Married At First Sight Chapter 3851
Chapter 3851
Kathryn stood up and looked directly at Holden. “That’s what Mom intended. If they push this lawsuit, they’ll lose, and if they push me, they’ll have even more to worry about. Tell them to sell their properties and stores while they still can. Once they’re back home, they should see these past few decades as just a dream.
Your injury still needs time to heal, so rest up and stop bad-mouthing us to the housekeeper. You need to understand your position and face reality.
Marrying my mother was your choice, and it set the course for your life. You can’t blame anyone else. The Janzen family gained plenty from that union—it was a fair trade. There’s no room for complaints.”
Holden’s face flushed with anger and embarrassment. Kathryn had clearly overheard him grumbling to the servant.
“Kathryn, call Pedro in. I need to speak with him,” Holden said hastily, trying to regain some control.
Kathryn paused, glancing at him before replying, “Pedro and I are a team, and he listens to me. Whether he marries me or I marry him, there will be no bride price or dowry involved. Dad, don’t get any ideas about asking him for one. Every dollar he earns goes to me. I’ve already told him I don’t need a bride price or dowry.”
Holden’s expression darkened. “Have you never seen a man in your life? You’d marry him without a bride price?” He had been hoping to talk Pedro into offering one, but Kathryn had shut that down before he could try.
“Everything Pedro has is already mine. Why would I need a gift? If anything, it’s good he didn’t ask me for a bride price. Dad, rest well. I’m leaving now, and make sure to share what I said with my brothers.”
Kathryn walked out of the hospital room, Holden’s furious eyes following her as she left. After giving the servant some instructions, she and Pedro exited the building.
Finishing the last bite of her apple, Kathryn tossed the core into a nearby trash can. Pedro handed her a tissue to clean her hands.
“I feel so much better,” Kathryn said with a smile. “Dad’s livid. He’ll probably stay mad for a while. When my brothers visit him, he’ll complain non-stop, which will just sour their moods. Not that their moods have been great lately anyway.”
Ever since they learned their mother’s will had been amended to allocate her estate differently, Kathryn’s brothers had been beside themselves with anger. They’d even tried returning to the Farrell family mansion to claim their mother’s jewelry but couldn’t get past the front gates.
The jewelry was meant for Kathryn, with each sister-in-law and niece receiving a piece as a keepsake.
Pedro smiled warmly. “As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.”
Pedro didn’t concern himself with other people’s moods, even if it was his future father-in-law’s.
As they took the elevator down and reached the hospital’s main entrance, they ran into a familiar face.
It was Marco’s ex-wife, Erika Irwin—Kathryn’s former sister-in-law. She stood bundled in a thick coat, clearly waiting for Kathryn.
“Kathryn,” Erika said, smiling as she greeted her.
“Sister-in-law, what brings you here? Are you visiting Dad, or do you have someone else in the hospital?” Kathryn asked.
Kathryn’s relationship with her sisters-in-law hadn’t always been smooth. When she first returned, all three had treated her poorly, bending over backward to please Shiloh and even helping Shiloh undermine her.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3852
Chapter 3852
Kathryn eventually discovered that her brothers had been unfaithful, and their wives knew it too, creating chaos at home. From a woman’s perspective, Kathryn sympathized with her sisters-in-law and stood up for them. She even confronted her brothers, but they brushed off her warnings. It wasn’t until their father’s own infidelity was exposed by their mother—and their brothers faced consequences—that they finally broke things off with their mistresses.
From then on, the sisters-in-law treated Kathryn much better, and over time, a series of events brought them closer together.
“Kathryn, your eldest brother and I are divorced now. I’m not really your sister-in-law anymore,” Erika said when they met outside the hospital. “You can just call me Sister Irwin. I came looking for you and stopped by the company first, but they told me you were here.”
Erika glanced at Pedro, then walked alongside Kathryn. She asked how Holden was doing.
“My dad’s recovering well,” Kathryn replied. “He says he needs to stay in the hospital for another couple of weeks, so I’m letting him stay.”
Erika’s expression hardened. “He’s using his time here to try and keep control over you. Kathryn, I regret the way I treated you before. I sided with your eldest brother and even Shiloh to go against you. But I’ve learned who truly matters. Now, I genuinely wish for your happiness.”
“Thank you, Sister Irwin. I know, and you don’t have to worry—I’m not upset,” Kathryn said, still using the old form of address out of habit.
