Married At First Sight Chapter 3901
Chapter 3901
If Lucas weren’t afraid of the beating his mother might give him later, he’d have already run off to play with Sonny.
Chelsea, meanwhile, couldn’t resist snooping. She opened Sonny’s small suitcase, rifling through it with a critical eye.
Other than Sonny’s clothes and a few toys, there wasn’t much inside.
“Where’s the seafood? Auntie loves seafood! Didn’t your mom pack a big bag for me to take home?” she asked, her voice laced with annoyance.
She then turned her attention to three gift boxes stacked neatly nearby, reaching for them.
Hank stepped in immediately, his tone sharp. “Don’t touch those. They’re Sonny’s. They’re for his health.”
Chelsea froze, momentarily stunned by her brother’s tone. Hank’s patience for her antics had run dry long ago. He no longer indulged her behavior, and she knew better than to push him too far—especially since she still relied on the occasional favor from her family.
Reluctantly, she backed off, sulking as Hank carried the gift boxes into the room and slammed the door behind him.
Neither Mr. nor Mrs. Brown said a word, their silence heavy in the air.
Realizing there was no chance of claiming the gift boxes for herself, Chelsea returned to Sonny, trying again to cozy up to him. She reached out, aiming for a hug, but Sonny leaned away, nestling deeper into his grandfather’s lap.
“Grandpa,” Sonny said firmly, “I don’t want Auntie to hug me.”
Mr. Brown shot a warning glare at his daughter.
Chelsea withdrew her hand, looking more than a little embarrassed. “Sonny, why are you like this? What did I do wrong? I used to hold you all the time when you were a baby. I loved you so much.”
Sonny looked up at her, unimpressed. “Auntie, I’m not three anymore. You can’t fool me.”
Chelsea opened her mouth but couldn’t find the words to respond.
Changing tactics, she pouted. “Sonny, why didn’t you bring me anything for the New Year? You only bought gifts for Grandpa and Grandma, but not for me. It’s almost the New Year, you know. You could’ve gotten me something nice, like a big seafood package. Why don’t you call your mom now and ask her to send a few over? Then you can give one to me as a New Year gift. What do you say?”
Before Sonny could answer, Mr. Brown’s face darkened, and he snapped at his daughter.
“Chelsea, do you have any shame at all? Why on earth did I raise someone so shameless?”
Chelsea flinched, but he didn’t stop.
“Sonny is a child. He’s your nephew, not someone responsible for getting you gifts! You’re his aunt—have you even prepared a New Year gift for him? And what about me and your mother? Did you bring anything for us?”
His voice grew angrier as he continued.
“Sonny’s mother is wealthy because she’s capable. That doesn’t mean you’re entitled to anything she has. Liberty doesn’t owe you a thing! Not now, and not ever!
“You think back to how Liberty treated you when she was married to Hank. Whenever you came around, she’d cook whatever you wanted, using money that she helped Hank earn. If she hadn’t managed the household, Hank wouldn’t have had a dime to his name.
“She was too kind to you, and that kindness turned you into the greedy, entitled person you are today.
“And now you want Liberty, your former sister-in-law, to send you New Year gifts? You’ve lost your mind. Even if she and Hank were still married, you wouldn’t have the right to act this way. And yet here you are, coming back to your parents’ home empty-handed, trying to take everything in sight.
“Have some self-respect, Chelsea. You’re embarrassing yourself and this family!”
Chelsea sat in stunned silence, her father’s words hanging in the air like a heavy weight. Sonny stayed quiet, resting against his grandfather’s chest, as if he knew exactly who had his back.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3902
Chapter 3902
“Let me ask you something, Chelsea,” Mr. Brown began, his tone sharp and unrelenting. “Have you ever come back to your parents’ home empty-handed? Even a roll of paper from your brother’s house—you’d find a way to take it home. What do you think this place is, your personal supply depot? You treat your family like a bunch of fools you can rob blind!”
He didn’t give her a chance to respond, his anger building.
“It’s partly your mother’s fault too. We helped you far too much in the past, and you took it for granted. Worse, you turned us against Liberty. You had the nerve to blame her, saying she didn’t do enough, even convincing us to neglect our own grandson. You’ve always acted like the world owes you something, Chelsea!”
Chelsea’s eyes reddened, tears streaming down her face. She opened her mouth, but no words came.
Mr. Brown wasn’t done.
