Married At First Sight Chapter 4261
Chapter 4261
When asked about his fiancée, Tatum refused to tell Elora. If it had been someone else, he wouldn’t have hesitated. His explanation made sense, but Elora felt he was hiding something. If the fiancée was her, his secrecy would be understandable.
Old Lady York met Elora’s gaze.
She was exactly the kind of granddaughter-in-law she had hoped for.
She appreciated Elora’s directness.
Instead of answering immediately, she asked, “Why do you think Tatum’s fiancée is you?”
Elora laid out her reasoning, one point at a time.
Her analysis was sharp and logical—anyone listening would be convinced that she was, in fact, Tatum’s fiancée.
Finally, she said, “Old Lady York, you met me a long time ago, yet I have no memory of it. I have every reason to believe that you were secretly observing me, evaluating my character on Tatum’s behalf.”
She had heard from Tatum himself that in the York family, character was the most important trait in a wife.
Of course, given the York family’s status, their sons typically married women of equal standing.
To find a granddaughter-in-law who was both a good match and of good character, Old Lady York would go to great lengths.
Before coming here, Elora had asked her friends to investigate the young women in the York family. She learned that they all came from prestigious backgrounds.
Only the eldest young lady had faced a few hardships, but she too was from a wealthy lineage.
Elora pressed on. “Old Lady York, can you give me a straight answer?”
The old lady smiled, reached out, and took Elora’s hand. “Elora, that’s between you and Tatum. If you love each other, whether or not it was planned, as long as you come together, I will give you my blessing. I will also accept it wholeheartedly. I’m a very open-minded old lady. My sons and daughters-in-law are the same—we don’t interfere in our children’s private lives.”
When children are raised well, being an elder becomes much easier. There’s no need to worry about every little thing.
With those words, Old Lady York had essentially given Elora her answer.
The weight in her heart finally lifted.
No wonder Tatum had traveled thousands of miles to work as her private chef. He already had a thriving career. As the sixth young master of the York family, he had status and prestige, yet he willingly humbled himself for this role. He respected her and performed his duties as a chef with sincerity.
If her friend Rosie hadn’t gone to Wiltspoon and uncovered details about the York family, Elora wouldn’t have known that Tatum was actually a wealthy young master.
The only reason he could put himself in such a position was his love for cooking. But perhaps the bigger reason was that his grandmother had arranged for him to pursue her.
Why hadn’t he just told her?
Maybe he was afraid she would reject him and fire him.
He had been so good to her—his plan was likely to make her fall for him first. Once she did, confessing the truth would be easier, and she would be more likely to accept it.
If he hadn’t overheard that Old Lady York was involved in choosing his wife, he might never have revealed that she had orchestrated everything and sent him to win her over.
Elora’s emotions were all over the place.
Knowing she was chosen as Tatum’s fiancée brought her relief—she did have feelings for him.
But at the same time, she felt uneasy. Tatum had approached her with a hidden agenda. She had asked him multiple times, yet he had withheld the full truth. It felt like deception.
Elora stayed silent, and Old Lady York studied her expression carefully.
Would Tatum end up having to chase his wife to the ends of the earth?
“Old Lady York.”
Elora suddenly spoke, and the old lady immediately straightened up, sitting upright like a schoolgirl in class.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4262
Chapter 4262
Old lady York smiled warmly at Elora. “Elora, if you have something to say, go ahead. I’m listening.”
Facing old lady York’s kind and gentle demeanor, Elora’s expression softened, and her voice grew quieter, almost tender.
“Old lady York, thank you for thinking so highly of me. Since you’ve chosen me for Tatum, I assume you know about my family situation.”
Old lady York nodded without hesitation.
She knew everything.
She made it a point to understand the background of every potential granddaughter-in-law.
“I can’t marry someone who lives far away,” Elora admitted honestly. “If Tatum and I are together, he’d have to live with my family. I’m very particular about certain things—like having him around for my meals. That means he wouldn’t be able to leave for long periods, and his visits back home would be short. Tatum is your grandson, someone you’ve raised with care. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, I wouldn’t ask him to live with my family.”