“None of your brothers are good men, and your father’s no better,” Erika warned. “You need to stay far away from them. Be tough, don’t soften up, and don’t let them manipulate you. They won’t hesitate to disregard their own blood.”
Erika had been part of their schemes and knew exactly how Marco and the others thought.
Kathryn’s smile was cool and confident. “Sister-in-law, you’ve known me for over two years now. Do you really think I’m someone who can be pushed around?”
When she first returned, Kathryn had played the part of a fragile, overwhelmed woman uninterested in taking over the Farrell legacy. But those days were long past. Over the past six months, she’d stopped pretending and faced her reality head-on. Her true nature had emerged, and people often remarked that she was every bit Clarissa’s daughter.
They said she was ruthless, just like Clarissa. But Kathryn upheld the traditions of the Farrell family, always putting their legacy first.
Erika relaxed and smiled. “I guess that’s just me overthinking. It’s a relief to see you so clear-headed.”
“What do you plan to do now, Sister Irwin?” Kathryn asked.
Erika looked up at the overcast sky. The weather was dreary and gray—a perfect match for her somber mood.
“I want to travel for a bit, clear my mind. Then I’ll come back, maybe open a little store and run a small business. I don’t need much, just enough to cover my expenses. The kids are getting older, and your mother already set up their education funds, so I don’t need to worry about that. It’s time for me to live life on my own terms.”
Kathryn’s expression softened. “Do you think you’ll remarry?”
Erika shook her head slowly. “Your brother and I were married for nearly twenty years, and looking back, most of it was a mess. I was drawn to the status and wealth of the Farrell family—everything they had that my own family didn’t.”
Married At First Sight Chapter 3853
Chapter 3853
After a moment of silence, Erika went on, “But what did I end up with? Your older brother nearly cost me my life for someone else. That’s when I gave up and realized a simple truth: a good marriage brings joy, but a bad one leaves you scarred.
My kids are grown now, and I don’t think about getting remarried. I’m fine on my own. If I meet someone who shares my interests, I might fall in love, but marriage isn’t on the table.”
Kathryn sighed, “Even though he’s my brother, from a woman’s perspective, he’s not a good man. He’s not someone you should have trusted your life with. He’s cheated, and he’ll keep doing it. I support your divorce. Live for yourself, and don’t worry about what people say. The kids are getting older—they’ll understand your decision.”
Erika nodded, “They’re all on my side. Even though we had a nanny, I was the one who took care of them most of the time. They’re closest to me. If I divorce your brother, none of them would choose to live with him.
I’m not thinking about marriage again, and if the kids want to stay with me, I’ll take them. He can visit and maintain a relationship with them, and help out financially.”
Marco didn’t have feelings for Erika anymore. If he did, he wouldn’t have cheated.
Still, he loved his kids, even though he was often away. He provided financially, but the kids saw him more as an ATM than a father.
“Are you really walking away from the Farrell Group?” Erika asked, changing the topic.
“It’s not a matter of walking away or not,” Kathryn replied. “The real question is whether it was ever mine to claim. It clearly wasn’t, and the Farrell family isn’t mine either. I don’t want to fight for something that doesn’t belong to me.”
Erika fell silent before sighing, “Honestly, I wish you would take over the Farrell family. You’re their aunt, and if you did, it would make life easier for the kids here in Jensburg.”
“If you give it all up and leave, the kids could struggle. They don’t have your mother’s sharp mind or yours. They’re more like your brother—average and not great with money. Life’s getting harder. What will they do if they have no support?”
Kathryn offered a reassuring smile. “Sister-in-law, everyone’s got their own path. My nieces and nephews might not be extraordinary, but if they’re grounded and work hard, they can find stable jobs and live decent lives. You and my brother have enough assets. If they ever hit rock bottom, they can come back and lean on what you’ve built.
Keep your house and shop. Rent them out for a steady income. It’ll be enough to live on. If the kids don’t have the skills for bigger things, they can run their own small businesses. They won’t have to pay rent, so whatever they make, it’s theirs. They won’t go hungry.
Plus, Mom left some money for each of them—it’s enough to get by. If you don’t feel like investing, just keep it in the bank for interest. If you do decide to invest, be cautious and don’t risk everything. Maybe buy another house or a shop and rent it out. With some planning, they’ll be fine.”
