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Candy Candy manga is written by Kyoko Mizuki, Yumiko Igarashi.

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The loose ending of Candy Candy almost made me have a nervous breakdown. I wanted so much to see Albert kiss Candy. But it didn't happen! Argh! My whole world stopped and crumbled to end back then…

I read the manga and watched a tiny bit of the anime too. But I haven't read the novels at all. I don't care what the authors think, based on what I know, this is the way I imagine the continuation of Candy Candy manga story. Candy with Albert! That's it, no one else. The Prince of the Hill!

It starts where the manga ends… Candy ran towards Albert's arms knowing that he's her Prince of the Hill after all!

-Story Starts Here -

Both of them hugged very tightly. Candy said, "Since when did you know it? How come you didn't tell me?"

Happy on her welcoming reaction Albert felt very relieved and responded, "Knowing how important the Prince of the Hill to you, I didn't know how to bring it up to you." Kissing Candy on her cheek Albert said, "Remember when I picked you up the night you were running away from the Neil and got lost? I saw the pendant which I lost years ago. You know that only the first male descendant from Ardley Family has that pendant, don't you?"

"Anthony told me, yes."

"I was going to ask you how you got it. But, if I asked, I am afraid you'd suspect that my memory had come back," Albert continued. "Then, I remembered I lost it the day I went to Pony Hill playing bag pipe. Suddenly I remembered that was also the day I met a crying little girl on the hill. Remembering your story about the prince of the hill, I started to think about the connection and surprise surprise... I realized that your Prince of the Hill was me. He laughed happily and relieved that finally he could unload this secret from his heart.

Candy laughed too very happy and still very surprised at the revelation. She couldn't help to stare and examine Albert's complexion. She compared Albert's blue eyes, blonde hair, genuine smile, caring voice to the prince's. Indeed, the handsome cute little prince had transformed to a very handsome man. How come she's so blind. She'd been with him all along. She then suddenly realized that Albert was staring at her too. She felt so shy and abruptly stopped looking and blushed.

At this point both of them heard someone coughing. It's George. "Good afternoon, Sir William, Miss Candice," he said. Albert nodded and George continued, "We have a meeting, Sir..."

Albert nodded and replied, "One moment George, I'll be there soon. We'll meet in the car." Not willing to be interrupted by anyone even if it's George or any important business deals, Albert determined to finish his most important conversation in life ever. "Let the meeting wait, let them all wait, whatever they are I don't care, they all must wait," he said to himself full of determination.

Albert turned to Candy and continued in a more serious tone, "When you came back to visit me as Uncle William to bring up Neill's engagement issue, I actually was thinking about you. I was so happy to hear your voice. I was so happy that finally we could meet and be together but only to find that I'd lose you again. A few days later you came to tell me that you decided to return to Pony's home. I was panicked and very much afraid to lose you again. I decided that I'd take my chance to tell you all this, because…" Albert stopped and took Candy's hands. He held them tightly and looked her straight in the eyes saying, "I was afraid I'd lose you forever. Candy, I love you. I love you since I was still amnesic. I love you more and more every day I just can't hide nor pretend anymore. I definitely can't afford to leave without you."

"Albert, ..," whispered Candy couldn't believe her ears. As though the his first revelation about the prince of the hill wasn't enough, came the second surprise. It was too much for her to absorb all these, all she could respond was to whisper, "Albert..." Very surpised, happy and excited at the same time it took her a while to finally respond and said," I love you too."

"Candy, would you mind visiting me in Chicago often, please?"

Candy was very happy and hugged Albert. "I will! I will," she said.

Albert hugged him saying how much he loved her. Then they shared the first kiss. "I had wanted to tell you this for so long, but I was afraid your heart belonged to someone else," said Albert implying Terry but didn't really want to mention the name.