“From now on, if you come back here, you leave empty-handed unless Hank gives you something himself. If he doesn’t offer it, don’t you dare take a single thing. This is Hank’s house now, and when your mother and I are gone, Hank will be responsible for this family. We rely on him for our retirement, not you.
“And don’t even think about swindling money out of your mother anymore. We know all about the so-called hot pot incident. What kind of daughter tricks her own mother like that? You’re a grown woman, Chelsea. You’re a mother yourself. How would you feel if your daughter pulled the same stunts on you one day?”
His voice grew colder, his disappointment cutting through the air like a blade.
“Life has a way of paying people back, Chelsea. Haven’t you already seen the consequences of your actions? You’ve experienced retribution, and yet you refuse to change.”
He paused briefly before continuing, his frustration mounting.
“Hank and Liberty divorced, and Hank remarried. He and Jessica could’ve had a decent life together, but no, you couldn’t stand it. You were jealous of Serenity’s success, jealous that she married into wealth. So, what did you do? You helped Liberty, which I don’t fault, but then you turned your sights on Jessica, dragging your mother into your petty schemes.
“You harassed and humiliated her until she snapped. Jessica ended up on the wrong side of the law, and you played a big part in that. You are a troublemaker, Chelsea!
“If you ever come back here and stir up more trouble, mark my words—I’ll break ties with you. No more visits, no more excuses. You’re my daughter, but there’s only so much I can take.”
Chelsea sat frozen, stunned by her father’s fury.
“You’re doing well for yourself,” Mr. Brown went on. “You and your husband are healthy, your business is thriving, and you’ve saved millions. Meanwhile, look at your brother. Hank’s life is in shambles, and yet you still try to take advantage of him. Don’t you feel any shame?
“When Hank was doing well, he bent over backward for you. He spoiled you, put you first, and destroyed his own family in the process. Even now, you’ve done nothing to help him, despite the fact that you’re comfortable and stable.
“And Sonny?” His voice softened, but the anger remained. “He’s just a little boy, Chelsea. Yet you’re already scheming to use him. You think that because he’s lucky to have a determined mother and a wealthy aunt, he’s fair game? That’s disgusting.
“If you want your kids to have a better future, work for it. Be like Liberty. Build something of your own. Don’t sit here trying to siphon off Sonny’s blessings like some kind of leech.
“Sonny, don’t listen to your aunt,” he said firmly, turning to his grandson. “She doesn’t have your best interests at heart. Just listen to your mother and your Aunt Serenity. They’re the ones who truly care about you.”
Mr. Brown let out a long, frustrated sigh.
Ever since Hank divorced Liberty, Mr. Brown had slowly come to realize the full extent of Chelsea’s manipulative ways. For too long, he had turned a blind eye because she was his daughter. But her selfishness had reached a point he could no longer ignore.
He refused to let her exploit Sonny the way she had everyone else in the family. Sonny represented hope for the Brown family—a chance to rise above the mistakes of the past.
Mr. Brown clenched his fists, his heart heavy with regret. How had he raised someone as shameless as Chelsea?
Married At First Sight Chapter 3903
Chapter 3903
Chelsea cried bitterly, her voice trembling with frustration. “Liberty has Serenity to back her up, and now she even has that wealthy aunt, Audrey. She comes from a rich family, and I can’t measure up to her no matter how hard I try! All I want is to save more money for my kids. Is that so wrong?”
Her tone grew sharper. “Liberty has it too easy. She married into a wealthy family, and I can’t get a single benefit from her. Why shouldn’t I turn to Sonny? He’s just a child, but he’s already richer than me at 40! What’s wrong with taking a little help from my nephew? All I got was a few boxes of seafood from his mother, and Dad, you yelled at me like I committed a crime! I’m your biological daughter, and Liberty is just your former daughter-in-law!”
She paused, her voice dripping with entitlement. “Liberty might be rich now, but she’s not one of us. Sonny, though—he’s a Brown. Why shouldn’t I take something from Sonny to support our family? Dad, you had no right to scold me like that!”
Chelsea’s self-righteousness left no room for guilt. In her mind, she was always the victim.
Mr. Brown’s face darkened with anger, his jaw clenched tight. When he spotted Hank stepping out of the room, he barked, “Hank, drive your sister and her family out of here. I don’t want to see her again—especially not while I’m home! From now on, Chelsea is not welcome here!”
