- 59 -

                                    

                                          
Candice ended the call with Behati, feeling a rush of urgency and frustration. She glanced at Y/N, whose eyes were glued to the floor, clearly overwhelmed by everything that had just happened. Candice reached for her hand, gently tugging her toward their bedroom.
"Come on, let's talk," Candice said softly, trying to keep her tone as calm as possible despite the whirlwind of emotions inside her.
Y/N followed silently, her mind racing. She didn't know how to explain everything to Candice without making it sound like she was defending Alessandra, but the truth was complicated. She felt like she owed it to both of them to explain.
Once they were in the bedroom, Candice shut the door behind them. The air was thick with tension, but Candice's face remained soft, a mix of concern and patience. She sat down on the edge of the bed and patted the spot next to her.
"Sit with me," she urged gently.
Y/N hesitated but sat down. Her hands fidgeted in her lap as she tried to find the right words.
"I'm not mad at you, baby," Candice began, her voice soothing. "But I need you to tell me what's been going on. I don't think I understand what your relationship with Alessandra really was."
Y/N took a deep breath, her heart pounding. "It's... it's complicated, Candy. I met Alessandra when I was 17, Mike had introduced us right after Lizzie cheated on me. I had no one. I cut off the Olsen twins because of the cheating, my dad was drinking more than I care to admit and my mom... she didn't care and I felt... alone. Alessandra was there... and we hit it off immediately effortlessly...."
Candice stayed quiet, listening intently.
"Every time I went to New York, I stayed with her," Y/N continued, her voice growing steadier as she spoke. "She'd help me, introduce me to people in the industry, give me advice. She was the one who got me the photoshoot where I met you. She even helped me get the ten-year contract with Victoria's Secret. She... she really looked out for me. She made me feel appreciated. I was never too much or too little. She always said I was perfect." 
Candice nodded slowly, absorbing everything Y/N was saying, but there was still something she needed to know. "Did you ever date? Or hook up with her? Did you ever have sex with her?" 
Y/N's breath hitched, and she nodded. "Yeah... in the beginning. 
Candice reached for Y/N hand, " How old were you when you had sex with her for the first time."
Y/N stayed quiet and played with Candice engagement ring.
"I...it was my 18th birthday... I just... she threw me a birthday party and we were in London so I could drink and it just happened..."
Candice took a deep breath, holding Y/N's hand tighter. "I see... I don't want to judge Y/N andI believe she cared about you. But... don't you see how it looks from the outside? It feels like she manipulated you, like she wanted to control you and shape you into what she wanted. She was 26, she had no business sleeping with you when you were 17..." 
"No, Candice, it wasn't like that!" Y/N's voice rose slightly, defensive. She pulled her hand away and stood up, pacing the room. "She cared about me. She was trying to protect me! I know she can come off strong, but her heart was in the right place. She had my best interests at heart."
Candice watched Y/N carefully, trying to stay calm even though her heart ached hearing Y/N defend Alessandra so passionately. It made Candice realise just how deep Alessandra control of Y/N ran. 
"I'm not saying she didn't care for you Y/N. But maybe... maybe she took advantage of how young you were. She was older, more experienced, and she should've known better."
Y/N spun around, her eyes flashing with frustration. "I was aware of what I was doing, Candice! She didn't take advantage of me. I made my own choices."
Candice stood up now, closing the distance between them. She gently took Y/N's hands in hers, her voice soft but firm. "I'm not blaming you. I'm just trying to understand. I know you think she was looking out for you, but... what if someone treated our child the way she treated you?"
Y/N blinked, taken aback. "What?"
Candice's gaze softened even more, and she guided Y/N's hand to her stomach. "Think about it, baby. What if our child, at 17, was in the same situation you were? Would you be okay with a 26-year-old grown woman  getting that close to them, having that much control over them? Having sex with them and helping them with their career? Making decisions about their lives? Comments about their relationship?" 
Y/N's breath caught in her throat. The thought made her feel a wave of disgust she hadn't anticipated, followed by anger bubbling up inside her. She frowned, looking down at their hands resting on Candice's stomach.
"Don't answer me now," Candice whispered, placing a gentle kiss on Y/N's forehead. "Just think about it. When you're ready, we can talk more. I'm here for you, but I need you to really consider what happened."
Y/N didn't say anything, but she nodded slightly, her mind a storm of emotions—confusion, guilt, and something new that she wasn't sure she was ready to confront.
Candice kissed her again, this time on the lips, soft and slow. "I love you" 
Y/N swallowed hard, feeling a tear slip down her cheek. "I love you too."
Candice pulled Y/N into a hug and Y/N body relaxed in Candice embrace " Now, I know you are upset and that I kicked Alessandra out and that it was very dramatic for a day we said we would have no drama. SO, why don't we get changed and I will participate in the chicken fight with you against Behati and Elizabeth." 
" what about bean?" Y/N asked running her fingers side to side on Candice stomach. 
" Well, if we don't lose, I won't fall in the water and nothing will happen to Bean. So, make sure to not drop me LeBlanc"