If Tatum married Elora and stayed in Annenburg long-term, it would essentially mean he was living with her family. While some families might accept that, it’s not common, especially in a family as prominent as the Yorks.
Old lady York responded calmly, “When children grow up, they go where life takes them—whether for love or work. How many people leave their hometowns and settle elsewhere? Tatum’s job is already in your city, so it’s natural for him to live there. Even if he comes back less often in the future, that’s okay. We can always visit. I’m old, but his parents are still young. They can easily take a plane to see you for the next 20 years.
“By then, your responsibilities will lighten. Whether you choose to stay there or return to Wiltspoon will be entirely up to you.”
After all, it’s not uncommon for children to move to big cities for work, settle down, and rarely return home. Some only visit during the holidays, while others might not go back for years.
Elora hesitated, then asked, “old lady York, can you really speak for your son and daughter-in-law on this?”
Old lady York smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry about that. My son and daughter-in-law are very open-minded. They won’t object. Besides, it’s not like you’ll never come back. I believe that even after marriage, you’ll be a wonderful wife.”
Old lady York trusted her judgment. She had never been wrong about the women she chose for her grandsons. If she hadn’t approved of their character, she wouldn’t have agreed to the marriages in the first place. She was open-minded but had her standards.
“Elora, you like my Tatum, don’t you?” old lady York’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Elora didn’t shy away. “I do. This is the first time I’ve felt this way about someone. I don’t want it to be one-sided or end in separation, which is why I needed to know who Tatum’s fiancée is.”
That’s why she had come here today, even if it felt a little forward.
“Tatum is much easier to handle than his brother, Zack,” Old lady York said with a chuckle. “Zack’s a tough nut to crack, but Tatum is gentle, patient, and an excellent cook. He’s perfect for you.”
If Elora weren’t so particular, old lady York wouldn’t have considered pairing her with Tatum in the first place.
Elora smiled faintly. “Even the toughest men have a soft side when it comes to the right person.”
Old lady York nodded in agreement. “Exactly. Seren has Zack wrapped around her finger.”
Elora thought to herself, And isn’t Serenity just as wrapped around Zachary?
Married At First Sight Chapter 4263
Chapter 4263
The old lady York said, “Elora, Tatum has his reasons for keeping quiet. When you go back, don’t argue with him—just talk things through.”
Elora smiled. “I won’t argue with him. I already suspected this outcome. I just came here to confirm it.”
Since she had anticipated it, she was mentally prepared, making it easier to accept.
“Tatum didn’t intentionally hide his identity, did he?” the old lady York asked.
After what happened with Zachary, his brothers should have learned from his mistakes.
After a brief pause, Elora replied, “He didn’t deliberately hide it, but he also didn’t go out of his way to say it. If I hadn’t asked, he wouldn’t have told me.”
She had investigated Tatum twice and still hadn’t uncovered his true identity.
Elora felt a bit embarrassed about it—almost ashamed.
The old lady York defended her grandson. “If you didn’t ask, he had no reason to tell you. He can’t just go around announcing to everyone that he’s the sixth young master of the York family in Wiltspoon and expect special treatment.”
Elora chuckled. “That’s true.”
“If you had known he was the sixth young master of my York family, would you still have hired him?” the old lady York asked curiously.
Elora replied, “Yes. He applied for the job, and his background had nothing to do with it. As long as he could cook well and his food satisfied me, I would’ve hired him no matter who he was. To be honest, I think the sixth young master is more passionate about cooking than chasing after a wife.”
The old lady York smiled. “Has his cooking improved? Help him refine his skills. The more he values you, the more he’ll be drawn to you.”
She knew her grandson well.
If Elora didn’t challenge Tatum, he might not fall for her. He could end up rejecting the match, just as Evan had done before.
“Elora, you and Tatum are a great match. When you go back, talk to him. Enjoy a happy, sweet romance. Work is important, but take some time to date Tatum. Go out, spend time together, fall in love.”
Elora’s face flushed. She had no experience with romance. She had never even imagined being in love and had no idea what dating felt like.