"Albert, even before you had left, I knew I loved you. But I wasn't sure what you thought of me. I was very devastated when you left. You know that I didn't even stay in Rockstown or to talk to Terry. I went there because of you. I thought you were there... Finally, I was very happy to meet you again only to find that you're Uncle William. I mean, how could I tell Uncle William that I loved him. I felt so trapped. I really wanted you but on the other hand, you seemed so far away. Every time I saw you, I felt tortured because it's like a reminder what I could never have. I couldn't stand that anymore that's why finally I asked your permission to leave and go back to Pony's home." Albert was listening attentively, he couldn't believe how much he had caused the girl whom he loved so much to suffer.

Then Candy continued with a trembling voice, "I felt so lonely when you left me the first time, but when I left you and came back to Pony's home alone I was devastated beyond what I could ever imagine. If you didn't come here to tell me all this, I don't know what would have happened to me." Tears started to fall on her cheeks. Albert hugged her even tighter. He was grateful that he had the courage to tell her the truth to help to end her pain.

"Candy, I will never make you feel lonely anymore. I will not let your heart suffer anymore. I am so sorry for what happened, but I am glad that we are together now."

Candy was speechless; all she could do was to nod her head.

"Albert, I am seriously worried what your family thinks about us. I mean you are a very important person..."

"Sshhh...," replied Albert and put his finger to her lips.

"But seriously what about Aunt Elroy and the fact that I am actually is your daughter...," whispered Candy.

Smiled kindly and hugged her softly Albert said, "First, never mention that I am important anymore. You are the most important person to me, without you my world falls apart. I have no direction. I can't work, focus or do anything. Second, leave all those worries to me... Remember without your care when I had amnesia, I might probably die by now. Aunt Elroy is like a mother to me. As long as I am happy, and we follow roughly the family etiquette rules, she will be fine. I promise. And if you don't like the rules, it's also fine you don't need to follow them. I am sure we can work something out. Remember, I am the head of the family now!" He said with a funny face.

Seeing that, Candy couldn't help not to laugh. "Albert...," said Candy almost cried again, "You always have solutions to all my problems. I love you so much..."

Both of them hugged and kissed again until Candy remember about George, "Your meeting...errr...probably it's late now"

"That's ok, let them wait. The most important meeting is this one, the one that I am having with you," he said tenderly. Both of them sat quietly and chatted a bit more. Then Albert said, "Would you allow me to leave now, Honey?"

"Yes, but I will miss you so much," Candy almost cried thinking she'll be alone again.

"Don't cry, remember you look prettier when you smile." Both of them kissed again and hugged then started to walk towards the car hand in hand. Seeing that, George understood what just happened.

Albert gave her one more hug and said, "Remember to visit me when I come back. We'll talk more about our plan, I will send someone to pick you up on Friday afternoon, is that ok?"

"I can't wait till then," said Candy. They both said goodbye one more time and Albert left. She felt so lonely as soon as Albert left and started crying really hard tearfully to vent off all her emotions. For a while she cried and cried until she couldn't cry anymore. But, she also felt very happy. Looking at Albert's car from the far reminded her of the car he bought in the past that broke down in just a few days. She laughed at that experience and cried at the same time for the memory. A big wall in front of her seemed to collapse now that she told Albert how much she loved her and very happy to know that he felt likewise. She tidied her hair, wiped her tears, washed her face then started to walk home.

In the car, Albert closed his eyes, pretending sleeping to hide his feeling from George's sharp eyes. He couldn't feel happier that he finally had the courage to tell Candy the truth and got the loving response he'd so longed to hear. He couldn't help thinking about the conversation he got with aunt Elroy earlier.

"May I see Mm. Elroy?" inquired Albert to her servant.

"Yes, Sir. She's been waiting for you, please come in."

"Good morning dear Aunt," greeted Albert and kissed her on her cheek.

"Good morning, William, how do you?" replied her aunt. "I want you to meet Caroline tonight," she said abruptly.

