Married At First Sight Chapter 4031
Chapter 4031
The Ormond family’s history of misfortune had shaped their deep-seated caution—especially when it came to the idea of a son-in-law. Although there wasn’t one yet, their apprehension was evident in how Elora’s uncles were barred from having any say in the family business. The fear was simple: an outsider, even by marriage, might interfere too much or try to seize control of the Ormond fortune.
This mistrust extended to the women as well. Elora’s aunts were prohibited from meddling in the family’s affairs out of concern that they might be influenced or exploited by their in-laws if they let their guard down.
At 27, Elora hadn’t even entertained the idea of dating. She understood all too well that bringing a partner into the picture would trigger suspicion—not just from her elders but from herself as well.
She had seen too many cautionary tales of men who married into wealthy families, used their wives’ connections to amass fortunes, and then discarded them for younger, more glamorous women. Some had gone as far as seizing the family’s wealth entirely, leaving devastation in their wake.
Even with a match of equal status, Elora remained skeptical. The only scenario that felt safe was marrying into a family whose wealth surpassed hers and whose values were unimpeachable. So far, she hadn’t met anyone who fit that description. Most of the men she encountered were transparent in their pursuit of the Ormond fortune.
“I’ll run two more laps, then head back and get ready for work,” Elora said, breaking the silence.
She didn’t wait for Tatum’s response, jogging ahead of him with swift determination.
Tatum trailed her for a bit but decided to call it a morning after just one more lap. He needed to head back, shower, and prepare breakfast for Elora and her little brother, Alonzo.
About twenty minutes later, Elora returned to the main house.
She passed through the kitchen, where she found Tatum busy preparing breakfast. Standing in the doorway for a brief moment, she observed him, then quietly turned and went upstairs.
The house was still silent. Her parents were likely still asleep.
Once in her room, Elora changed into fresh clothes, tidied herself up, applied some light makeup, and prepared for the day. Before heading downstairs, she made a stop at her brother’s room.
Alonzo, still a child, wasn’t allowed to lock his door at night. The adults in the family often checked on him in the middle of the night to make sure he hadn’t kicked off his quilt. Even though the house was well-heated, the family insisted on covering him up, just for peace of mind. Sometimes, this habit left Alonzo waking up drenched in sweat.
“Alonzo, time to get up! You’ll be late for school,” Elora called as she walked into the room.
The little figure under the blanket stirred but didn’t emerge. Instead, he flipped over and pulled the quilt over his head, stubbornly resisting.
“Come on, Alonzo. It’s the first day back after winter break. You can’t stay home just because you had too much fun during vacation.”
Elora sighed as she moved closer to the bed. The school year had started earlier than usual, and most of the kids were still unwilling to leave the comfort of their homes. Parents everywhere were struggling to coax their children out of bed.
She sat down at the edge of the bed and gently tugged at the blanket. “Alonzo, I know you’re awake. Get up, change into your uniform, wash up, and come down for breakfast. Tatum’s already cooking. Don’t you love his food the most?”
A muffled voice emerged from under the covers. “Just ten more minutes, sis. Let me sleep for ten more minutes. I’ll get up after that, I promise.”
Elora’s tone softened, but her resolve stayed firm. “No ten more minutes. We don’t have time for that. Traffic is always a nightmare during rush hour, and if you’re late, it’ll ruin your day. Let’s go—get up now.”
Alonzo let out a dramatic groan, but Elora knew her little brother well. She smiled and stayed by his side, ready to ensure he got moving. The morning rush was just beginning.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4032
Chapter 4032
Elora knew that letting Alonzo sleep in would only set a bad precedent. If he got used to being late, it would become a habit—one she refused to let him develop.
“Sis, I won’t be late. When I get to school, there are still lots of classmates who aren’t there yet. Just ask the driver to drive faster,” Alonzo suggested, pouting.
Elora shook her head firmly. “Absolutely not. It’s not safe to speed. It doesn’t matter if your classmates are late; you can’t be late. Now, get up. If you don’t, I’m going to get mad.”
Alonzo groaned but didn’t move.
With an amused smile, Elora gently pinched his cheeks. “Come on, buddy. It’s just two more days of school, and then it’s the weekend. You’ll have two days to rest and do whatever you want.”
“The holidays are always too short,” Alonzo muttered, reluctantly sitting up. “It feels like winter break just started, and now school’s already here. Summer vacation is way better—it’s so much longer.”
Elora chuckled. “Two months of summer vacation, and you still think it’s not long enough. No matter how much time you have, it’s never enough for you, is it?”