Kathryn saw through Erika’s real motive. She was trying to convince her to take over the Farrell family and not let it fall into someone else’s hands.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3854
Chapter 3854
It seemed likely that Marco had asked Erika to act as a go-between.
Even though they were divorced, they shared children, and for their children’s future, Erika would set aside her personal issues with Marco to speak to Kathryn and try to convince her.
Kathryn saw through it but chose not to comment. It didn’t matter who tried to persuade her; it wouldn’t work. She had no interest in taking what wasn’t hers.
The reality was that even if she wanted it, she couldn’t have it. Why fight endlessly with the powerful people of Wiltspoon? She had witnessed her mother’s fate and refused to walk the same path. She was still young, and she wanted to live.
“I’ll divide up the inheritance Mom left and make sure my nieces and nephews each get their share. If they’re adults, they’ll manage it themselves. If they’re still minors, I’ll entrust it to their parents to manage until they come of age. Those are your kids. I trust you won’t cheat them or take what’s rightfully theirs.”
And if it somehow ended up being misused, that was on them—it had nothing to do with Kathryn.
Erika was quiet for a moment before speaking up. “Kathryn, I’m not here to ask for my kids’ inheritance. Mom’s will is clear, and I trust you to handle it properly. I’m completely at ease with you in charge.”
Kathryn wasn’t Shiloh.
If it were Shiloh handling things, Erika would be worried her children’s shares might vanish.
But with Kathryn, there was no reason to worry.
Kathryn treated all her nieces and nephews equally. They weren’t especially close, but there was mutual respect.
The kids were quick to accept Kathryn when she came back. To them, having another aunt was a positive thing. They called both Shiloh and Kathryn “Aunt,” without caring who was biological or not.
Kids lived in simpler worlds. They didn’t scheme against Kathryn, and because of that, her relationship with them was warmer than with her three brothers.
“After the New Year, the Farrell family is bound to have a new head, and it won’t be me. So, I’ll distribute Mom’s personal properties according to her will. As for the lawsuits my brothers are tied up in—they can do whatever they want.
Unless they somehow bring Mom back to life to rewrite her will, nothing will change, no matter how long they fight. And as for the Farrell family’s assets, they belong to the family itself, not Mom’s personal estate. None of us has any right to touch or distribute it.
Sister-in-law, I’m pretty sure my brother put you up to this. He knows we get along better now, so he thought you might be able to persuade me.”
Kathryn didn’t hold back in calling out Marco’s plan.
“Sister-in-law, when you go back, tell my brother that the valuable items in the Farrell mansion are family heirlooms, passed down from generations of matriarchs. They can’t be moved or sold. As for Mom’s jewelry, those pieces she inherited from Aunt Audrey will go back to my cousin as intended.
Anything Mom bought herself and specifically mentioned in her will, I’ll distribute fairly. But if it’s something that isn’t meant to be divided, no one should even think about taking it. Coveting it is pointless. And don’t assume that just because my cousin Audrey has left Jensburg, she’s out of the picture. Her connections run deep—she could find anyone, anywhere, and reclaim what’s hers.
There’s a café just outside the hospital. How about we go grab a cup of coffee and talk more there?”
Married At First Sight Chapter 3855
Chapter 3855Erika quickly said, “No, I need to get back and help the kids with their homework. There’s so much of it during winter break. If I don’t keep an eye on them, they’ll just play games on their phones.”
Kathryn nodded. “You’re right, sister-in-law. Make sure to stay on top of it. Don’t let them get lost in gaming and watching videos. If you have the time, it’s best to supervise them yourself. Kids can’t be expected to have that kind of self-control. Even we adults struggle to put down our phones.”
It was adults who set the example for kids’ habits with electronics. Parents often occupied themselves with their phones, avoiding interaction with their kids. And when the kids got restless, parents handed them devices to keep them quiet so they could continue using their own in peace.
But that just led to children becoming glued to screens.
When their school performance dropped, parents suddenly laid down strict rules, taking the devices away. Chaos followed.
Some kids even resorted to extreme behavior, threatening to harm themselves if they weren’t given their phones. Tragically, some even carried out those threats.
Every child starts as a blank slate. And what gets drawn on that slate depends on their parents, doesn’t it?
People always say parents are a child’s first teachers, and their actions and words shape their kids’ lives.