“Dad!” Chelsea’s eyes brimmed with tears as she called out, but Mr. Brown’s resolve didn’t waver.
Chelsea’s mother hesitated, her voice trembling. “Husband, don’t get so worked up. Chelsea is just…”
“Enough!” Mr. Brown cut her off sharply. “If you defend her one more time, you can go with her! Then we’ll see how she treats you when you have nothing left to offer.”
His wife fell silent, too scared to argue further.
Even Chelsea’s husband, George, knew the situation had spiraled out of control. He pulled Chelsea aside and urged her, “Chelsea, you’ve gone too far. You need to apologize to Dad.”
But Chelsea’s indignation only grew. “I just want my kids to have a better life! Sonny has so much, and my kids have nothing. How is that fair?”
Mr. Brown finally snapped. Without another word, he stepped forward and slapped Chelsea—hard, twice—leaving her stunned.
He didn’t stop there. Grabbing her by the arm, he dragged her to the door, flung it open, and shoved her outside. He turned to George, his voice cold and final. “Take your children and leave. Don’t come back until Chelsea admits she was wrong.”
George had no choice but to gather their three children and leave, their steps heavy with shame.
The kids, though teenagers, understood the gravity of the situation. They were angry at being kicked out, but deep down, they knew their mother had crossed the line.
Lucas, the youngest, pouted as they walked away. “I want to stay at Grandpa and Grandma’s house! Sonny has so many toys, and I don’t have any like his!”
Chelsea had always pushed Lucas to cozy up to Sonny, telling him, “Sonny has everything, so be nice to him. If you’re close to him, you’ll get whatever you want.”
“Bang!”
The sound of the door slamming shut echoed through the air, cutting off Chelsea’s protests. Inside, Mr. Brown scooped Sonny into his arms, shielding the little boy from the tension.
But Sonny wriggled free and looked up at his grandmother with wide, innocent eyes. “Grandma, I heard everything Aunt Chelsea said.”
Though young, Sonny could already tell right from wrong. He spoke with a quiet certainty that pierced the silence.
“Aunt Chelsea isn’t a good person.”
Married At First Sight Chapter 3904
Chapter 3904
The gifts Sonny’s mother had sent were meant for his grandparents and father, but his aunt Chelsea had complained, pressuring him to call his mom and demand a New Year’s gift for her too.
But Sonny didn’t want to. He didn’t think people who weren’t good deserved gifts.
“Sonny,” Mrs. Brown said softly, her words faltering. She didn’t know how to respond, so she turned her frustration toward her husband. “You shouldn’t have said all those things in front of Sonny. He’s just a child. It’s not right for him to hear that.”
Mr. Brown, however, was unyielding. “Now you’re worried about him being a child? If you didn’t want his ears polluted, you should’ve dealt with Chelsea! She’s the one with these shameless schemes—always looking to bleed Liberty dry.
“If it weren’t for Sonny, do you think Serenity would’ve spared us back then? Mr. York had every reason to crush us. Instead, they let us off easy for Sonny’s sake. But your daughter? She doesn’t appreciate anything! She still wants to take advantage of Liberty. Does she think Liberty is just going to sit back and let her push her around like she used to?”
Mrs. Brown had no retort. Her husband’s anger silenced her.
Hank, trying to calm the tension, brought over a pot of chrysanthemum tea for his father. “Dad, here. Have some tea to cool down. You know Chelsea isn’t going to change. The best we can do is limit how often she comes here. We can’t let her near Sonny anymore.”
He crouched down, scooping Sonny into his arms. “Sonny, I’m sorry,” he said, his tone heavy with guilt. “You came back to visit for just a couple of days, and you’ve already been caught up in all this drama. From now on, I’ll make sure your aunt doesn’t bother you. You shouldn’t have to hear her nonsense or deal with her at all.”
Sonny wrapped his small arms around Hank’s neck, his voice clear and cheerful. “It’s okay, Dad. I know you love me now. I’m not mad.”
Children have a remarkable way of moving past adult conflicts, and Sonny’s innocent understanding brought a lump to Hank’s throat.
Sonny’s maturity and kindness were a testament to how well Liberty and Serenity had raised him. Hank couldn’t help but feel grateful that he hadn’t fought for Sonny’s custody. If Sonny had been forced to live in the toxic environment of the Brown household, it would have destroyed him.