She paused, softening her tone. “You’re still young, Alonzo. Right now, I’m letting you enjoy your childhood. You’ve got a couple more years to play and have fun before you’ll need to focus more on studying. Next week, though, we’ll need to reschedule your enrichment classes. Compared to some of your classmates, you’re taking very few right now. I’m not signing you up for too many because I want you to still enjoy being a kid, but we can’t neglect them either.”
Alonzo sighed dramatically. “Sister, can I skip the enrichment classes for one more week? Just one more?”
Elora tapped his forehead lightly with her finger. “What do you think?”
He groaned again, muttering under his breath, “Why do I have to learn so many things?”
Elora crouched down to meet his eyes. “You like spending time with Tatum, right? You think he’s amazing—how he knows everything and can do anything.”
Alonzo’s face lit up at the mention of Tatum. “Brother Tatum is awesome! He knows everything and always has new games and ideas when he takes Angelo and me out to play. Sister, can you give Brother Tatum two days off? Let him take us to the playground! Please?”
Elora couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm. She knew how much Alonzo and Angelo adored Tatum. Anytime Tatum was free, the boys clung to him, eager for adventures. Unfortunately, Tatum spent most of his time assisting Elora, which made his free time rare.
“Well,” Elora replied with a teasing smirk, “we’ll see. It depends.”
Alonzo beamed, sensing hope.
“Now, hurry up and get dressed. I’ll be waiting for you downstairs. Don’t keep me waiting too long,” she added, standing and smoothing out the blanket.
As Alonzo hopped off the bed, he asked, “Is Angelo awake yet?”
Elora glanced over her shoulder as she headed toward the door. “He’s probably up by now. He never sleeps in when there’s breakfast made by Tatum. Angelo works hard to be the first one up so he can come over and eat.”
Alonzo giggled. “He loves Tatum’s cooking more than anyone.”
With that, Alonzo hurried to get ready. Elora left the room, confident he’d join her soon. Angelo, she thought, was likely already on his way to the breakfast table—ready to savor Tatum’s creations as usual.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4033
Chapter 4033
As soon as Alonzo heard Angelo might arrive, he picked up his pace.
Before leaving his room, Elora reminded him, “When you go downstairs, double-check that you’ve got your schoolbag, books, and water bottle.”
Elora didn’t make a habit of helping Alonzo with such tasks. She firmly believed that he needed to take responsibility for his own belongings. Whenever their parents or the household staff tried to assist him, Elora would step in and firmly reprimand them.
Their parents, who had Alonzo later in life, were naturally inclined to spoil their only son. But Elora made sure to keep that in check, knowing that without discipline, Alonzo would grow up pampered beyond repair.
“I know, Sister!” Alonzo called back as he began brushing his teeth.
Satisfied, Elora left his room and headed downstairs. On the first floor, she spotted Angelo jogging in with his small schoolbag strapped to his back.
“Why are you running? Be careful not to fall,” Elora called out.
“Good morning, Sister!” Angelo greeted her cheerfully, slowing down and flashing her a bright smile.
Elora gestured for him to come over. “Come here.”
Angelo’s grin faltered. Thinking she was about to scold him, he approached cautiously, his little face full of seriousness. “Sister, I promise I’ll walk tomorrow instead of running,” he said earnestly. Then, as if pleading his case, he added, “I was just worried I wouldn’t have time for breakfast and might be late.”
Elora laughed softly and tousled his short hair. “You have breakfast at kindergarten. You won’t starve if you miss breakfast here.”
Both Angelo and Alonzo typically had breakfast at school. Ever since Tatum started preparing their meals at home, however, the brothers would eat a light breakfast there—just enough to satisfy them until morning exercises at school, when they’d eat again.
Alonzo, being an elementary school student, came home for lunch and dinner, as lower-grade students didn’t board at school. Angelo, still in kindergarten, stayed there for lunch but returned home in the evening.
But Angelo had his priorities. “If I skip breakfast here, I’ll only get to eat Brother Tatum’s cooking once a day,” he lamented, holding up a single finger for emphasis.
Elora couldn’t help but smile at his dramatics.
Tatum’s cooking was a hit not just with the brothers but also with Angelo’s classmates. Angelo would often bring Tatum’s snacks to kindergarten to share, basking in the admiration of his peers as they raved about how delicious everything was. Proudly, Angelo would tell them, “I get to eat the freshest and best snacks every day!”