Was love really sweet and joyful?
She liked Tatum, but she was always so busy with work that she never had time to explore what it meant to love someone.
“Old lady York, stop teasing me,” Elora said.
The old lady York shook her head. “I’m not teasing you. I’m telling you to balance work and life. Don’t spend all your time working—you’ll never make enough money to feel satisfied. Learn to relax. You’ve already survived the hardest times. Now, it’s okay to slow down a little.”
She took Elora’s hand and said with concern, “Look at you—you’re too thin. You’re overworking yourself.”
Elora reassured her. “Old lady York, I’ve actually gained weight. Ever since Tatum became my private chef, he’s been making sure I eat well every day. He cooks delicious meals for me, and I haven’t had a stomachache in a long time. I’ve gained weight because I’m eating regular, balanced meals.”
She had been thinner before. Compared to then, she had put on a little weight.
“You have a perfect figure—not fat at all,” the old lady York said, standing up. “Elora, let’s keep walking. Since you’re here, treat it as a break, a little vacation. Don’t think about work. Your sisters are independent now. Even if you’re not at the company, everything will be fine. Enjoy this rare moment to rest. Sometimes, you need to take a step back. Your health is the most important thing.”
The old lady York took Elora’s hand and led her out of the pavilion.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4264
Chapter 4264
As they walked, old lady York shared her health and wellness tips with Elora.
Suddenly, old lady York’s phone rang. She let go of Elora’s hand, pulled out her phone, and glanced at the caller ID. With a smile, she said to Elora, “It’s Tatum. He probably guessed you came to see me. That boy’s sharp.”
She had nine grandchildren, and not a single one was lacking in intelligence. old lady York took great pride in the smarts of her children and grandchildren.
While some families might not always produce standout generations, the York family seemed to defy the odds. Each generation outshone the last, as if their ancestors were constantly looking out for them.
Old lady York answered the call.
“Grandma, have you gone home yet?” Tatum asked. “Are you still at FC Manor?”
Old lady York replied, “Jasmine just gave birth, and I thought about going back to see her. But when I heard it was a boy, I decided to wait. I’ll go back for the full moon celebration. Tell your dad and the others to prepare some nutritional supplements and send them to the Bucham family.”
The Yorks and the Buchams were close. old lady York treated Josh like her own grandson and had a soft spot for Jasmine. With Jasmine having a baby, it was only natural for the Yorks to send gifts.
Tatum chuckled. “Grandma, you really do prefer girls over boys. This is Brother Josh’s first child, though. Shouldn’t it be special? You didn’t even go back to see him.”
Old lady York waved it off. “Everyone knows I’m on vacation. If I don’t go back right away, no one will think twice about it.”
Besides, the newborn was a Bucham, not a York. old lady York could visit whenever she pleased. Even if she skipped the full moon celebration, no one would question her.
“I’ll go back when your sister-in-law is about to give birth,” Old lady York added. “That’ll be my first great-grandson.”
Tatum laughed. “I’ll take a couple of days off then too. He’ll be my first nephew, after all.”
Old lady York glanced at Elora standing beside her and teased Tatum, “Can you even take time off? Miss Ormond can’t seem to function without you. What if she gets hungry while you’re gone?”
Tatum replied, “I’ve trained my colleagues. They’re chefs too, and with a few pointers from me, they can whip up the same dishes. Miss Ormond will manage for a couple of days. If she’s free and willing to come back to Wiltspoon with me, that’d be even better. She’s been showing more interest in our hometown lately. I just don’t know if she’d accept the invitation. She’s always so busy. If she only has two or three days, she won’t get much rest and might end up more exhausted.”
His voice softened. “I’d feel bad about that.”
Old lady York shot Elora a knowing smile and said to Tatum, “Anyway, why did you call? Let’s not get sidetracked.”
After a brief pause, Tatum asked hesitantly, “Grandma, did Miss Ormond come to see you?”
Old lady York feigned innocence. “Why do you ask?”
