Married At First Sight Chapter 3881
Chapter 3881
“You also lost your own child yourself. That child was part of the Brown family,” Mrs. Brown snapped, her voice heavy with frustration.
Though Sonny didn’t live with them, Mrs. Brown still held a bitter attachment to the idea of their family legacy. When Jessica was pregnant, despite her reservations, she had softened. The child represented the Brown family’s future, and for a time, Jessica’s flaws were easier to overlook.
But fate had intervened. Jessica’s tragic fall and subsequent miscarriage not only robbed Mrs. Brown of her grandson but also reignited her simmering resentment. If that child had survived, Mrs. Brown might not feel so desperate for Sonny to return to their fold.
Now, it all felt like retribution.
Hank sighed, trying to calm the situation. “Mom, what’s done is done. The baby’s gone. Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be. But Jessica is still my wife. It’s my duty to see her, to take care of her. She wouldn’t have ended up like this if it weren’t for me. I’m the one who ruined her life.”
He sank into a reflective tone, recounting his mistakes. When Jessica became his secretary, she was young and naïve, with no intentions of starting an affair. But Hank, discontent with Liberty’s post-pregnancy appearance and blinded by his own arrogance, had pursued Jessica. He’d seen himself as a successful manager, someone who deserved better than what he perceived Liberty could offer.
Jessica, inexperienced and fresh to the professional world, couldn’t resist his persistent advances. What started as harmless flirtation turned into something much deeper. Hank’s selfishness had led Jessica down a path she never intended to take.
“If it weren’t for me,” Hank murmured, “Jessica could’ve had a simple, happy life with someone else. Instead, she ended up here.”
Jessica’s imprisonment had been a dark turning point. Stricken with despair, she’d tried to end her life multiple times. It was only through persistent intervention that she finally abandoned her suicidal thoughts and chose to focus on rehabilitation.
Although her sentence was long, it wasn’t a death sentence. Jessica held onto the sliver of hope that someday she might regain her freedom. Hank, despite everything, supported her from afar. He sent her supplies every month and visited twice a year, vowing that he’d wait for her release no matter how many years it took.
He’d also made a promise to stay married to her. “I’ll take care of her for the rest of my life,” he’d said. This time, he intended to keep his word—a stark contrast to the empty promises he’d once made to Liberty.
Mrs. Brown couldn’t contain her anger. “She almost killed you, and yet you’re still—”
Before she could finish, Hank had retreated to his room and shut the door, leaving her seething in the hallway.
Mrs. Brown turned to her husband, her face dark with rage. “What spell has that woman cast on him? She nearly took his life, and now he’s waiting for her, forgiving her. I’ll never accept her as my daughter-in-law again.”
Mr. Brown responded with a weary sigh. “When Jessica gets out, we may not even be alive anymore. Why waste your energy fighting this? Looking back, we meddled too much. We interfered in Hank and Liberty’s marriage until it crumbled. It’s our fault as much as his.”
His voice softened, tinged with regret. “As for grandchildren, we need to accept that Sonny might be our only one. There’s no point hoping for more. Let’s just pray Sonny grows up safe and healthy, both physically and mentally.”
He paused, a heavy silence filling the room before he added, “Sonny has Liberty and her sister looking after him. With them, he’ll be fine. But still, what a mess we’ve made. If I had known… Who would’ve guessed that Liberty’s aunt Audrey would turn out to be so influential?”
Mrs. Brown remained quiet, her thoughts swirling. The bitterness of her regrets clashed with the reality of the consequences they now lived with.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3882
Chapter 3882
It was hard to believe how far Serenity and Liberty had come. Serenity marrying into the wealthiest family and becoming a high-society lady was already astonishing. But the revelation that both sisters were descendants of the powerful Farrell family of Jensburg had left everyone speechless.
As Mr. Brown sat in the living room, he sighed deeply. “Go make some noodles. It’s rare that Hank is home resting. Don’t bring up unpleasant topics in front of him. Honestly, if Hank hadn’t gone after Jessica, things wouldn’t have ended up like this.”
His voice was calm but carried the weight of years of reflection. “Hank was a married man pursuing a young, naive girl. That was on him. Everything Hank is going through now is his own doing.”
Since Hank’s divorce from Liberty, Mr. Brown had undergone a quiet transformation. Watching Liberty thrive while Hank struggled had forced him to confront his own failings as a father. Regret became his teacher, reshaping his perspective and softening his demeanor.