Soon enough, word spread. Parents of Angelo’s classmates began calling Elora’s parents, asking where to buy these snacks that their children couldn’t stop talking about. When they learned the treats were made by Elora’s private chef, they could only sigh in envy. After all, Elora’s household had a reputation for being particular, especially in the culinary department.
Hearing about the buzz his snacks created, Tatum decided to turn it into an event. He promised Angelo he’d host a playdate on Saturday, making fresh, cartoon-shaped snacks for Angelo and his friends.
Angelo, ever the negotiator, pleaded with Elora now. “Sister, Brother Tatum already promised to make snacks for us this Saturday. You won’t say no, right? I already told my classmates, and they’re all excited to come over.”
His big eyes shone with hope as he looked up at her. “Sister, I’ve got to save face!”
Elora chuckled. “We’ll see, Angelo. First, let’s focus on getting through the day.”
With that, she gently guided him toward the dining room, where the aroma of Tatum’s cooking was already filling the air.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4034
Chapter 4034
Angelo feared that his strict older sister might refuse, leaving him in a very awkward position.
After all, once Brother Tatum had promised him, the kids in his kindergarten suddenly became a lot friendlier. They clearly wanted a chance to taste the cartoon-shaped snacks that Brother Tatum was so good at making.
But Brother Tatum was Elora’s personal chef, and if she didn’t approve, there wasn’t much he could do about it.
Elora, noticing Angelo’s anxious expression, lightly pinched his cheek. “Since Tatum already gave you his word, he has to follow through. I’ll be home this weekend, so I won’t stop you from having your playdate. But keep the noise down. If it gets too loud, take it to your house. I need my rest.”
Angelo’s face lit up, a wide smile spreading across his cheeks. “Thank you, Sister! I’ll make sure we don’t disturb you. I’ll tell my friends.”
Then, as if a new thought crossed his mind, he asked, “Sister, is my brother still not up?”
Elora smiled at his eagerness. She gently took Angelo’s little schoolbag from him. “Alonzo is still getting ready, but he’ll be down soon. Wait for him here for a few minutes. We’ll have breakfast together. I’ve got a client meeting today, and I’ll be passing by your kindergarten. I’ll take you to school.”
Angelo’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Really? That’s amazing!”
Elora chuckled. “When have I ever lied to you?”
With that, she walked to the sofa, set Angelo’s schoolbag down, and sat comfortably. On the coffee table, the servants had already placed the day’s freshly delivered newspapers. Her father had a habit of reading the news every morning, so the papers were always neatly arranged for him.
Elora picked one up and began flipping through it. She wasn’t much for idle waiting and preferred to keep herself occupied.
Meanwhile, Angelo couldn’t sit still. He quickly darted into the kitchen, where Tatum was finishing the breakfast preparations. Spotting the four plates neatly arranged, Angelo grinned and stepped forward. “Brother Tatum, let me help you!”
He eagerly grabbed his plate and carried it out to the dining table.
Tatum had prepared four breakfasts: two for Alonzo and Angelo, which were tailored to children’s tastes. They were fun, creative, and arranged in the shapes of small animals, making them both appealing and nutritious.
Elora’s breakfast, by contrast, was simple yet nutritious, designed to fit her busy lifestyle.
Tatum’s own meal reflected his roots. As a Wiltspoon native, he preferred a light breakfast—white porridge paired with a couple of fried side dishes. No matter how long he stayed in Province X, he held onto his hometown habits, sticking to the same routine every day.
As Tatum carried Elora and Alonzo’s breakfasts out, he asked Angelo, “Did your brother come downstairs yet?”
Angelo, already seated at the dining table, shook his head. “My sister said to wait for a few minutes, but I don’t eat as fast as my big brother, so I’ll start first.”
Tatum smiled, amused by the boy’s practicality.
The two younger Ormond brothers adored Tatum, and he had clearly earned their admiration and trust through his patience and kindness. All the time he’d spent bonding with the boys had been worth it, as their glowing praise was now a constant.
Elora, for all her strictness, deeply loved her younger brothers, and it didn’t escape her notice how well Tatum treated them. Her fondness for him grew stronger each day, and the rest of the Ormond family was following suit.
Even the elders of the Ormond clan, known for their discerning standards, had warmed to Tatum. They weren’t just impressed by his skills as a chef but also by the secret they had quietly uncovered:
Tatum wasn’t just a private chef. He was the sixth young master of the York family—the wealthiest family in Wiltspoon.
The York family, with its vast fortune worth hundreds of billions, was a cornerstone of Wiltspoon’s elite society. Their wealth spanned countless industries, and their legacy was rock-solid. The family was also known for its strong traditions and values, producing generations of remarkable individuals.