“I just had a feeling,” Tatum admitted. “Miss Ormond isn’t on a business trip, but she hasn’t been home these past couple of days. She handed over her company duties to her sisters. Plus, she asked me a lot of questions about my fiancée the other night. I think she might’ve guessed that she’s the one you picked for me. Miss Ormond’s sharp.”
Old lady York sidestepped his question and asked instead, “What’s your attitude toward Elora? Do you like her?”
Without hesitation, Tatum answered, “I came here for her. I’m devoted to her, so of course I like her.”
Tatum wasn’t like Evan.
Well, Evan wasn’t a playboy, but he’d been fooled by Abby.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4265
Chapter 4265
“If you’re in love with her, why are you still keeping it a secret? If she asks, just tell her the truth.” The old lady York’s smile faded as she reminded Tatum, “Don’t make the same mistake as your older brother. He kept it hidden until his wife found out by accident—and nearly left him over it.”
Tatum hesitated, then admitted, “Grandma, I’m afraid that if I tell her, she’ll fire me. If that happens, and I have to leave the Ormond family, I won’t have a chance to see her anymore. She’s always so busy—she wouldn’t go out of her way for me.”
His voice softened. “I want to wait until she has feelings for me, until we fall in love. Then I’ll tell her the truth—that she’s the one you chose for me. That I traveled all this way, not just to be her private chef, but to pursue her. Cooking for her isn’t just about making sure she eats well—it’s about building something real between us.”
A marriage without love wouldn’t last.
If there were no feelings, neither of them would go through with it.
The old lady York smiled knowingly. “Your concerns make sense. From what I know about Elora, if she had known your real intentions from the start, she would never have hired you.”
Then, she handed the phone to Elora.
Elora had been walking with the old lady York the entire time, overhearing their conversation.
She was caught off guard, but not angry.
Tatum had earned his place as her private chef through skill alone.
He competed with many candidates, passed every test, and only got the job after she personally interviewed him.
And since then, he had been nothing but professional. Even after she learned he was the sixth young master of the York family, he never acted entitled or arrogant. He respected her, never crossing any lines.
She had felt his affection for her—but even so, he had never overstepped.
Now, hearing him say he had been afraid to confess… she understood.
If he had confessed before she had feelings for him, she wouldn’t have tolerated it. She would’ve kicked him out of the Ormond estate without a second thought, making sure they never crossed paths again.
So many thoughts raced through her mind that she barely registered the old lady York holding out the phone.
She blinked, stunned, as the older woman gestured for her to take it.
Her cheeks flushed, as delicate as peach blossoms in early spring.
“Grandma York.”
Her form of address changed—from “Old Lady York” to “Grandma York.” It felt warmer. More intimate.
On the other end of the line, Tatum had sharp ears.
The moment he heard her voice, his heart skipped a beat.
For a split second, he panicked—like a thief caught red-handed. His first instinct was to hang up.
But he forced himself to stay still.
Elora had gone to see his grandmother. She must have gotten an answer. And since she had been with Grandma York, she must have heard everything.
There was no point in hiding it anymore.
“Elora, it’s Tatum on the line,” Grandma York said. “You two should talk. And when you get back, talk in person. You’re the type of person who needs clarity—you don’t let questions linger. If you keep speculating, as you said yourself, it’ll affect your mood and even your work.”
Elora slowly took the phone.
“I’ll give you two some privacy,” Grandma York said, tactfully stepping away to let them talk.
Once she was gone, Elora took a deep breath, raised the phone to her ear, and tried to keep her voice steady.
“Tatum.”
“Miss.”
“I heard everything.”
“You heard everything.”
They spoke at the same time.
Then, silence.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4266
Chapter 4266
Finally, Tatum broke the silence. “Miss, you go first. Say what’s on your mind.”
Elora hesitated, then said, “I… I don’t feel like I have much to say. I think I understand why you did what you did.”
Tatum replied, “Miss, I’m sorry for keeping it from you.”
“There’s no need to apologize. I didn’t know much about your background. If it weren’t for a friend telling me, I wouldn’t even have known you’re the sixth young master of the York family. I tried investigating you twice, but I couldn’t find anything concrete.” Elora laughed at herself. “I know there’s always someone better, someone smarter. I couldn’t uncover the truth, and I figured it was either you or your family covering your tracks.”