Albert raised his eyebrows and thought, "Oh no, not again."

He really respected his aunt considering all she had done to him and the family. He especially felt guilty to cause her the complications when he went missing. He was simply too careless. His parents had repeatedly reminded him of the importance of his role. But back then, he didn't really fully grasp the meaning until he recovered from his memory loss. His experience to live as an "ordinary" citizen strengthened his understanding. As his father used to tell him, if he could do it right, he could achieve big things through the foundation and the enterprise which were closely intertwined. His parents, especially his mom, worked very hard through the Ardley foundation. During her involvement, the foundation reached out to numerous social strata to an unprecedented level. All that wouldn't be possible without the enterprise since most of the grant is funded by the enterprise.

For the Ardleys to finally reach this considerable level, this didn't happen in one or two generations. Starting from a very humble beginning long long time ago, for generations the Ardley family had grown slowly step by step to achieve it. He almost blew it all up when he went missing. How irresponsible, he thought. At that time, majority of the shareholders already wanted to leave the enterprise since if the public knew about the uncertainty, the stocks would suffer a big blow. Aunt Elroy remained giving a strong opposition. She steadfastly believed William would show up and did as much as she could to delay the breaking down process. Initially through excuses then her refusal to sell her shares, and finally with arguments through various strategies to delay the process. She endured those difficult and stressing moments until finally he showed up. He couldn't help to admire her aunt's intelligence, strength and above all loyalty to his father. Before he's gone, she promised to take care of William and prepared him to be at the enterprise helm. He knew all this from George who told him everything that happened when he's away. Had it not been because of aunt Elroy, generations of family enterprise would have been collapsed. From then on he promised himself to take his responsibility more seriously and treat her aunt better.

But, hey, Albert just couldn't stand this matchmaking thing. Especially now he only had Candy in his heart.

Trying to remain calm to avoid heated arguments he simply asked, "Who is she?" He had promised himself to not have anymore fight with his aunt. In addition, she meant well and got older.

"She's the daughter of a very important developer in Florida. His father is very influential and has many connections in the government. Her mother is…" Albert stopped listening. Instead while the aunt was talking, he's thinking how to get out from this conversation without having to fight.

"I have an appointment this evening, Aunt. George had arranged it for a long time," said Albert making up some excuse.

Knowing her nephew well she disregarded his excuse, "You need to cancel it then, William. Sorry about that. But Caroline and his parents will be here and you must attend to greet them for the sake of good relationship with them. Besides, you are also interested in starting your new business in Florida, aren't you?"

"But, I think we agree that I will look for a wife by my own without your interference."

"Sure, but how come at this age you still are not married. Some people need help to find a wife, probably you are one of them," his aunt said bluntly. Albert couldn't believe what he had heard. He's trying so hard to not get irritated. He's so tired of this type of discussion and decided to use the opportunity to bring up the truth to end the discussion once for all.

He said calmly, "Actually I have someone in mind, you know her, her name is Candy."

"What? You want to marry that orphan girl? What does she have that make all my nephews fall for her? I can't believe you also are bewitched by her," she couldn't believe her ears. Then she added slowly, "Is that why you didn't allow her to marry Neil? You wanted to take her for yourself, didn't you?"

Very much trying to remain calm he disregarded her questions, "Aunt, her name is Candy. It's her decision to marry whoever she wants."

"But she's your daughter for crying out lout. What will the media say if you marry your own daughter? The Ardley family is a very respected family that shouldn't fall into this kind of gossip. And what about your future should you want to run for a public office? We shouldn't rule that out!" said Aunt Elroy slowly sharply.

"I will take care of that," Albert answered smoothly. "All I want is only your personal approval."