And Tatum, with his eight equally impressive brothers, was no exception.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4035
Chapter 4035
Tatum placed two plates of breakfast on the dining table, then walked over to Elora, who was still absorbed in the newspaper. “Miss, breakfast is ready,” he said politely.
“I’m coming, I’m coming,” came Alonzo’s voice from the stairs.
Elora glanced up just in time to see him sprinting down the stairs, dragging his small schoolbag behind him.
“Alonzo!” she called sharply.
He froze mid-step, immediately straightened up, and slung his schoolbag onto his back. Then, with exaggerated care, he walked down the stairs one step at a time, trying not to draw any further scolding from his sister.
It was clear the two little brothers shared similar mischievous streaks.
“Good morning, Sister. Good morning, Brother Tatum,” Alonzo greeted respectfully once he reached the dining area.
Elora gave him a stern look. “If I catch you running down the stairs like that again, I’ll punish you. No food made by Tatum for an entire week.”
Alonzo’s eyes widened. “Sister, a week is way too long!” he protested instinctively.
Her expression didn’t soften. “And now you’re bargaining with me? That must mean you don’t want to change your ways. Fine, make it a month.”
Alonzo sighed dramatically. “Alright, alright. I’ll change, okay? I was just trying to save time, that’s all. But Sister, you’re so good at bargaining—you always win!”
Elora’s sharp glare silenced his attempt at humor. For a moment, Alonzo straightened up and looked serious. But then he stuck out his tongue playfully and darted behind Tatum for cover.
Several of their sisters doted on Tatum, and Alonzo thought that siding with him was a clever move. If he ever got into trouble, maybe Tatum would plead on his behalf.
Tatum raised an eyebrow at the scene, clearly unimpressed. “You think I have thick thighs to cling to, huh? Let me tell you something: I’m on your sister’s side. If you’re banking on me pleading for you, it’d be better to just fix those bad habits now.”
Alonzo peeked out from behind him, clearly unsure if Tatum was joking.
Elora crossed her arms. “Go eat your breakfast and don’t be late for school. I’ll let you off this time, but if you pull another stunt like that, even Tatum won’t be able to save you. He listens to me.”
Alonzo glanced up at Tatum for confirmation.
Tatum offered a sheepish smile. “Your sister’s right. I’m her private chef, after all. I follow her orders. You’re lucky you even get to eat the food I make, and that’s only because she allows it. For your own good, listen to her.”
Alonzo groaned dramatically. “Brother Tatum, you’re afraid of her too!”
Elora set the newspaper aside. “If you keep chatting here, don’t come crying to me when you’re late.”
As soon as the words left her mouth, Alonzo turned and bolted toward the dining table.
Elora shook her head. “That kid is getting naughtier by the day.”
Tatum chuckled. “Kids are like that. They love to play, but Alonzo and Angelo are both good boys. They know where the line is. Sure, they make mistakes sometimes, but so do we. No one’s perfect—not even adults.”
He genuinely admired the two young Ormond brothers. Despite being showered with love and privileges, they remained down-to-earth and well-behaved. They reminded him a lot of Rowan when he was younger.
Tatum smiled at the thought. Rowan, the youngest of the York siblings, had always been a handful. With eight accomplished older brothers above him, Rowan had been both spoiled and disciplined in equal measure. Growing up under their watchful eyes, he’d been mischievous but never crossed the line.
Tatum turned to Elora. “Miss, let’s have breakfast.”
“Alright,” Elora said as she rose from the sofa.
She joined her two younger brothers at the dining table, where breakfast was laid out in front of them. Tatum, however, returned to the kitchen to eat his own meal.
Elora had invited him to sit at the table with them, but Tatum politely declined. “I’m just the chef, Miss. The kitchen works just fine for me,” he’d said.
And with that, the siblings ate together while Tatum quietly enjoyed his breakfast in the kitchen.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4036
Chapter 4036
Tatum never forgot his role as Elora’s personal chef, no matter how much respect or admiration he earned from the Ormond family. His professionalism and adherence to boundaries only deepened Elora’s admiration for him.
Despite being the sixth young master of the York family, one of the wealthiest families in Wiltspoon, Tatum had completely set aside his prestigious identity after becoming Elora’s personal chef. He approached his job with focus and humility, leaving no room for arrogance or entitlement.
When Tatum finished his breakfast, Elora and her two younger brothers had already finished theirs as well. He stepped out of the kitchen to clear the table.