Erika sighed. “I wasn’t strict enough with them before, and now it’s hard to turn things around. If I ease up, they’re sweet and loving. But if I push them on their studies, it’s a constant battle. Helping them with homework sometimes feels like it’s going to give me a heart attack.”
Kathryn wasn’t sure how to respond.
Erika continued, “You and Mr. Fraser should head home now. I won’t keep you any longer. But if you do decide to leave, let me know ahead of time so we can have one last meal together. We might not be sisters-in-law anymore, but we can still be friends. You’ll always be my kids’ aunt.”
Erika knew Kathryn planned to leave Jensburg.
They parted ways in the hospital parking lot.
Kathryn stood by her car, watching until Erika was out of sight before getting in.
Meanwhile, Marco was at a café near the hospital, nervously sipping his second cup of coffee. He didn’t know how Erika’s conversation with Kathryn had gone or if Kathryn had been willing to listen.
He tried to manage his expectations, telling himself not to get his hopes up. But hope was hard to squash, and it left him feeling on edge.
When Erika walked in, Marco stood up and waved her over.
She sat across from him. “Want some coffee? I’ll get you a cup,” Marco offered, trying to sound upbeat.
“No, I’m fine,” Erika replied. “I’m just here to tell you how it went. Kathryn’s mind is set, and nothing will change it—not even a herd of wild horses. Don’t push it any further; it’s pointless. Don’t even think about lawsuits—they won’t change anything. The will was left by your mother, and Kathryn didn’t alter a thing. It’s legitimate. Accept it for what it is.
From your mom’s estate, you’re entitled to about 2%. That’s more than enough to live comfortably for the rest of your life. Leave the kids’ shares to me. I’ll manage them until they’re old enough to handle things on their own.”
Marco was bound to remarry. He had been seeing other women even before their divorce. Now, as a single man with no kids living at home, it was only a matter of time before he started dating again. Remarriage was highly likely.
Erika feared that if the children’s shares fell into Marco’s hands, he would spend them. Better to secure their future now, while Marco was still somewhat cooperative.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3856
Chapter 3856Erika said, “You need to pay the child support in full and upfront, just like we agreed. That way, if you remarry and your new wife takes control of your finances, she won’t stop you from fulfilling your obligations.”
Marco’s expression darkened. He had lashed out at Kathryn, but deep down, he knew the reality. He sighed. “Fine. You can take the share Mom left for the kids. I’ll make sure to pay their support in full when I get back. I won’t leave you short.”
He would stick to the divorce agreement. After all, it was for his kids.
Marco’s father had told him that the children would stay with Erika if she wanted them. Erika, as their mother, would always care for them.
With the children living with her, Marco’s path to remarrying would be easier. His mind was already wandering toward his future prospects. Now divorced and with his mother gone, he had no one to answer to. He was a free man, able to date openly.
If he found someone he truly liked, he could remarry, have a wedding, and start fresh with more children. He had the money for it.
Erika stood up. “I’ve delivered Kathryn’s message. The rest is up to you. Don’t contact me unless it’s important. If you want to see the kids, call and ask them. You can visit anytime, but that’s their choice.”
She wouldn’t stand in the way of Marco seeing his children.
Marco nodded, making no attempt to stop Erika from leaving.
Eventually, Holden and his three sons seemed to accept the inevitable. The fighting subsided, and Kathryn finally found some peace.
It was the 25th day of the lunar month.
That day, Liberty and Duncan flew back to Wiltspoon from Jensburg.
As they walked out of the airport, they spotted Sonny dashing toward them, excitement radiating from him like a little burst of sunshine.
“Mom!”
Sonny’s voice was full of joy as he called out.
Liberty’s face lit up, and she quickened her pace, scooping her son up into a tight hug.
“Mom!” Sonny wrapped his arms around her neck, repeating the word over and over. Suddenly, his happy tone turned tearful.
“Why are you crying, Sonny?” Liberty asked, loosening her hold to check on him.
But Sonny clung to her even tighter, burying his face in her shoulder. His voice was muffled and choked with emotion. “I missed you, Mom. I missed you so much.”
Liberty’s heart melted, a wave of tenderness and guilt washing over her.
Even though Sonny was clever and mature for his age, he was still just a little boy. Months without his mother had taken a toll, no matter how brave he’d seemed. Seeing her again brought out all the feelings he’d been holding back. The joy of being reunited came with the release of bottled-up sadness.