Hank reflected on his past decisions, feeling a bittersweet sense of relief that he had let Liberty raise their son. Even if Liberty remarried, Sonny would always be her priority. Hank realized he hadn’t shown that same dedication. When he remarried Jessica, his focus had been on having more children, not on Sonny’s well-being.
Hank’s voice softened with emotion. “Sonny, thank you—for still wanting me as your dad, even after everything.”
Sonny looked at him with unwavering affection. “You’re my dad, and you’ll always be my dad. Mom says Uncle Duncan is my second dad, so I’m luckier than most kids. I have two dads who love me.”
The little boy paused, his expression earnest. “Mom told me that when I grow up, I have to be good to you. She said you work very hard to take care of me. She also said something like… ‘You raised me when I was little, so I’ll take care of you when you’re old.’”
Though Sonny might not fully grasp the depth of his mother’s words, his sincerity made them even more powerful.
“Dad,” Sonny added, his tone firm, “you work hard, so you need to rest. And you should eat the gift Mom sent for you. Don’t let Aunt take it away.”
Hank hugged Sonny tightly, his eyes stinging with unshed tears. He nodded, his voice thick with emotion. “Don’t worry, Sonny. I promise—I’ll eat the gift your mom sent. Your aunt won’t take it away.”
Married At First Sight Chapter 3905
Chapter 3905
Annenburg, Province X
At the Ormond family estate, the air was filled with the laughter of children and the quiet warmth of a winter afternoon. After lunch, Elora and her cousins sat under the gazebo in the snow-dusted yard, enjoying each other’s company while watching their younger brothers play gleefully in the snow.
Tatum, the private chef Elora had recently hired, approached the gazebo with a tray in hand. His arrival was as calming as a warm breeze on a frosty day.
As he stepped onto the gazebo, a natural, genuine smile lit up his face. The Ormond sisters exchanged quick glances; they had all noticed how charming Tatum was. His cooking was exceptional, but it wasn’t just his culinary skills that made him stand out. There was something about his demeanor—his warmth and quiet attentiveness—that made him a joy to have around. Even the bitter cold seemed less biting in his presence.
The young women weren’t cold, though. Their clothing was warm and luxurious, perfectly suited for the wintry weather. What made this day special was the rare opportunity to be together. Between work and studies, time for family bonding was scarce. Elora’s invitation to enjoy the snowy scenery had brought them all together, and the nostalgia of childhood memories bubbled up as they watched the younger boys dive into snowball fights, their laughter echoing through the yard.
“Miss, I’ve brought the freshly brewed tea,” Tatum said politely as he set the tray down. He placed the teapot on a small portable stove to keep it warm, along with a selection of snacks designed to be eaten hot. His thoughtfulness was evident; nothing would grow cold on his watch.
Elora nodded in appreciation but waved him off gently. “We’ve just finished lunch, Tatum. We’re not hungry yet. You should rest—you’ll need your energy to prepare dinner later.”
Tatum paused, his expression thoughtful. “The young masters mentioned they’d like to have hot pot for dinner tonight. What do you think, Miss?”
Though others in the family might share their preferences, it was Elora’s decision that mattered most. Tatum worked exclusively for her, tailoring his dishes to her tastes and preferences above all else.
Elora’s gaze shifted to her younger brother Alonzo, who was busy hurling snowballs with unrestrained joy. A tender smile softened her face. “If Alonzo wants hot pot, then hot pot it is,” she said warmly. She turned to her cousins with an inviting grin. “You should all join us tonight. Hot pot is always better with more people around the table.”
The group eagerly agreed.
The confidence Elora placed in Tatum was unshakable. Since he had become her private chef, meals had transformed from mere sustenance to delightful experiences. He had an innate talent for creating flavors she didn’t know she craved. Even with hot pot—something she rarely enjoyed in the past because the soup bases had always fallen short—she had no doubts Tatum would excel.
Tatum’s presence in the Ormond household had become a topic of admiration. Not only was he skilled and professional, but his dedication to refining his craft was unparalleled. It was said that despite already being accomplished, he had taken the position as Elora’s chef to perfect his cooking.
Elora’s reputation for having a discerning palate and exacting standards was no secret. But instead of being deterred, Tatum had embraced the challenge, using her feedback to hone his skills even further. Each dish he prepared reflected his meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to improvement.
“Thank you, Sister,” Sevyn, the third Ormond daughter, chimed in with a smile. “It’s been such a busy year, and I haven’t had much time to enjoy family meals. Tonight will be special.”