She paused, her voice softening. “Tatum, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed right now. I need a couple of days to sort through my thoughts. When I get back, we can talk face to face, okay?”
Tatum nodded understandingly. “Of course. It’s my fault, and I’m grateful you’re not angry, yelling at me, or firing me. Miss, are you planning to stay there for a couple of days?”
He had assumed Elora would head home after getting her answers.
Elora smiled faintly. “It’s a rare trip. old lady York is someone I’ve admired for a long time. I’d like to spend a couple of days with her, to see for myself if she’s as wonderful as everyone says. Consider it a little vacation. I’ve been so busy lately—I could use the break.”
Her sisters had been stepping up to share the family responsibilities, giving her the chance to relax occasionally.
Tatum said warmly, “My grandma is the best in the world. Once you spend a couple of days with her, you’ll see why everyone loves her.”
He had complete confidence in his grandmother’s charm. Anyone who spent time with her came away impressed by her kindness, open-mindedness, and warmth. Of course, she also had a playful side that could leave people both amused and exasperated.
“Hearing about someone isn’t the same as experiencing it for yourself,” Tatum added. “You’ll see what I mean once you get to know her.”
Elora nodded. “That’s all for now. I’ll hang up first.”
Tatum replied, “Okay, Miss. Enjoy your time. Ask my grandma to show you around—she knows all the best places to visit and where to find the most authentic local snacks.”
Elora smiled. “Will do.”
She ended the call first, knowing Tatum would have lingered otherwise.
After hanging up, Elora walked back to where old lady York was waiting.
Old lady York looked at her curiously. “Elora, was that it? Did you finish your conversation so quickly?”
Elora handed the phone back to her and said, “Emotional matters are better discussed face to face. If a phone call goes badly, both sides end up frustrated. With the distance between us, it’s hard to communicate clearly, and that can lead to misunderstandings, sleepless nights, and unnecessary stress. It’s better to handle these things in person.”
Old lady York’s eyes sparkled with approval. Elora was exactly the kind of granddaughter-in-law she had hoped for.
She was perfect.
Thankfully, old lady York had acted quickly and chosen Elora, sending Tatum on this journey to win her over. Even if it meant Tatum would stay far from Wiltspoon, as long as he was happy and thriving, the family would be content.
Elora wasn’t the type to be unreasonable. old lady York was confident she’d make time to visit Wiltspoon with Tatum in the future, keeping the family connected.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4267
Chapter 4267
“Elora, Grandma just likes your personality. If anything comes up, it’s always best to talk face-to-face.”
Old Lady York praised Elora, then took back her phone and slipped it into her trouser pocket.
She walked forward with Elora, chatting along the way.
Elora felt reassured by the response and grew even closer to Old Lady York.
Not only did Old Lady York personally take Elora on a tour of FC Manor, but she also promised to take her out to the night market later, insisting that Elora probably never had time to go shopping.
Meanwhile, Tania and the others were summoned back to FC Manor.
The moment Tania saw her future daughter-in-law, she was overjoyed—completely satisfied with Elora.
Watching this unfold, Old Lady Johnson couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy. Several of her grandsons were still single.
Back in the day, she and her close friends personally handpicked their grandsons’ wives and even arranged for them to pursue their future spouses. Every match had turned out successful, leading to strong, loving relationships.
Now, she was tempted to do the same.
The still-single young masters of the Johnson family immediately felt a chill run down their spines.
After staying with the Johnsons for two days, Elora finally returned home.
By the time she arrived at the Ormond family mansion, it was already late at night.
No one in the Ormond family knew she had flown to Annenburg to meet Old Lady York in Wiltspoon.
During her two-day absence, everyone assumed she was away on a business trip.
When she got home, the only one waiting for her was Tatum.
Since her family had no idea when she’d return, they had stopped waiting up for her, going about their routines as usual.
Tatum, however, stood in the yard, watching as Elora’s private car pulled into the mansion.