Liberty spent several minutes comforting him, assuring him that she’d be with him for the entire winter break. Finally, Sonny’s tears slowed, and his sobs turned into quiet sniffles.
Just then, Serenity and Zachary arrived.
Serenity handed Liberty a packet of tissues. “Here, wipe his face, Sis.”
Liberty took the tissues, dabbing at Sonny’s tear-streaked cheeks and runny nose. When she looked up at Serenity, she noticed her sister’s rounded belly.
“Duncan already told the family we were coming. You didn’t have to make the trip,” Liberty said. “You must be exhausted with that big belly, driving all this way.”
Serenity smiled warmly. “I’m not tired at all. Sonny’s been counting down to this day. He made us leave bright and early to come pick you up.”
Her belly wasn’t that large yet, and she felt fine after the hour-long drive. Getting out and moving around was still manageable.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3857
Chapter 3857
“I told Mrs. Lewis not to worry about picking you up at the airport. Zachary and I will come get you ourselves.”
Serenity then turned, smiling warmly at Duncan in greeting.
Duncan, usually gruff and no-nonsense, looked noticeably softer. Love had a way of changing people.
Liberty was finally back.
She set Sonny down gently.
Though he’d shed a few tears, Sonny still clung tightly to Liberty. Even Duncan, standing close by, couldn’t get him to let go. All Duncan could do was reach out to gently stroke Sonny’s little face.
The boy pouted, clearly upset. He looked up at Duncan and complained, “Uncle Duncan, you went to find Mom without waiting for me.”
Duncan knelt down and said, “You told me you’d be playing for a while, so I thought I’d go ahead. But now we’re both back, aren’t we? Next time, I’ll make sure to ask you first, okay? Don’t stay mad at me—I even bought you lots of new toys. Come here, let me hug you. I missed you.”
Sonny crossed his arms, frowning. “No, Uncle Duncan, you didn’t miss me. You only missed Mom. I missed her too, and I want to be with her.”
While Sonny had been having fun while Liberty was away, seeing her now brought all his feelings rushing back. He felt abandoned, like she’d been gone forever. Video calls weren’t the same, especially since they didn’t happen every day. Liberty was often too busy or could only call late at night, when Sonny had already fallen asleep.
Sensing her son’s sadness, Liberty bent down and lifted him again.
“Mom’s here with you until you start school,” she assured him, kissing his cheek. “I work hard, and sometimes it means I can’t be with you as much as I’d like. But you’re the most important thing to me, Sonny. I love you so much, and everything I do is to give you a better life.”
Sonny returned the kiss and murmured, “I know, Mom. I just missed you. You’ve been gone so long. I’m really happy to see you, but now that you’re here, I feel like crying.”
Liberty held him close, letting him settle against her.
Serenity put a gentle hand on Sonny’s head and said, “Sonny, why don’t you walk for a bit? Mom just got back, and she’s tired. Let her rest.”
Liberty shook her head, smiling. “I’m fine. I’ll carry him.”
But Sonny wriggled to the ground and made his way to Duncan. Climbing up onto Duncan’s lap, he looked back at Liberty and said, “I’m not letting Uncle Duncan off the hook—I just don’t want Mom to get tired.”
Duncan chuckled. “Of course, of course, you haven’t forgiven me. Let me carry you for a bit, so Mom can rest. That’ll give me a chance to make it up to you. How does that sound?”
Sonny eyed him seriously. “Okay, Uncle Duncan, but that depends on how well you do.”
Duncan laughed and then showered Sonny’s cheek with playful kisses, which Sonny pushed away with a grimace.
“Uncle Duncan! It’s been ages since you shaved—your beard’s all prickly!” Sonny complained.
Duncan rubbed his chin with a grin and said, “You’re right. I’ll shave as soon as I get home, just to stay handsome for your mom.”
Liberty chuckled, shaking her head. “Sonny, you really think I’m that picky?”
Duncan smiled back at her. “It’s true, though. I’ll keep myself looking sharp—just for her.”
Married At First Sight Chapter 3858
Chapter 3858
The group strolled toward the parking lot, laughing and chatting as they went.
Duncan and Liberty got into one car with Sonny, while Zachary and Serenity took another. With several bodyguard vehicles escorting them, the two luxury cars exited the airport and headed downtown.