Angelo slid off his chair, a mischievous grin lighting up his face. “Brother, guess what? Eldest Sister said she’s passing by our kindergarten today. She’s taking me to school,” he said, clearly enjoying the chance to boast.
Alonzo, his older brother, glanced at Elora with envy. However, she didn’t spare him a glance as she said flatly, “It’s not on my way to the elementary school.”
Alonzo muttered under his breath, “Eldest Sister barely ever takes me to school.”
Elora stood up and started walking out of the dining room. Angelo trailed after her, turning back briefly to stick his tongue out at Alonzo before grabbing his small schoolbag and hurrying after her.
Alonzo scowled at the scene. “What’s there to brag about? She’ll probably lecture you the whole way there!” he called after them.
Tatum chuckled as he picked up the plates. “Want me to take you to school instead?”
Alonzo shook his head. “No thanks.”
As much as he liked Tatum, no one could replace Elora.
Carrying his schoolbag, Alonzo headed out on his own. Outside, the family’s chauffeur and two bodyguards were already waiting to escort him to school.
Tatum walked Alonzo to the door, watched him climb into the car, and then returned inside. He headed straight for the kitchen to wash the dishes and prepare breakfast for Mr. and Mrs. Ormond.
Technically, it wasn’t part of his job description, but Mrs. Ormond was his potential future mother-in-law. Naturally, he wanted to leave a good impression, winning her over with small gestures of care and effort. The better she thought of him, the less opposition he would face in pursuing a future with Elora.
Tatum wasn’t worried about whether he met the Ormond family’s standards—he certainly did. His only concern was the physical distance between their lives. He feared the Ormonds might be reluctant to let Elora marry into a family far away.
For now, though, life with the Ormonds was calm and uneventful. And in that calm, Tatum carefully, patiently, nurtured his relationship with Elora.
Far away in Huyoniville, Evan York wasn’t enjoying the same peace.
At the moment, Evan stood outside the headquarters of the Du Group.
It was business hours, and only a handful of employees passed in and out of the building, either arriving late or heading out on assignments.
Adalee, the head of Du Group, hadn’t bothered to meet Evan herself. Instead, she had instructed the security guard on duty to hand him a large bag of freshly cleaned peppers. To add insult to injury, her live-streaming team had already set up the equipment, ready to broadcast Evan’s humiliating challenge.
All Evan had to do now was take his seat, start eating the peppers, and endure the consequences.
As the security guard handed him the bag, he asked cheerfully, “Mr. York, would you like a basket? It might be easier for you to eat if we pour them out.”
Evan glanced at him, trying to suppress his irritation. “You have a basket?”
The guard smiled wider. “Of course, Mr. York. We’ve got one ready for you. Let me grab it.”
Adalee’s petty genius was on full display. Everyone at Du Group knew their president could hold a grudge like no other. She wasn’t going to let Evan get away with the trouble he’d caused.
Rumor had it that Evan York couldn’t handle spicy food—he had a famously light palate back in Wiltspoon. But here he was, cornered into eating peppers live on camera, all to appease Adalee and her sense of justice.
Why? Because of Abby.
Evan had hurt Abby, Du Group’s vice president, in the past. Now that he wanted to reconcile with her, Adalee wasn’t going to make it easy. She demanded that Evan “earn” his way back into Abby’s good graces, starting with this humiliating punishment.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4037
Chapter 4037
The security guard handed a basket to Evan.
Evan accepted it, poured the bag of chili peppers inside, and walked over to face the camera as instructed by the live broadcast team. With a determined expression, he began, “Last year, I unintentionally hurt Abby’s self-esteem. That was my mistake, and I sincerely apologize to her.
“Abby doesn’t want anything to do with me right now. Miss Adalee told me that if I eat chili peppers live on camera, I’ll be allowed to come here every day to wait for Abby. I don’t eat spicy food—honestly, I’m terrified of it. But to see Abby and have a chance to ask for her forgiveness, I’m willing to take on Miss Adalee’s challenge.”
The live broadcast team exchanged speechless glances.
Adalee hadn’t prepared a script for Evan, yet he went ahead and explained the entire situation himself. Was that allowed?
Someone discreetly sent Adalee a message for clarification. Her response was simple: Evan could say whatever he wanted. He knew where the boundaries were.
If he crossed the line or made a wrong move, he wouldn’t just fail to win Abby back—he’d drive her even further away.
With trembling hands, Evan grabbed a handful of chili peppers and stuffed them into his mouth. The fiery heat hit him instantly, making him want to spit them out. His face turned red as he struggled to chew, but he refused to back down.