Before heading back, she had notified the family driver, instructing him to pick her up from the airport.
Tatum immediately strode toward her.
Even though it had only been two days, it felt like years.
His heart had followed her all the way to FC Manor, leaving him restless. He was so distracted that he hadn’t even cooked—he simply ate in the staff cafeteria and took two days off.
Angelo and Alonzo had begged him to make something delicious, but he refused.
His heart wasn’t in it. If he cooked in that state, the food wouldn’t taste right. The reputation he had built in the Ormond household—both as a talented chef and as a man who enjoyed a good beer—wasn’t something he was willing to ruin. So, he chose to take a break instead.
To keep Angelo and Alonzo from pestering him, he claimed he was feeling unwell and exhausted.
The two were understanding and stopped insisting. Instead, they settled for meals prepared by other chefs.
Still, they privately grumbled to Tatum, saying that although they once found the other chefs’ food decent, after getting used to his cooking, nothing else seemed to measure up.
“Miss.”
Tatum stood beside the car door, reaching out to help Elora as she stepped out. His voice was both respectful and steady.
Elora accepted his hand and got out.
“It’s late. You all should head home and rest. Be back by 7:30 tomorrow.”
She didn’t speak to Tatum right away but instead instructed the bodyguards and drivers to call it a night.
Normally, they would arrive at the mansion by 7:00 AM, fearing they’d be late.
Elora was strict about punctuality. If she set a time, she expected it to be followed. If a driver was late and she was in a good mood, she might just say a few words about it. But if she was in a bad mood, that driver could very well lose their job.
She went through drivers as quickly as she went through private chefs.
But this particular driver had never been late—not once. He had broken her record for longest-serving private driver.
Just like Tatum.
Both of them were record-breakers in their own right.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4268
Chapter 4268
“Miss, good night.”
One by one, everyone wished Elora good night and left.
Now that she was home safely and Tatum was with her, they felt reassured.
As the last person disappeared into the night, Elora turned to face Tatum, and he looked right back at her.
Their eyes met.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
Then, without hesitation, Tatum took her hand, pulled her into his arms, and held her tightly.
“Miss, I missed you so much,” he murmured. “These past two days have been miserable. I was worried—scared, even—that you’d be angry when you found out everything. I was afraid you wouldn’t want to see me anymore. That what happened to my older brother might happen to me, too.
“I’ve hidden a lot from you. If you’re upset, I get it. You can be mad, yell at me, hit me if you want—just don’t ignore me.”
He let out a heavy sigh.
“Since I started cooking, I’ve never gone a day without making at least two dishes. It’s just part of me now. But these past two days… I couldn’t bring myself to cook at all.
“When you’re not here, I have no motivation. A chef who’s not in the right headspace can’t make good food—it won’t look right, smell right, or taste right.”
Elora leaned into him, letting the warmth of his embrace surround her.
His arms felt safe. Solid. Comforting.
So this is what it’s like to have someone to rely on.
She listened as he rambled on, his voice low and familiar.
Then she looked up at him and softly said, “Didn’t I tell you on the phone? I’m not angry, and I’m not going to fire you. I understand—whether you explain it or not.”
Raising her hands, she cupped his face and traced her fingers gently along his features.
“I’ve done a lot of thinking these past two days,” she admitted. “But more than anything, I kept thinking about you.
“I think I really like you, Tatum. This is the first time I’ve truly liked a man in my life.”
She paused, her voice growing even softer.
“Your grandmother is wonderful—so warm and interesting. And your mom, your aunts… they were so kind to me.”
Elora had spoken with Tania at length, subtly testing whether she’d be open to Tatum staying in Annenburg long-term.
Tania’s answer had surprised her.
She had simply said, ‘Once a son grows up, he no longer belongs to his mother—he belongs to his wife. Wherever she is, that’s his home. As long as he’s happy, I’ll be happy too.’
People always said that mothers-in-law were difficult.
But Tania’s words confirmed what Old Lady York had told her: ‘I can make the decision.’
And now, Elora believed it.