Mrs. Brown opened her mouth to protest but stopped herself. Instead, she let out a heavy sigh, rose from her seat, and headed to the kitchen. She busied herself preparing noodles for her husband and son, a task she rarely undertook in the past.
Back when Liberty was part of the Brown family, Mrs. Brown never lifted a finger to cook. Whenever she visited, she’d simply tell Liberty what she wanted, and Liberty would obediently prepare it. Mrs. Brown’s only role back then was to criticize, even after being served.
Now, reflecting on those days, Mrs. Brown couldn’t ignore her own mistakes. I gave up a wonderful daughter-in-law and supported Hank’s relationship with Jessica. What a fool I was.
Meanwhile, behind the closed door of his room, Hank wrestled with his emotions. On the surface, he appeared composed, but deep inside, he couldn’t shake the gnawing sense of loss. Knowing that Liberty was getting married to Duncan today filled him with unease.
He lay in bed, staring at his phone. The urge to call Liberty came and went, over and over. But he couldn’t do it. He had no right to interfere, no standing to object.
On the bedside table sat a photo frame. The picture inside was an old group photo with his classmates, including Liberty. During their marriage, Liberty had cut herself out of most of their photos. But this one survived, a relic from their youth.
Hank reached for the frame, his eyes fixating on Liberty’s younger self. Back then, she had been radiant—tall, slender, and effortlessly beautiful. Her youthful face was full of life, unblemished and glowing with natural beauty. She hadn’t needed fancy skincare products because she was simply young.
In the picture, Hank stood behind Liberty, looking down at her with an expression that betrayed his adoration. His eyes, filled with affection, told the story of a man who truly loved her once.
They had shared years as classmates, a deep love, and three years of marriage. And yet, in the end, he had lost her.
Now, Liberty was about to marry another man. Hank could do nothing but stare at this old photo, consumed by regret. He didn’t even have the courage to call her and offer his congratulations. Instead, he clung to this frozen moment in time, replaying what once was.
“Liberty, I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice trembling. “I failed you. I broke every promise I ever made. I let my selfishness ruin everything.”
His eyes brimmed with unshed tears as he kept talking to the photo, as if Liberty could somehow hear him. “You were so good, and I loved you so much. How could I let this happen? I’m sorry, Liberty. I’m so sorry.”
Hank repeated his apologies like a mantra, pouring his guilt into the silence of the room. The photo didn’t respond, but it didn’t need to. It was a reminder of everything he’d lost—and everything he’d never get back.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3883
Chapter 3883″Duncan is a good man. You’ll be happy with him, Liberty. I wish you and Duncan a lifetime of happiness—and maybe even a son soon.”
Hank paused for a moment before adding, “Or… maybe don’t have a son. I worry that if you do, you might stop loving Sonny as much.”
Even now, Hank’s selfishness was evident. Deep down, he wanted Sonny to remain Liberty’s only child.
In his mind, as long as Liberty and Duncan didn’t have children, everything Duncan worked hard for would naturally go to Sonny one day.
However, seeing Liberty’s current situation, Hank sighed quietly. He knew his self-serving hope would never come true. Liberty was sure to have another child—perhaps a daughter to follow in her footsteps and eventually take over the Farrell family in Jensburg.
But Hank couldn’t shake his fears. If Duncan had a biological child, would he still treat Sonny as well as he did now?
This worry had gnawed at Hank for some time. The last time he saw Sonny, he’d made a point to tell him to always listen to Serenity. In Hank’s mind, Serenity would never play favorites, treating all her nieces and nephews equally.
Still, Hank was convinced that Sonny would always hold a special place in Serenity’s heart. After all, she had practically raised him, forging a bond that couldn’t be rivaled.
Ultimately, Hank reassured himself that as long as Sonny had Serenity as his aunt, Duncan wouldn’t mistreat the boy. With that thought, he felt a little more at ease.
Duncan, oblivious to Hank’s thoughts, was simply elated.
That morning, he’d arrived early at the Hunt residence, where Sonny was already awake. Duncan planned to take Liberty and Sonny to the Civil Affairs Bureau, and Liberty had dressed Sonny in a brand-new outfit for the occasion.
The little boy looked dashing. Sonny was undeniably a handsome child.
After breakfast, the three of them set out together. Their plan was to return to the Lewis family home for dinner after receiving the marriage certificate.
As soon as they left, Serenity and Zachary prepared to head out as well.