As they sipped tea and chatted under the gazebo, the warmth of family and the promise of Tatum’s expertly prepared hot pot made the cold winter day feel brighter and more inviting.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3906
Chapter 3906
Tatum’s passion for cooking was evident in everything he did, from the precision of his dishes to the calm confidence he exuded. Of course, it didn’t hurt that he was undeniably handsome.
Sevyn Ormond, ever the lighthearted one, grinned as she watched him. “Honestly, even if the food wasn’t delicious, I’d probably still feel like I’m dining on delicacies just looking at him,” she quipped. Sevyn was notorious for being swayed by a good-looking face, and she owned it unapologetically.
Elora chuckled, shaking her head at her sister’s comment. “Let’s get one thing straight—whatever you’re tasting is because of Tatum’s skills, not me. He’s the one who makes it happen.”
Tatum, standing nearby, smiled modestly. “I’m the chef for Miss Elora. I follow her lead,” he said in his usual calm, steady tone.
The underlying message was clear: if Elora didn’t agree to something, no one else could dream of having it. This earned a round of laughter from the other Ormond sisters, who couldn’t help but admire his loyalty.
Everything Tatum did revolved around Elora. His dedication was unwavering, almost as if she were the center of his world.
Elora gave him a knowing smile. “You should get some rest, Tatum. My sisters and I are just going to relax here for a while. When the boys are done playing in the snow, we’ll head back inside.”
With a polite nod, Tatum left the gazebo. On his way back, he stopped briefly to engage in the snowball fight with the younger brothers, eliciting delighted shrieks of laughter from them before retreating to his quarters.
As they watched him go, Sevyn leaned closer to Elora, her tone half-serious, half-teasing. “Sister, Tatum is too perfect. He’s so good that I can’t help but wonder—does he have some ulterior motive?”
Elora didn’t flinch. “You think I haven’t checked? Twice? His background is spotless. He’s from Wiltspoon, a thousand miles away. No connections to this place or to us before now. The only reason he’s here is his passion for cooking.”
Tinsley chimed in, unable to resist adding her own playful commentary. “Still, if Tatum has any ulterior motives, I’d say they’ve developed after meeting you. He’s so attentive to you—it’s hard not to think he’s smitten.”
Elora shot her an exasperated look. “Tinsley, are you just trying to get back at me for teasing you earlier?”
Tinsley giggled mischievously. It was true; Elora had often teased her about how much she admired Tatum’s good looks and talent. “Maybe,” she admitted, grinning. “But I’m not wrong, am I?”
Elora sighed, shaking her head. Tatum was undeniably exceptional. He had won over not just her, but also her family, from the elders to the youngest siblings. Yet, she couldn’t detect even a hint of romantic interest from him. He seemed to embody pure professionalism and kindness—qualities that her sisters were all too eager to misinterpret.
“He’s just good at what he does,” Elora said firmly, though a small smile tugged at her lips. “Let’s leave it at that.”
Still giggling, Tinsley teased again, “Honestly, sister, the guy your classmate introduced you to doesn’t even come close to Tatum. You shouldn’t waste your time on him.”
“I haven’t even considered it,” Elora retorted, tapping Tinsley lightly on the forehead. “You really need to stop stirring things up.”
The atmosphere was light and relaxed, a contrast to Elora’s usual serious demeanor. Her sisters, emboldened by the casual mood, took the opportunity to poke fun at her—a rare chance they didn’t want to miss.
Suddenly, the sound of a phone ringing interrupted the laughter. Elora glanced at her phone and raised an eyebrow.
“Speak of the devil,” she said, answering the call. It was Rosie, her old classmate.
The sisters exchanged amused looks, but Elora’s focus shifted to the conversation as Rosie’s voice came through the line.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3907
Chapter 3907
“Elora, are you on vacation right now?” Rosie asked over the phone.
“Yes, I am,” Elora replied. “What’s going on? Don’t tell me you’re trying to drag me to another class reunion. I’m not interested, so there’s no need to waste your breath convincing me.”
Elora’s tone made it clear she had no intention of attending.
Back in school, Elora had always kept a low profile. Few people knew she came from a wealthy family. But things changed when her grandfather passed away. Her parents struggled to manage the family’s responsibilities, leaving Elora to shoulder the burden before she even graduated. That was when her classmates discovered she was the eldest daughter of the Ormond family.