Even though Old Lady York had long since retired, she was still the backbone of the York family. Her children and grandchildren respected her deeply.
Elora couldn’t help but envy that kind of family dynamic.
Tatum’s expression softened. “My mom and my aunts really are great. So… what about me? Am I great, too? I was raised by my grandparents, you know. Their influence shaped who I am.”
Elora smiled. “If you weren’t, would I like you?”
Then, suddenly, she said, “Did you make anything for a midnight snack? I couldn’t eat on the plane, and now I’m starving.”
She almost never ate this late.
But tonight, she wanted to.
Tatum’s heart ached instantly.
Without hesitation, he scooped her up and carried her toward the main house.
“I figured you wouldn’t be able to eat properly on the plane, so I prepared something just in case.” His voice was gentle yet firm. “What about the past two days? Have you even been eating enough?”
There had been moments when he wanted to jump on a plane and go to her.
But he forced himself to stay put.
He wanted to give them both time to think—to see their feelings clearly.
Still, the thought of her being away, eating who-knows-what, had gnawed at him.
After all, Lee Johnson, the third young master of the Johnson family, was an incredible chef.
And knowing how picky Elora was, Tatum wouldn’t put it past his grandmother to shamelessly ask Lee to cook for her.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4269
Chapter 4269
Sure enough, Elora said, “Mr. Lee Johnson cooked for me himself. His skills… well, they’re not as good as yours, but the food was edible. I wouldn’t starve. And if I refused to eat, your grandmother and the others would worry. Plus, it would make the Johnson family feel guilty, as if they hadn’t hosted me properly. They’re really a wonderful family.”
She praised the Johnsons sincerely.
“I can tell that their family values are a lot like your York family’s. Honestly, it’s rare to see such harmony in a large, wealthy family.”
Despite their status, the Johnson children and grandchildren were all talented and successful in their own fields. None of them were interested in competing for the family’s legacy. Instead, they saw managing the family business as a burden—one that came with little freedom.
Each of them had their own passions.
Taking over the family business would mean being trapped in an industry they didn’t love, and that kind of life could be exhausting.
Tatum smiled warmly. “Next time, I’ll take you to Wildridge Manor.”
FC Manor was the Johnson family’s ancestral home. Tatum’s grandmother had been staying there as a guest—completely unbothered by the fact that she wasn’t family.
Elora had met Tatum’s grandmother there for the first time.
But to Tatum, that didn’t feel quite right.
After a brief silence, Elora said, “Next time… I’m not sure when I’ll have time, but I’ll definitely visit again.”
For now, another vacation wasn’t in the cards.
Tatum reassured her, “We have a lifetime. We’ll go whenever we’re free.”
Elora glanced at him, then playfully pinched his arm. “We’re not even dating yet, and you’re already talking about a lifetime.”
“Miss, I will marry you,” Tatum said, his voice steady and sure. “In this life, it’ll only ever be you. The moment that last barrier falls, I’ll officially pursue you as my wife.”
It wasn’t just about winning her heart—he was prepared to win over everyone in the Ormond family, too.
They had always treated him well, liked him even.
But once they realized he wasn’t just someone in Elora’s life—he was a man who intended to marry her—would they still welcome him the same way?
Elora chuckled. “Your grandmother told me to enjoy love—to take my time dating you.” Her smile softened. “It’s rare for me to feel this way about someone. I want to experience what it’s like to be pursued, to be cherished. I take my feelings seriously, too. So, let’s see if you can win over my family.”
If Tatum weren’t the sixth young master of the York family—if he were just an ordinary man who liked Elora—Mrs. Ormond and the others might have simply invited him over, given him a chance.
But he was a York.
And that changed everything.
Even if Tatum swore he was willing to step into their world, Mrs. Ormond would have her doubts. She’d worry that, after marriage, he might regret it.
Tatum’s path to winning over Elora’s family wouldn’t be easy.
It was the same struggle Remy had faced.
The same struggle many of Tatum’s own brothers had gone through.
After all, several of his sisters-in-law had married far from home.
They must have fought similar battles with their own families before finally making their choice.