While Zachary drove, he glanced at Serenity and asked, “Do you want to wait at the Lewis house for your sister to come back?”
Serenity shook her head. “I think I’ll wait at my aunt’s house instead. Liberty and Duncan are having dinner there tonight anyway. Zachary, do you think they’ll be happy? I mean truly happy? My sister’s been hurt before. She’s already been through so much.”
Zachary reached over and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “They’ll be happy, Serenity. You know Duncan. He’s a good man, and he loves Liberty. They’ll grow old together, just like us.”
His words brought a small smile to Serenity’s face.
Zachary continued, “Duncan will be her rock, standing behind her every step of the way. Liberty’s about to become the head of the Farrell family, but Duncan will support her without overshadowing her. Together, they’ll build a strong future.”
Serenity let out a small laugh. “Why does it feel like I’m marrying off my daughter?”
Zachary chuckled. “That’s because it’s your sister, not your daughter.”
Serenity’s expression softened. “If I ever have a daughter, I swear I won’t rush her into marriage. I’ll let her stay with us as long as she wants. And if she does get married, I won’t let her move too far—she’ll have to stay here in Wiltspoon.”
Zachary smiled, warmth in his eyes. “I think we’d make great parents.”
Married At First Sight Chapter 3884
Chapter 3884″That’s something we can think about when we have a daughter,” Zachary said with a slight smile. “Right now, we don’t even know where she’ll come from.”
But as he spoke, his thoughts wandered. He made a mental note to start keeping an eye on the younger generation in Wiltspoon’s most prominent families. If an exceptional boy caught his attention, he’d keep him in mind. When the time came and Zachary had a daughter, he’d make sure that boy was there to watch her grow up.
Zachary had the idea of cultivating childhood sweethearts. That way, his daughter wouldn’t marry far from home.
Of course, the thought of his daughter getting married at all tugged at his heart. If it were up to him, she wouldn’t marry until she was at least 30.
As these thoughts swirled in his mind, Zachary drove Serenity to the Stone family mansion.
At the Stone residence, Audrey was in the yard with Mr. Jimenez, enjoying the crisp weather. The temperature had risen a few degrees, allowing Mr. Jimenez, who had been cooped up inside at Audrey’s insistence, to finally enjoy a walk outdoors.
Elisa had traveled with Remy to Annenburg for the New Year, while Leland, dreading his family’s relentless matchmaking efforts, had booked an international flight as soon as the Stone Group started its holiday break. He planned to celebrate abroad, far from his parents’ urging.
With just Audrey and Mr. Jimenez at home, the house felt quieter than usual. Clive had taken his wife and young child to visit his mother-in-law’s home for the day, but they were expected back by evening.
Audrey had already reminded Clive that today was a special day—Liberty and Duncan were getting their marriage certificate. As Liberty’s maternal relatives, the Stones needed to mark the occasion properly. They couldn’t allow the Lewis family to look down on Liberty for lacking support.
Clive, however, often felt exasperated by his mother’s constant concern for her nieces, Serenity and Liberty. He had told her more than once that they were strong, capable women who didn’t need anyone’s intervention. Besides, Zachary and Duncan were loyal and loving men. Zachary’s devotion to Serenity was practically legendary in Wiltspoon.
When Zachary’s car pulled into the driveway, Audrey spotted it from across the yard and smiled warmly. “Zack and Seren are here,” she said to Mr. Jimenez.
“Uncle Jimenez, sit here. I’ll go open the gate.”
Audrey helped Mr. Jimenez settle onto a stone bench before heading to the gate herself. The remaining household staff, busy with tasks, paused when they saw her take on the task.
With most of the servants home for the holidays, only a few had stayed behind, leaving more work to go around. The yard was littered with fallen leaves, a sight that would have bothered other homeowners, but not Audrey.
“It’s just nature,” she had said earlier. “Stepping on fallen leaves while walking lets you feel the beauty of autumn and winter.”
Wiltspoon rarely saw a true winter. The long summers made the cooler seasons feel fleeting.
As the gate opened, Zachary and Serenity greeted her with cheerful smiles.
“Aunt.”
“Aunt.”
“Drive in,” Audrey replied, matching their smiles.
Once Zachary parked the car in the open lot, he stepped out and asked, “Is Clive not home?”
“He took his family to visit his in-laws,” Audrey explained. “I sent along some New Year gifts for them.”