Once they reached the city, Liberty decided to head to her own home first to settle in. After dropping off her luggage and relaxing for a bit, she joined Serenity and Zachary at Wildridge Manor.
That evening, they all enjoyed dinner together at the York residence. They spent hours catching up, sharing stories about Jensburg, and chatting with the family elders until most of the day had slipped by.
Since Liberty was back, Sonny planned to stay with her at her home. After lunch, he eagerly dashed upstairs to pack his things and gather his favorite toys.
As the adults continued their conversation, Sonny came downstairs, dragging a small suitcase and clutching two stuffed animals.
“Is Sonny leaving?” Tania asked, noticing him heading downstairs with his suitcase. She rose and walked over, her voice soft. “Won’t you stay a couple more days? We’ll miss you so much.”
Having Sonny around always brought extra warmth and energy to the house, and the York family elders adored him.
Tania took Sonny’s little suitcase, freeing her other hand to hold his. They made their way downstairs together.
“Grandma Tania,” Sonny explained, “I’ll come see you every day. Aunt Seren and Uncle Zack are on break, so whenever I can, I’ll come play and keep you company. But now that my mom’s back, I want to be with her.”
It had been a long time since Sonny had been able to live with Liberty.
“And I want to play with Uncle Rowan too,” Sonny added. “Grandma Tania, tell Uncle Rowan to finish his homework fast so he can take me to set off fireworks at New Year.”
Fireworks weren’t allowed in the city, but Wildridge Manor was in the suburbs, with a big lawn that made it safe to set them off. The Yorks had already stocked up on plenty of fireworks for the New Year festivities.
What kid doesn’t love fireworks? Sonny could hardly wait and even wanted to light some himself. Rowan had bought some smaller, safer ones just for him, and Sonny had been looking forward to them for a while.
At the bottom of the hill, other kids had already started playing with their small fireworks, but Serenity was strict about safety and didn’t let Sonny play on his own. He was only allowed with Rowan nearby.
Rowan’s mother chuckled, adding, “Rowan already finished his homework and is working on more assignments. His brothers gave him several sets of practice papers as New Year’s presents.”
Sonny shook his head with a sympathetic smile. “Good thing I don’t have so many brothers. No one’s going to give me a bunch of papers for New Year!”
Even at his young age, Sonny understood that getting extra homework as a holiday gift was hardly a treat. He felt sorry for Uncle Rowan, thinking it might be better not to have too many brothers. Eight sets of papers for the holiday? That sounded exhausting!
The family laughed at his earnest expression.
The family’s matriarch then beckoned Sonny over, and he nestled into her arms as she lifted him up.
“Sonny,” she said with a gentle smile, “go home and spend time with your mom, but come back for New Year’s. Your great-grandmother will miss you.”
Liberty’s return was a brief chance for mother and son to be together again. After the New Year, she would need to return to Jensburg, and it might be months—maybe even half a year—before she’d be back. Until things settled down there, Liberty and Sonny would have to endure another long separation.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3859
Chapter 3859″Grandma, whenever you miss me, just call my mom, and I’ll come see you! But I bet we’ll be here every day. Auntie’s here, and we wouldn’t want to miss her.”
With the New Year approaching, Serenity and Zachary were also preparing to move back to the villa.
Following tradition, many family members were returning to Wildridge Manor, as set by the old lady. Though everyone usually preferred their homes in the city for convenience, they always came together at the manor for the New Year, honoring the family’s reunion custom. After the third day, everyone could go wherever they pleased.
The old lady had no daughters of her own, so she cherished this time to be with her family. On the second day of the New Year, when most married daughters returned to their parents’ homes, she often visited her daughters-in-law’s families, delighting in their lively reunions.
“Alright,” the old lady chuckled, “if I miss you, I’ll call your mom to bring you over. Or maybe I’ll come to your house for dinner—is that okay?”
Sonny’s eyes lit up. “Grandma, let’s go now! Pack up, and come stay at my house for a few days!”
Everyone laughed, especially the old lady, who hugged Sonny and called him her “sweetheart.”
After exchanging warm goodbyes, Serenity and Zachary saw Liberty, Sonny, and Duncan off.
“Seren, no need to see us out in the cold. Go back and get some rest,” Liberty urged, halting Serenity on the front steps.
Serenity watched as Sonny and Liberty climbed into the car.