Tatum didn’t hesitate. “I’ll do my best.”
As they talked, they stepped inside the house together.
The moment they were inside, Tatum released Elora and strode straight to the kitchen. A few minutes later, he returned with the midnight snack he had prepared earlier, setting it carefully on the dining table.
“Come eat,” he invited.
Elora didn’t need to be asked twice.
She was starving.
After washing her hands, she sat down, picked up her chopsticks, and started eating.
She hadn’t had his cooking in two days.
But somehow, it felt like years.
She had missed it more than she realized.
Tatum knew her tastes well.
He had given her just enough to satisfy her hunger—without making her too full, which would’ve made it harder to sleep.
When she finally set her chopsticks down, she let out a small sigh of contentment.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4270
Chapter 4270
“There’s nothing like home,” Tatum said with a smile as he gathered the dishes. “They say a golden nest or a silver nest can’t compare to your own little doghouse. No matter how fun or beautiful a place is, nothing beats the comfort of home.”
With that, he turned and headed to the kitchen to wash the dishes.
Elora sat quietly for a few moments before getting up and following him. She stopped at the kitchen doorway, watching as he worked.
“Tatum, why do you like doing housework so much?” she asked.
He glanced at her and shrugged. “No special reason. I just enjoy it—same as cooking. I’ve loved it since I was a kid.”
As he grew older, Tatum had built an entire career around that passion.
It felt good to do what he loved—and even better to make a living from it.
After washing his hands and drying them, he turned to her.
“It’s late, Miss. Go get some rest. Tomorrow morning, I’ll make your favorite breakfast,” he said gently.
Then he chuckled. “Alonzo and Angelo have been begging me to cook for them these past two days, but I wasn’t in the mood. They’ll finally get their wish tomorrow morning—they’ll be thrilled.”
Elora raised an eyebrow. “If they love your food so much, why didn’t you cook for them?”
Tatum was usually so good to those two little troublemakers.
She had once thought he was simply fond of kids in general.
But now, she understood.
He had long since seen her family as his own.
In Tatum’s eyes, Alonzo and Angelo weren’t just kids—they were his brothers-in-law. And as their eldest brother-in-law, of course, he doted on them.
Elora couldn’t help but sigh.
This man… He had slowly woven himself into her and her family’s lives, like warm water gradually boiling a frog. And now, they were completely immersed.
But she didn’t mind.
Not at all.
Rather than feeling trapped, she found herself savoring the warmth of his devotion.
It was a quiet kind of love—steady, unwavering, and incredibly sweet.
“Distracted?”
Elora blinked. “…Fine, you’re right. My mind wandered.”
She had been thinking about him.
Tatum walked her to the stairs, then let go of her hand and said softly, “Miss, go get some rest. Good night.”
Truthfully, he wanted to hold her, maybe even steal a kiss.
But he didn’t dare.
Not yet.
That invisible barrier between them had only just been broken.
Even if she had accepted him, she still needed time to adjust.
Just as he was about to step away, Elora suddenly threw herself into his arms.
The unexpected move left Tatum stunned for half a second—then he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight.
For a moment, neither of them let go.
Then Elora gently pulled away and said, “You should get some rest too, Tatum. Good night.”
This time, Tatum gathered his courage.
He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
“Good night, Miss,” he murmured.
Elora looked up at him. “Call me by my name from now on.”
Tatum smiled. “I may be your chef, but you’ll always be my Miss.”
She didn’t argue.
He could call her whatever he wanted.
As Tatum stood at the foot of the stairs, he watched her disappear up to her room. Only when she was out of sight did he finally turn away.
What he didn’t realize was that the lights were still on upstairs.
Mrs. Ormond had seen everything.
The moment Elora stepped into the hallway, she spotted her mother standing nearby in her pajamas, quietly watching her.
“Mom.”
Elora could tell right away—her mother had witnessed the scene downstairs.
But she kept her expression calm and greeted her as usual.
“You’re back,” Mrs. Ormond said gently.
Her voice was steady, but inside, her emotions were swirling.
She had seen everything.