"You have to meet Caroline tonight. Try to see a real lady. Learn something, have I taught you enough of this? See her manner, her way of talking and more, how can you compare that with Candice? I can't believe it. First it was Anthony, the Cornwall brothers, Neil, and now you too." Albert was so ready to hit the table in front of him and shouted to her Aunt to shut up like in the past. Back then, both of them would exchange shouts and screamed at the top of their lungs during matchmaking arguments. Their voices rang throughout the mansion for all servants to hear. The tea table in front of her had suffered numerous blows from his fist. Countless times, the door behind him had been slammed hard whose sound echoed loudly throughout the hallways. But, he's a grown up man now, he should use a better approach instead of a blunt force. He should do better than in the past.

"But, I told you many times about how she helped me when I was sick."

"Did she agree with your proposal?" asked aunt Elroy.

"I haven't asked her."

"You want me to believe that you had not proposed to her?," asked her with an inquiring look. Albert was surprised, was it possible that his aunt had suspected his feeling towards Candy all along? But, he chose not to elaborate, he really didn't feel like discussing the "Terry" factor in details with her.

"I am sure she will agree though, all girls would want to marry you so they can be an Ardley," said she a matter-of-factly.

"Aunt, Candy is not just any typical girl," said Albert. Then he sat next to her gently said, "Aunt you are a very important person to me, you are like my mother, without your consent, how could I propose anyone peacefully."

His strategy worked, the sentence hit the mark, calmer, she replied, "Go ask her first then. We'll see what happens." Deep inside, she was grateful by Albert's words. She actually always treated Albert like her own son and grateful that he acknowledged it.

"Thank you, Aunt. So that means if she agreed..."

"But should she decide to be with you, she needs to learn all the family protocols and follow the rules to be an Ardley matriarch. That's un-negotiable."

"I will certainly work into that," Albert came to her aunt and gave her a hug.

"But tonight you need to escort Caroline and her parents. They traveled a long way from Florida to here. We need to welcome them. More importantly, the meeting had been set and it'd have had a negative effect to our Florida bid if you don't meet them. We don't want to ruin it just because of a woman. Besides, treat her as a backup in case Candice rejected you tomorrow. In addition, pay attention: see how high class women behave in case you change your mind before it's too late."

"But you need to promise me to stop this matchmaking business. This would be the last time I come to such a thing. Besides, you'll see later Candy is indeed the perfect one for me."

"Go ask her first. If you can not find a wife by yourself, then I have no option but to do it for you," she continued, unwavered and refused to promise. Albert bid his aunt good bye and left, happy that he was successful not to have any more fight with Aunt Elroy and to finally told her about Candy. Above all, he's relieved with his aunt's attitude towards the matter.

That was yesterday. Now knowing Candy returned his love made him very happy. Revealing the prince of the hill identity did have some advantage in smoothing out the process. He was smiling at that thought. Of course he remembered Candy, the little girl who cried on the hill. He genuinely thought she was cute back then, especially when she smiled. But, like most young boys would do at such a young age, he didn't think much about it. He then went to a school in London, dated some girls, including intelligent girls, gorgeous models, and adventurous nurses in Africa... But really none of them captured his heart as much as Candy. He felt grateful that he was amnesic so he could have a much more objective perspective about her.

Then he said to George, "I want to annul Candy's adoption immediately." Understood where the situation went George replied with a quick smile,"Will be done, Sir. Should we mention she's an independent woman that has her own income as a reasoning?" Albert approved and felt so grateful there's a super efficient George who's always readily available.

The media covered adoption annulment for a few days. But since there's no one added more gossips to it, after a while it died out. In the meantime, Aunt Elroy prepared Candy to be an Ardley. Training after training every day. In addition she also worked part time as a nurse with Dr. Martin and spent the weekend in the Pony if Albert wasn't around. Albert was busy as usual. He went to business trip often, Candy tried to busy herself too so time could seem fly faster for Albert to come back. Candy enjoyed her new life so much, she also started to build a good relation with aunt Elroy.

- TO be continued -

Note:

In manga, Anthony saw the pendant and told Candy the significant meaning of it