“Auntie, goodbye!” Sonny stuck his head out of the car window, waving cheerfully.
“Sonny, make sure you listen to your mom!” Serenity called back.
Sonny nodded, pulled his head back inside, and cozied up between Liberty and Duncan, feeling safe and content.
In Sonny’s eyes, Duncan was like a second father now. Sitting with his mom and Duncan filled him with happiness. He hugged Liberty, then climbed onto Duncan’s lap, snuggling in and calling him “Uncle Duncan” with a soft, affectionate tone that softened Duncan’s rough exterior. Duncan hugged him and gave him a kiss, but Sonny immediately laughed and complained about his prickly beard.
Laughter filled the car as they drove home.
After over an hour, they arrived. Just as they settled in, Duncan’s phone rang. It was his mom, Mrs. Lewis.
“Duncan,” Mrs. Lewis began, “Liberty came back with you, right? When will you bring her and Sonny to our house? New Year’s nearly here, and we’d love to celebrate with them.”
Duncan replied, “Mom, we just picked up Sonny from Wildridge Manor. We’ll rest here a bit before heading over. We’re also planning to visit the Stone family.”
Liberty’s aunt, Audrey, was part of the Stone family, and with Liberty back in town, visiting them was a priority—not only for family but also to discuss important matters about the Farrell family in Jensburg. Audrey and her relatives had returned to Wiltspoon before Liberty, and Mr. Jimenez was staying with them for care, so Liberty wanted to visit him as well.
Mrs. Lewis paused, then added with a hint of excitement, “That’s all wonderful. But what about your news with Liberty?”
Married At First Sight Chapter 3860
Chapter 3860
Duncan glanced at Liberty and replied, “I think I can make it to the Civil Affairs Bureau tomorrow to handle the paperwork. Liberty hasn’t mentioned her availability, but I believe tomorrow should work.”
Mrs. Lewis responded, “Try to go tomorrow. The Bureau will close for the New Year, and we don’t want any delays. Once it’s done, I’ll have you review the betrothal gifts. If you’re satisfied, I’ll send them to Liberty’s family. I’ve also had someone pick out several auspicious wedding dates, but you’ll need to discuss them with Audrey and Serenity to choose a date that suits Liberty’s schedule and family needs.”
Mrs. Lewis understood how much Liberty was managing. As the eldest daughter and sister, Liberty had always carried a heavy load—first raising her younger sister and now taking on the responsibilities of the Farrell family. It pained Mrs. Lewis to see Liberty shoulder such stress. She wished Liberty could focus solely on her restaurant, but as the eldest sibling, Liberty’s sense of duty was undeniable.
Duncan nodded gently, “Mom, let’s go over all this when we get back. I know time’s tight, but I want the wedding with Liberty to be as grand as Zachary and Serenity’s was.”
“Absolutely,” Mrs. Lewis assured him. “Liberty will have everything Serenity did. She’ll be treated with love and respect, and we’ll make sure she doesn’t face any hardships with us.”
She was genuinely overjoyed that her youngest son, about to turn 37, had finally found love. She’d once hesitated, believing in traditional “well-matched” marriages, but after everything her family had been through, she now understood that happiness mattered most.
“Well, let’s discuss it when you get back. Hurry up—I miss Sonny so much!” Mrs. Lewis said warmly.
Though Sonny wasn’t her biological grandson, Mrs. Lewis adored him as if he were. Sonny was charming, kind, and affectionate, and her entire family cherished him. For Liberty’s peace of mind, they went out of their way to show her that Sonny would be embraced by the Lewis family.
Duncan chuckled, “Mom, I know you’re really just excited to see Sonny. When he’s around, I’m basically invisible.”
“Exactly,” she laughed, “Sonny’s just so much cuter than you. Now bring him home quickly; I can’t wait to see him!”
Sonny had recently spent over ten days in Annenburg, and Mrs. Lewis genuinely missed having him around. She and Duncan ended the call, and Liberty turned to him with a gentle question.
“Was that your mom calling?”
“Yeah,” Duncan replied. “She was asking when we’d be back. I told her we’d come after you’ve had a chance to rest—probably just in time for dinner. Is that alright?”
Duncan watched Liberty closely, hoping she didn’t mind him making these plans on her behalf. Liberty simply smiled and replied softly, “Of course, that’s fine. I’m not tired, so let’s go as planned.”