It felt like his mouth was on fire.
After several agonizing minutes, Evan mustered the courage to grab a second handful and shove them into his mouth.
The live stream of Evan eating chili peppers was broadcast to everyone in the Du Group via their mobile phones. Adalee even shared the live feed in several work chat groups, instructing everyone to take five minutes to watch—but no longer, to avoid disrupting productivity.
Beyond the Du Group, the stream reached the entire Du family and the York family, including their relatives all the way in Wiltspoon.
Adalee had gone as far as obtaining Grandma York’s contact information, adding the elderly matriarch on WhatsApp, and forwarding the live stream directly to her.
Grandma York, ever the fan of drama, immediately shared the live broadcast in the family group chat. Now, the entire York family could witness the spectacle of the fourth young master’s “first checkpoint” on his road to redemption—a public chili-eating challenge orchestrated by the eldest lady of the Du family.
As Grandma York watched Evan’s struggle, she turned to Rosella, saying, “He’s eating way too slowly. It’s been several minutes, and he’s only managed two handfuls. Look at him—he’s already sweating bullets. When is he going to finish that entire basket of peppers?”
Evan was Callum’s younger brother and Rosella’s second son. Naturally, Rosella had tuned in to the live stream as well. Nodding, she agreed, “You’re right. At this pace, Abby won’t be moved at all. If he really wants to show sincerity, he needs to keep eating until his face turns bright red, his tears are streaming, and his lips are swollen. That’s the only way Abby might feel sorry for him and step in to stop him.”
The only person who could stop Evan from this self-inflicted punishment was Abby herself.
“Rosella,” Grandma York said, “go to the comments section and tell him to eat faster and take bigger bites. As long as it’s not dangerous, he needs to push through. We need everyone in the comments to cheer him on and send him virtual gifts to encourage him.”
“The Du family will step in once he’s had enough. But if he keeps dragging this out, they’ll think he’s not serious about apologizing.”
Grandma York added, “Don’t mention the part about sincerity—just tell him to eat faster and more. Get everyone on board.”
Without missing a beat, Grandma York sent Evan a virtual gift herself.
Rosella chuckled. “Got it, Mom. I’ll comment just like you said.”
Married At First Sight Chapter 4038
Chapter 4038
As Evan’s biological mother, Rosella didn’t hold back. She posted a comment during the live stream, urging him to eat more chili peppers and eat faster. With a tone of disdain, she remarked that his slow pace made the broadcast unbearably dull.
She wasn’t shy about her disappointment. Evan’s inability to win Abby back frustrated her, and even his effort at eating chili peppers seemed lacking compared to others.
To drive her point home, she sent virtual gifts, each one paired with a message pushing him to eat more and pick up the pace.
Seeing Rosella’s actions, the rest of the York family jumped on the bandwagon. After all, if even the family matriarch and Evan’s own mother were involved, how could they not follow suit? Comments flooded in, urging Evan to keep eating, and gifts poured in as a show of encouragement.
Evan, already overwhelmed by the unbearable spiciness, glanced at the screen and saw the barrage of comments and gifts from his family. Through the haze of burning pain, he seemed to grasp the message they were sending: he had to go all in.
Driven by their unspoken challenge, he grabbed handfuls of chili peppers and shoved them into his mouth. The fiery heat brought tears streaming down his face, and his lips swelled from the relentless assault of spice.
Meanwhile, Abby was watching the live stream. Seeing the comments and Evan’s desperate effort, her heart ached.
Unable to take it any longer, she turned off the live stream. But even with the broadcast off, she couldn’t focus. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions, and her heart felt heavy.
Minutes later, unable to suppress her feelings, she tossed her pen aside, stood up, and pushed her chair back. Without hesitation, she strode out of her office.
As soon as she stepped into the hallway, she came face-to-face with her sister, Adalee.
“Elder sister,” Abby called out.
Adalee, fully aware of the situation, smiled knowingly. “Abby, heading out?”
Abby hesitated for a moment before blurting out, “He’s eaten so many chili peppers already. He doesn’t even eat spicy food. Eating that much at once could hurt his stomach.”
Despite everything, Abby couldn’t help but feel sorry for Evan.
Adalee’s smile widened. “If you feel bad for him, go stop him. He’s done enough. For someone who can’t handle spice, what he’s eaten so far is more than enough.”
Adalee had never intended for Evan to finish the entire basket of chili peppers. She simply wanted to make things difficult for him and gauge how sincere he was about winning Abby back. As long as Evan was willing to endure the challenge, she was prepared to let him off the hook—at least for now.