In her view, holiday gifts were about respect, even for families as wealthy as Clive’s in-laws. Audrey adored Alice, her daughter-in-law, and treated her in-laws warmly. The families often visited, especially after the birth of Audrey’s grandson.
“Elisa went to FC Manor with Remy for the holidays,” Audrey continued. “She won’t be back until after New Year’s. And as for Leland…” She sighed, shaking her head. “That boy. He bought a plane ticket and fled the country the moment the office closed. I don’t even know where he is right now. He’s terrified we’ll keep asking about marriage. At his age, he should be settling down, but instead, he just runs away.”
Audrey’s exasperation was clear. Of her three children, Leland worried her the most.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3885
Chapter 3885Serenity linked arms with Audrey, flashing her a reassuring smile. “Aunt, don’t worry. My second cousin Leland is a good man. When the time is right, he’ll settle down and get married.”
Audrey sighed, a mix of exasperation and affection in her voice. “I hope so. He’s not exactly young anymore. Kids—they’re always a source of worry, no matter how old they get.”
Her thoughts shifted, and she asked, “Where’s Sonny? Didn’t you come from your sister’s house? Why isn’t he with you?”
“My sister and brother Duncan took Sonny with them to the Civil Affairs Bureau. They said it’s a family matter, so all three of them had to go together,” Serenity explained.
Audrey chuckled. “Duncan doesn’t mind bringing along a little tag-along, huh? That’s good. They’re going to be a family of three from now on.”
The three walked together toward Mr. Jimenez, who sat peacefully in the garden. His warm, gentle smile greeted them.
To the younger generation, Mr. Jimenez was the picture of kindness. His love and indulgence for his family knew no bounds, and they cherished him for it.
“Grandpa Jimenez,” Serenity greeted warmly, using the affectionate title everyone in the family had adopted.
Though technically his surname, Mr. Jimenez never corrected them. As long as they addressed him with care, he was happy.
“You’re here,” he said, his smile growing. “But where’s Sonny? Didn’t he come along?”
He echoed Audrey’s earlier question, prompting Serenity to explain again.
Hearing this, Mr. Jimenez nodded approvingly. “That’s even better. Duncan, the fourth of the Lewis boys, is a man of loyalty and honor. When I was younger, I heard about his grandmother—she was an incredible woman. Her grandson wouldn’t stray far from her example.”
As a young man, Mr. Jimenez had traveled extensively for business, encountering stories and legacies of families across the region. Though he had never met Old Mrs. Lewis, her reputation had preceded her.
“Come inside,” Mr. Jimenez urged. “It’s still a bit chilly out here. Seren, you should layer up. Don’t catch a cold.”
“I’m fine, Grandpa Jimenez,” Serenity replied quickly. “I’m bundled up and warm. Plus, with Zachary around, he’d never let me get sick.”
Mr. Jimenez smiled, comforted by her response. The younger generation was thriving, and it brought him immense peace.
At the Civil Affairs Bureau, Duncan and Liberty stood side by side, holding their new marriage certificates. The small booklets seemed ordinary, but to Duncan, they were priceless treasures.
He opened his certificate, gazing at the photo of him and Liberty. A grin spread across his face—wide and genuine.
Finally, the woman he loved was his wife. Liberty was now his in every legal and emotional sense.
Beside them, Sonny looked around, his face a mixture of curiosity and confusion. He had accompanied his mother and Uncle Duncan, but he didn’t quite understand what all the fuss was about. Everyone at the bureau had been so cheerful and congratulatory to his mother and Duncan, yet not a single person had congratulated him.
“Mom,” Sonny said, tugging at Liberty’s sleeve. “Why is Uncle Duncan smiling so big? What’s so great about that little notebook? Can I see it?”
Liberty knelt down to Sonny’s level, smiling at her son’s innocence. His wide eyes were filled with genuine curiosity, and his question drew laughter from Duncan.
Duncan leaned over, holding his marriage certificate with pride. “Sonny, this little notebook means your mom and I are now officially a team—a family. And you’re a very important part of that family.”
Sonny tilted his head, still not entirely convinced about the importance of the notebook, but the warmth in Duncan’s voice made him smile back. “Okay, Uncle Duncan. But next time, can we get a notebook for me too?”
Duncan and Liberty both laughed, their joy spilling over and wrapping Sonny in their shared happiness.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3886
Chapter 3886Liberty glanced at Duncan, her lips curving into a teasing smile. “Duncan, your grin is so big it’s practically reaching your ears.”
Duncan’s smile grew even brighter, if that were possible. “I’m happy—beyond happy.”