Being one of the eldest daughters in a family with few brothers, Elora and her sister, Tinsley, became prime targets. Before their younger brother was born, many relatives tried to lay claim to the Ormond family’s assets. Even worse, several men pursued Elora and Tinsley—not out of love, but to gain control of the family’s fortune.
This constant scheming left Elora deeply distrustful of men. She worried anyone who approached her was only after her wealth.
As for older, accomplished men, they weren’t her type. And while some second-generation heirs shared her background, their abilities often fell short of her expectations. A strong person herself, Elora admired strength in others—and those men simply didn’t measure up.
Rosie chuckled. “Relax. I wouldn’t dare pressure you into something you hate. Besides, the reunion’s already over.”
“So why are you calling?” Elora asked, puzzled.
“Well,” Rosie hesitated, “your, uh, infatuated admirer asked me to find out something. He swears he saw a handsome guy shadowing you recently. He’s dying to know if this guy is pursuing you—and if you like him.”
Elora’s expression darkened. “Handsome guy? There’s no one like that. The only men around me are my bodyguards.”
While her bodyguards weren’t unattractive, they weren’t exactly model material either.
Rosie clarified, “It’s not your usual group. He described this guy as ridiculously good-looking, with the kind of charisma and elegance that screams ‘old money.’”
Elora sighed, irritation creeping into her voice. “Rosie, are you my friend or his? You barely know him; we’ve been friends for years. Yet here you are, prying into my business for his sake. Who’s around me is none of his concern. I’ve never led him on or given him hope. His feelings are his own problem, not mine.
“Let me be clear—no matter how long he waits, he’s wasting his time. I won’t fall for him just because he’s persistent. Since you’re acting as his messenger, do me a favor: tell him to move on. I don’t love him, and I never will.”
Hearing the frustration in Elora’s voice, Rosie quickly apologized. “Elora, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I wasn’t thinking from your perspective. I just thought… well, he’s been smitten with you for so long, and everyone says he’s so devoted. I figured it was rare to see someone so steadfast, and since we’re all classmates, I thought helping him wouldn’t hurt.
“But you’re right. It’s your life, and I should’ve respected that. I won’t meddle anymore. I just want you to be happy.”
Rosie, who was happily married, genuinely wished the same for her friend.
“To make it up to you, how about dinner? My treat,” Rosie offered eagerly. “Or, if you’d rather, I can shamelessly invite myself over to your place for a meal. I’ve been dying to try something from that new chef of yours.”
Rosie chuckled to herself. She’d heard plenty of praise for the Ormond family’s private chef—mostly from Tinsley. Apparently, the chef wasn’t just talented in the kitchen but also quite the looker. Rosie couldn’t resist her curiosity.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3908
Chapter 3908
Could the mysterious, handsome man seen near Elora possibly be her private chef?
Rosie considered the idea but decided against asking Elora directly. She didn’t want to risk upsetting her friend again. Their friendship was precious to Rosie, especially since it hadn’t been easy to form such a bond with someone as reserved as Elora.
Rosie silently vowed to focus on supporting her friend’s happiness in the future and to stop meddling in her personal life on behalf of others.
Elora, only 27, wasn’t in any rush to marry, and Rosie reminded herself that it wasn’t her place to worry. After all, many accomplished women remained single well into their thirties and forties, prioritizing their goals and independence.
Later, during their call, Elora extended an invitation. “I’m having hot pot at home tonight. If you’re free, come join the fun. But let me warn you—no matchmaking schemes. If you try, you’re officially uninvited.”
Rosie laughed. “Don’t worry. I’m done with that. Besides, you’re only 27 after the New Year. You’ve got plenty of time. You’re still young.”
Rosie had married early, but she understood Elora’s life was different. Unlike Rosie, Elora carried the weight of her family’s legacy. Rosie remembered an old classmate who once offered to marry into the Ormond family as a stay-at-home son-in-law. While his intentions seemed sincere, his skills and ambition fell short of what Elora needed.
Becoming part of the Ormond family required more than just good intentions. Without the ability to share Elora’s burdens, he would only add to them. Rosie now understood why Elora had never entertained his advances—he simply wasn’t the right match for her.
Reflecting on her recent behavior, Rosie felt embarrassed. She had let someone’s passionate confession sway her into meddling, nearly jeopardizing her friendship with Elora.
After the call ended, Elora leaned back and rubbed her temples. “If we hadn’t been friends for so long, I’d have cut her off entirely.”