Of course, this was just the first test.
In the past, Evan’s pursuit of Abby had been smooth sailing. Their family had been impressed with his background—he came from the prestigious York family, the wealthiest in Wiltspoon—and his initial efforts had been commendable.
Adalee herself had investigated Evan and concluded he was a good match for Abby. If they ended up together, Abby would likely be very happy. The York family’s values and traditions had also earned the approval of the Du family elders.
But then Evan ruined everything. After spending a couple of months pursuing Abby and stirring her heart, he abruptly declared that he couldn’t fall in love with her.
For Abby, a woman of pride and confidence, the rejection was a crushing blow. Though she didn’t outwardly express her pain, Adalee and the rest of the family could see it. Their hearts broke for her.
Out of loyalty and love for Abby, Adalee and her family had even considered flying to Wiltspoon to confront Evan and hold him accountable. But Abby had stopped them.
Instead, she took a leave of absence, flew to Wiltspoon herself, and tried to resolve things directly with Evan.
When she returned, Abby insisted that there had never been anything official between them. They hadn’t publicly declared a relationship, so there was nothing to break off. But Adalee knew better—Abby was still thinking about Evan.
Despite their instincts to intervene, the family had respected Abby’s wishes and stayed out of it.
But now that Evan was making the effort to come back and win Abby over, Adalee and the others were no longer willing to stand idly by.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4039
Chapter 4039
“Sister, are you here for something?” Abby asked anxiously, glancing toward the stairs. She was eager to stop Evan from eating more chili peppers but still turned her attention to Adalee.
Adalee raised an eyebrow. “Of course, I’m here for work. But it’s going to take some time. So, what’s it going to be—handle work with me first, or go downstairs and save Evan from the chili peppers?”
Abby hesitated briefly before making her choice. “I’ll stop Evan first.”
Adalee had already guessed Abby’s decision. She sighed inwardly. Abby was utterly wrapped around Evan’s finger, though it wasn’t as one-sided as it seemed. Evan was just as deeply tied to Abby, willingly caught in her grasp.
But Evan wasn’t in love with Abby’s true self; he was drawn to the version of her she chose to show him. And yet, that version was still Abby, wasn’t it?
Thankfully, Evan’s heart belonged to Abby’s persona. If he had chosen another woman, Adalee wouldn’t have accepted Abby going back to him. The daughters of the Du family weren’t meant to retreat for anyone.
“Sister, give me ten minutes,” Abby said before hurrying off.
“Alright,” Adalee replied. “I’ll wait in your office. Or, if you prefer, you can come to mine later.”
“I’ll come to yours,” Abby called out as she headed for the stairs.
Adalee watched her sister disappear. She turned to Abby’s secretary, a thoughtful look in her eyes. “Your vice president is still hung up on Evan York.”
The secretary nodded. “Mr. York is the first man she’s ever fallen for. He used to treat her like a queen. Honestly, I don’t think any woman could resist his kind of attention.”
“True,” Adalee said with a faint smile. “Handsome, wealthy, capable, and thoughtful—he checks all the boxes. No wonder Abby fell for him. It’s good to see that Evan knows what he’s doing now.”
She paused, her tone softening. “After everything they’ve been through—the separation, the heartache—they’re finally back together. I think they’ll cherish each other even more now.”
The secretary added confidently, “Our vice president is sharp. She won’t let herself get hurt.”
Adalee’s expression shifted, her eyes turning steely. “If Evan dares hurt Abby again, I’ll make sure he regrets it.”
Her tone left no room for argument. She wasn’t just Abby’s sister—she was her fiercest protector. No one messed with the Du family without facing consequences.
Meanwhile, Abby was oblivious to their conversation. She was already in the elevator, rushing downstairs. As soon as the doors opened, she sprinted through the lobby.
Her staff barely caught a glimpse of her, a blur of motion as she darted past them.
“… Did anyone else just see that?” one of them asked.
Another replied, “Vice President Du is fast—definitely lives up to her martial arts background.”
When Abby neared the main doors, she abruptly slowed her pace, strolling out casually.
The staff exchanged knowing glances. “She doesn’t have to pretend. We all know she’s quick as lightning.”
They all knew the truth: the vice president still cared deeply for Mr. York.
Outside, Evan was in a bad way. His lips were swollen, his face flushed, and his eyes were brimming with tears from the spiciness. Yet, he stubbornly reached for another handful of chili peppers.
Before he could pop them into his mouth, a slender hand intercepted him.
“That’s enough.”