The weather that day was fickle, alternating between sun and clouds, but even the sunniest moment couldn’t compete with the radiance of Duncan’s smile.
Liberty handed her marriage certificate to Sonny, who eagerly flipped through it. He recognized a few words but didn’t fully grasp the meaning. What caught his attention most was the picture of his mother and Uncle Duncan.
Looking up, Sonny asked curiously, “Mom, I was there too. Why didn’t the man who took your picture ask me to be in it?”
Liberty crouched down to his level, her tone gentle. “Sweetheart, this is a marriage certificate for Uncle Duncan and me. That’s why it’s just the two of us in the photo. From now on, Uncle Duncan and I are officially a family—a family of three. Isn’t that exciting?”
She scooped Sonny up, planting a soft kiss on his cheek. “You can even call Uncle Duncan ‘Dad’ now if you want.”
Sonny looked at Duncan, who was grinning like he’d won the lottery. His lips moved, but the word “Dad” wouldn’t come out. He hesitated, not out of rejection but because he was used to calling someone else by that name—his biological father.
After a moment, Sonny asked, “Mom, can I just keep calling him Uncle Duncan?”
Before Liberty could respond, Duncan chimed in with an easygoing smile. “Of course, Sonny. You can call me whatever makes you comfortable.”
With that settled, Duncan tucked his marriage certificate safely into his pocket and held out his arms. Liberty handed Sonny to him, and Duncan settled the little boy on his lap. Liberty took hold of the wheelchair, guiding them toward the exit of the Civil Affairs Bureau.
“Sonny,” Duncan said warmly, “you can call me Dad, or you can keep calling me Uncle Duncan. It’s completely up to you. No pressure, okay?”
He leaned forward and kissed Sonny’s cheek. Duncan had taken extra care that morning, shaving his beard to ensure he’d look his best for the big day. The effort paid off—this time, Sonny didn’t complain about his scratchy beard.
Duncan turned to Liberty, his voice filled with sincerity. “Liberty, it’s okay if Sonny keeps calling me Uncle Duncan. It doesn’t matter to me. No matter what he calls me, I’ll always treat him like my own son.”
Liberty’s eyes softened as she nodded. “I won’t push him. I just wanted him to know he has the option.”
Sonny, still processing the day’s events, piped up again. “Uncle Duncan, now that you’re married to my mom, are you going to move in and live with us?”
Duncan chuckled, appreciating the little boy’s straightforwardness. “That’s right. Starting tonight, I’ll be living with you and your mom. From now on, we’re all together—no more being apart. Sound good?”
Sonny clapped his hands enthusiastically. “Okay! I warmly welcome you, Uncle Duncan!”
His genuine excitement brought a smile to both Liberty and Duncan’s faces. They exchanged a glance, a shared understanding passing between them—they were building something solid and filled with love.
As they left the Civil Affairs Bureau, Duncan’s two bodyguards were waiting by the car. The moment they spotted the family, the bodyguards stepped forward to greet them, their professional demeanor contrasting with the warmth of the trio.
For Duncan, Liberty, and Sonny, this was the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with promise, unity, and joy.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3887
Chapter 3887Liberty guided Duncan’s wheelchair to the car without waiting for anyone’s assistance. She pushed him smoothly, her movements confident. The bodyguard stepped forward to help Duncan into the vehicle, and soon, the family of three settled in.
The sleek luxury car eased out of the Civil Affairs Bureau parking lot and merged into the bustling traffic. As it disappeared into the flow of vehicles, becoming smaller and smaller in the distance, another car parked nearby came to life, slowly pulling out of its spot.
The driver of this car was Hank.
He hadn’t planned to interfere with Liberty and Duncan’s marriage—he had no right to stop them even if he wanted to. But he also hadn’t intended to find himself here. Initially, Hank told himself he was out for a casual drive, with no destination in mind. Yet somehow, his aimless wandering had led him to the Civil Affairs Bureau.
In truth, Hank had arrived well before Liberty and Duncan. He parked farther away, unnoticed among the other cars lining the street. Liberty, now deeply uninterested in her ex-husband, didn’t see his vehicle and remained unaware that he had been sitting there, watching, for nearly half an hour.
Hank himself didn’t fully understand why he was there. He had told his mother he was heading out to visit Jessica, yet instead, he ended up loitering outside the place where Liberty would officially move forward with her life.
