different, more serious.

Unable to remain silent, Candice stormed into the room. "What the hell are you talking about, Alessandra?"

Both women looked startled by her sudden appearance. Alessandra quickly regained her composure, her expression neutral. "Candice, this isn't what it looks like."

"No," Candice snapped, arms crossed. "It's exactly what it looks like. You warned Elizabeth to stay away from Y/N and me? Who do you think you are?"

Alessandra didn't flinch. "I care about Y/N. You know that. She's been through a lot because of your relationship. I won't just sit back and watch her get hurt again."

Candice's anger flared. "You think you're protecting her by interfering? By pushing people away? I thought you respected our relationship!"

"I do respect it," Alessandra replied, her voice icy. "But I can't ignore the cracks when I see them."

"Cracks?" Candice's voice trembled slightly, but her anger remained. "You don't get to decide what's happening between Y/N and me. We're stronger than you think."

Sensing the tension rising, Adriana quietly excused herself from the room, leaving Candice and Alessandra to confront each other.

Alessandra took a deep breath, her tone softening slightly. "Candice, I've watched Y/N go through so much because of this. I care about both of you, but Elizabeth is complicating things. Deep down, you know that."

Candice clenched her jaw, fists tightening at her sides. "I don't need your protection, Alessandra. Neither does Y/N. You don't get to decide who's good for her or who should be in her life. Elizabeth is her friend, and if we have problems, we'll handle them ourselves. Not you."

"But I have to deal with it! Y/N comes to me every time you let her down! I don't want Elizabeth in her life!" Alessandra shot back, frustration spilling over.

Candice snapped, "YOU ARE NOBODY TO DECIDE WHO IS IN HER LIFE!"

Alessandra's face flushed with anger. "I'm more to her than you will ever be, Swanepoel!"

Their voices echoed down the hallway, and Y/N, who had been nearby, rushed to the bedroom, concern etched on her face. "What's going on in here?" she demanded, stepping into the heated atmosphere.

Candice turned to Y/N, desperation in her eyes. "Why does Alessandra think she's your keeper? Is something going on that I don't know about? Why does she care so much about you, Y/N?"

Y/N felt her heart sink. "Candice, I—"

" No! Just spit it out! Why the fuck does she THINK she is entitled to comment on our relationship and your friendships!?"

Alessandra looked at Y/N with a challenging look.
Y/N opened her mouth but closed it again not knowing what to do.

Candice stepped back and it was like something clicked, she looked at Y/N and Alessandra. " No..."

Rage filled Candice eyes " it was you. You were the one that... GET OUT OF MY HOUSE AMBROSIO"

Candice screamed and Y/N had to grab her before she tried to physically attack Alessandra.

" Candy... let's use reason here. I never hurt Y/N. I just helped her" Alessandra said her tone calmer more composed.

Candice looked at her in disbelief " You groomed her! she was SEVENTEEN! I want you out of my house! NOW Y/N! Kick her out! IMMEDIATELY!"

Y/n nodded slowly " Ale... it's best if you go."

Alessandra looked at Y/N and then Candice and hummed " Alright, I'm going. But you'll be back Y/N, when Candice leaves you and Elizabeth disappoints you again, you'll be back."

Candice fist clenched ready to swing at the older model, Y/N grabbed her hand and lead her out of the room.

Candice took a few deep breath " I want her out of my house Y/n,"

Y/N nodded " okay... I'll make sure she leaves..."

" oh no, you are not staying anywhere near her, I'm going to get Joan and Behati and they can make sure she leaves. You and I are going to talk... I'm not mad at you but I do need you to tell me everything that happened, because whatever has been going on, it's not right Y/n, what she did to you. Is not okay..."

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