Tinsley, her younger sister, chimed in. “Rosie has a soft heart. She’s easily moved by grand gestures, but she doesn’t mean any harm.”
“If she did,” Elora replied, “she wouldn’t still be my friend.”
Tinsley grinned. “Exactly. My sister’s too sharp to be fooled by anyone.”
Elora smiled faintly before shifting the topic. “Go fetch those two little ones. Tell them it’s time to head inside. We’ve been out here enjoying the snow long enough. It’s freezing. Let’s get back to the house, crawl under some blankets, and take a nap. Nothing beats that cozy holiday feeling.”
Before the holiday started, everyone had joked about sleeping in for three days straight. But now that the break was here, they were all waking up earlier than ever.
“It’s funny,” Elora mused, “when you have to work, getting up early feels impossible. But give us a day off, and we’re up before sunrise, full of energy.”
Nearby, the two youngest siblings, Alonzo and his little playmate, were laughing and running around in the snow, their cheeks red from the cold.
Their third sister, Sevyn, watched them with a mix of envy and amusement. “Look at them, having the time of their lives. Makes me jealous. Maybe we should give them more homework—they’ve got too much free time.”
Violeta, the fourth sister, laughed. “If you assign them homework, they’ll cry their eyes out! Let them enjoy the winter break. Alonzo’s only in first grade. There’s no need to pressure them. They’ll study when it’s time to study, and they’ll play when it’s time to play.”
Then, with a playful smirk, Violeta added, “And if you’re so jealous, Sevyn, why don’t we join in? Who says we can’t have fun too? Let’s see if we can outplay the little ones!”
The sisters burst into laughter.
But Sevyn wasn’t kidding. She jumped up, grinning at Violeta. “Come on, let’s have a snowball fight. Let’s see who’s the better shot.”
“Bring it on!” Violeta shouted, following her out of the pavilion.
The air filled with laughter as they dove headfirst into the playful chaos, their competitive spirits lighting up the snowy afternoon.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3909
Chapter 3909
Before long, even Tinsley joined her siblings in the playful snowball fight.
Elora remained seated under the pavilion, sipping tea and watching the lively scene unfold. Her personality didn’t allow her to let loose as freely as her brothers and sisters, but seeing them so full of joy lifted her spirits.
The tea brewed by Tatum suited her perfectly. It was rare for her to drink tea—she was more of a coffee person, needing two cups daily to keep up with her hectic schedule. But today, the tea felt just right.
Meanwhile, Tatum had retreated to his dormitory. Lying on his bed, he didn’t fall asleep immediately. Instead, he pulled out his phone and started a voice call with River, his younger brother and the 7th Young Master.
The conversation began casually, with Tatum asking about the family and whether their grandmother was upset that he hadn’t come home for the New Year.
“Everything’s fine at home,” River replied cheerfully. “Grandma didn’t scold you at all. She’s been in great spirits. Brother Kevin brought Sister-in-law Hayden home for the holiday, and Grandma’s thrilled. She keeps saying how our family is growing and how happy she is.
“She also mentioned that next year’s New Year celebration will be even livelier. She’s urging everyone to step up—those already married should start having babies, and the single ones need to find wives as soon as possible.”
Tatum chuckled. “Grandma is so ruthless! She chose a fiancée for me who lives so far away, and now I can’t even go home for the holidays. It’s like she doesn’t miss me at all.”
River laughed. “Come on, Brother Tatum, it’s not like anyone’s stopping you from coming back. If you really wanted to, even your boss wouldn’t have held you back. By the way, did you hear? Sister Liberty and Brother Duncan got their marriage certificate, and Mr. Julian is married too. It seems like all the single aristocrats around us are settling down.”
“They’re all married now?” Tatum asked. “What’s Grandma saying about that?”
“She hasn’t said much,” River replied. “She’s too happy about Brother Kevin bringing Sister-in-law Hayden home. As for Brother Evan, he still hasn’t returned. I think he’s embarrassed. He probably didn’t make any progress with the woman he’s chasing and doesn’t want to face Grandma.
“Brother Elian, on the other hand, is being unusually secretive. Not even our eldest brother knows who Grandma picked for him. But judging by how much he’s been smiling lately, I’d say he’s doing better than Evan.”
River continued, filling Tatum in on their brothers’ romantic pursuits. Finding a wife had become a family task, thanks to their grandmother’s persistence. River had already made a pact with Alex, their youngest brother: when the time came, they would trust Grandma’s judgment and avoid the mistakes Evan had made.