Abby’s voice was cold as she pried his fingers open, letting the peppers fall to the ground.
“Evan,” she said firmly, “you’ve eaten more than enough. If you keep going, you’ll make yourself seriously sick.”
Evan looked at her, tears streaming down his face.
Seeing his swollen lips and pitiful expression, Abby’s heart softened. She couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt.
“Abby…” Evan sniffled.
She sighed, pulling out a tissue and handing it to him. “Here. Wipe your tears and snot. People are going to think you’re crying for real.”
Then she turned to the bystanders. “Get him a glass of warm water.”
Someone quickly handed over a large glass, and Abby watched as Evan sipped it, still sniffling.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4040
Chapter 4040
Abby handed Evan a cup of warm water. “Drink this,” she said firmly.
Evan obediently took the cup and gulped it down in one go. The fiery sensation in his mouth eased slightly, though it was still overwhelming.
“Abby,” he croaked, his voice hoarse, “your sister told me to finish all these peppers. I haven’t even eaten half of them yet.”
He glanced at the basket of peppers, his stomach turning at the sight. Evan had never eaten anything this spicy in his entire life.
Right now, his throat felt like it was on fire, and his voice was barely audible. He was starting to regret every decision that had led to this moment.
The cold climate in Huyoniville made it more tolerable to eat spicy food daily, but not in the excessive amounts he had consumed. If he were back in Wiltspoon, this level of spiciness would have landed him with a severe case of throat inflammation, gastroenteritis, and a whole day spent confined to the bathroom.
Abby looked at him with a mix of frustration and concern. “You don’t need to eat anymore,” she said firmly. “I already told my sister, and she agreed.”
She poured him another glass of water. “Drink this. Once you’re done, I’m taking you to the hospital.”
Evan’s face paled at the mention of a hospital. “I… cough, cough… I’m fine,” he insisted, though his coughing fit betrayed him.
Abby didn’t buy his bravado. After he drained the second glass, she grabbed his arm and dragged him toward her car. “Get in,” she ordered, pointing to the passenger seat.
Evan had no choice but to comply, his body too weak to argue. Abby got behind the wheel, determined to get him checked out as quickly as possible.
Work? That could wait. She had more pressing matters to deal with.
Back at Du Group’s headquarters, Adalee stood in the top-floor president’s office, peering through a telescope at the company entrance. She watched as Abby practically hauled Evan into her car and drove off.
Adalee sent Abby a quick message: Where are you taking him?
Abby responded with a voice message: “Sister, I’m taking him to the hospital.”
Adalee sighed, shaking her head. Was Evan really this fragile when it came to spicy food?
He hadn’t even eaten a quarter of the peppers in that basket—barely a tenth, really. But for someone who wasn’t used to spicy food, even that much was clearly too much.
Deciding not to push the matter further, Adalee put her phone away.
Meanwhile, back in Wiltspoon, Evan’s grandmother had been watching the live stream. She saw Abby storm in, stop Evan from eating more peppers, and couldn’t help but comment. “Abby’s too soft-hearted. Let the boy eat more; he deserves it.”
Despite her harsh words, the old lady was secretly relieved that Abby had stepped in.
Rosella, Evan’s mother, echoed the sentiment. “He brought this on himself,” she said dryly, though her tone held a hint of gratitude. Seeing her son with swollen lips, tears streaming down his face, coughing and sneezing uncontrollably, tugged at her maternal heartstrings.
But she knew Evan had to endure this if he wanted a chance to win Abby back. Adalee wasn’t going to make it easy for him, and Rosella didn’t blame her.
“He should’ve listened to his grandmother,” Rosella muttered under her breath. “She warned him not to make decisions he’d regret. Now look at him.”
The old lady had always been direct, and her warnings had carried weight. But Evan, being stubborn, ignored them and was now paying the price.
“I like Abby a lot,” Rosella continued. “If Evan doesn’t win her back this time, I won’t let him come home—even without my mother’s intervention.”
Rosella’s admiration for Abby ran deep. The second lady of the Du family from Huyoniville was handpicked by her own mother-in-law for Evan. Despite the distance between Huyoniville and Wiltspoon, Abby had proven herself to be exceptional.
Rosella had never objected to her eldest son Callum’s marriage to Camryn, even though Camryn was blind. And now, seeing how well Camryn had adapted and thrived, Rosella respected her even more.
Abby, on the other hand, was a completely different kind of daughter-in-law—poised, skilled, and trained by none other than the legendary Silver Fox. To Rosella, Abby was the perfect match for Evan, if only her son could prove himself worthy of her.