Evan’s situation served as a cautionary tale. He had pursued someone he liked, yet still didn’t know her full name. To the family, he was a failure.
“Brother Tatum,” River said, his tone turning playful, “how are things going with Sister-in-law Elora?”
Tatum laughed softly. “We haven’t made much progress. Your Sister-in-law Elora isn’t someone who falls easily. But I’m not in a rush. I’m by her side, and I’ll take my time. Sooner or later, she’ll fall for me.”
Tatum was confident. Even if he didn’t meet his grandmother’s one-year deadline to marry Elora, he was certain she wouldn’t hold it against him or cut him off from the family.
He had also observed Elora and her sisters during their playful conversations. They often joked about which men they found handsome, but beneath the humor, they were grounded and discerning. None of them would be swayed easily by superficial charm.
For Tatum, that was part of the challenge—and the allure.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3910
Chapter 3910
The Ormond sisters had clear criteria for their future partners. First, the man’s family background had to match their own illustrious lineage. Second, he needed to live in the same city or a neighboring one—no long-distance relationships for them.
Tatum had worked for Elora long enough to understand her personal requirements for a husband. Grandma had chosen Elora as his intended partner, and at first, Tatum thought it would be a smooth journey. But now, he realized just how complicated it was.
For starters, Elora wasn’t someone who fell in love easily. On top of that, her unwillingness to marry far from home was a significant obstacle.
Was he supposed to move in with her family?
He thought about his third sister-in-law, Hayden, who was also reserved and cool. But Hayden had a capable twin brother, Hugh, who could manage her family’s business. Elora, on the other hand, had a little brother, Alonzo, who was still in elementary school. It would take at least 20 years before Alonzo could take over the family’s responsibilities.
Tatum decided that once his relationship with Elora was more secure, he’d return home to discuss the situation with his family elders. If the Ormonds insisted on him joining their household, would his family agree? Even if he didn’t formally move in with them, he’d likely have to spend most of his time in Province X.
Adding to his worries was a middle-aged man named Labbe, who seemed to be targeting Elora and her sister Tinsley.
River, his younger brother, laughed over their voice call. “Brother Tatum, you’ve been gone so long, but you’re still stuck at square one.”
Tatum sighed, annoyed by River’s teasing. “Do you think it’s easy to win someone’s heart? Grandma’s choices for us aren’t exactly simple. Wait until she picks someone for you—you’ll see how hard it is.”
River chuckled. “That’s a problem for future me. The three of us are still young. I’ve got at least four more years of freedom, Alex can enjoy another five or six, and Rowan? He’s still a kid. We’re in the clear for now.”
River’s confidence brimmed as he continued. “I’m telling you, when my time comes, I won’t drag things out like you guys. I’ll go all in! I’ll claim love at first sight, launch a full-on passionate pursuit, and win her over with my charm. Strong women can’t resist persistent men, and I’m outstanding enough to pull it off. I’ll bet I can propose, get married, and throw a wedding all within six months!”
Tatum chuckled dryly. “Keep dreaming. Unless you go straight to getting a marriage certificate like our eldest brother and sister-in-law, you’re going to have to work for it. Grandma has a sharp eye. The women she picks are incredible, but they’re not easily impressed.”
He paused, the reality of his situation sinking in. “Honestly, I can’t even show Elora how I feel yet. To her, I’m just her private chef—someone she could replace tomorrow. If I confessed my feelings now, she’d fire me in an instant and kick me out of the Ormond household.”
River smirked. “If Grandma’s choice for me is down for a quick marriage, I’ll take a page out of Eldest Brother’s book. Marry first, fall in love later.”
The men of the York family had a strong sense of loyalty to both family and marriage. Once they tied the knot, they were committed for life—as long as their wives stayed faithful. Flash marriages weren’t a bad thing in their eyes; feelings could be cultivated over time.
“Look at Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law,” River added. “They’re a perfect example. Their relationship started with a flash marriage, and now they’re genuinely happy. But of course, it doesn’t work out for everyone. Some people rush into marriage only to realize they’re incompatible and end up divorced. There are plenty of those stories too.”
Tatum sighed. “I’m done. I’m taking a nap.”
Before River could say another word, Tatum hung up, cutting the conversation short. He didn’t have the energy to deal with his younger brother’s endless chatter anymore.