When Liberty finally appeared, her transformation struck him. She looked radiant—slim, poised, and exuding an effortless confidence. She reminded him of the sharp, ambitious woman she’d been back when they first met, before he had persuaded her to leave her job to focus on their home life.
Before their marriage, Liberty had been a rising star at work, earning admiration and even envy from her colleagues. Hank had felt it too—jealousy. It gnawed at him, seeing her outshine him professionally. That jealousy had driven him to convince her to give up her career, first to focus on their future family and then to stay home full-time after Sonny was born.
Over time, Liberty’s life had narrowed. With no professional outlet and the demands of motherhood weighing on her, she lost the vibrant confidence that had once defined her. She gained weight, stopped caring about her appearance, and became reliant on Hank for financial support.
For a time, Hank reveled in the power imbalance. He felt important, superior. But that pride quickly turned into disdain. Disdain became justification for his infidelity, and eventually, their marriage ended in betrayal and bitterness.
And yet, here she was now—stronger than ever.
Duncan, despite being in a wheelchair, carried himself with an undeniable presence. Dressed in a sharp black suit, his commanding aura radiated strength and resilience. Even with the scar on his face, his sharp features hinted at a rugged handsomeness. If he ever chose to remove the scar, Hank thought bitterly, Duncan might attract even more attention.
But Liberty wasn’t interested in just any man. She had chosen Duncan—a man who had stood by her side during her lowest moments. When Liberty was at her most vulnerable, Duncan had seen her, supported her, and encouraged her transformation.
Hank couldn’t ignore how different Liberty was now. She radiated the confidence and charm of a mature, successful woman. Her every gesture, her every word reflected the wisdom and strength she had gained through her struggles. She wasn’t the same woman who had once looked at Hank with unwavering devotion, trusting him to be the center of her happiness.
As Hank watched Liberty and Duncan leave the Civil Affairs Bureau with Sonny in tow, he felt a sharp pang in his chest. The sight of Duncan holding Sonny on his lap, the way they laughed and interacted like a father and son, deepened the ache.
Hank stayed in his car, watching as their vehicle disappeared into the distance. The small, happy family looked complete—a picture of love and unity.
His hands tightened on the steering wheel as a wave of regret and pain surged through him. Liberty had moved on, finding happiness and stability with a man who valued her for who she truly was.
Hank, meanwhile, was left sitting alone, staring at the empty street, his heart heavy with the weight of what he had lost.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3888
Chapter 3888Hank tried to convince himself that his pain stemmed from seeing how well Sonny got along with Duncan. Sonny was his biological son, yet from now on, he’d live with Duncan. There was even a chance that Sonny might start calling Duncan “Dad.”
As these thoughts spiraled, Hank felt a wetness on his face.
Raising his hand to his cheek, he realized his palm was damp with tears.
He was crying.
But why?
Deep down, Hank knew the reason. He just couldn’t bring himself to admit it—not out loud, not even to himself.
Unable to process his emotions, he slumped forward, resting his head on the steering wheel, and let the tears flow freely. He sobbed, releasing the torrent of regret and sorrow that had been building inside him.
Once the tears dried, Hank pulled himself together. He had made a plan for the day, and despite the turmoil, he would stick to it. Starting his car, he left the Civil Affairs Bureau and drove toward the prison to visit Jessica.
When Jessica saw Hank in the visitor’s area, her eyes immediately landed on his swollen, red-rimmed eyes. She picked up the phone with urgency, leaning closer to the glass partition.
“Hank, what’s wrong? Why have you been crying? Your eyes are all puffy. Did something happen to your parents?”
Her voice carried a mix of concern and curiosity, though the latter had a darker edge. Jessica still harbored a deep grudge against Hank’s mother, Mrs. Brown, and his sister, Chelsea. The two women had caused her nothing but misery. In fact, Jessica sometimes fantasized about something terrible happening to them, especially Mrs. Brown.
If she could rewind time, Jessica thought bitterly, she would have stabbed Chelsea instead of Hank during that chaotic confrontation. Chelsea had been the puppet master behind so much of their chaos. She had fueled the conflicts between Hank and Liberty, pushed Jessica into her current predicament, and destroyed any chance Jessica had of a decent life.
Hank’s voice was low and calm, lacking his usual arrogance. “No, my parents are fine.”
He knew better than to defend his mother or sister in front of Jessica. The way they had treated her in the past was indefensible, and even he felt ashamed of their actions.
Jessica tilted her head, her brow furrowed in confusion. “Then why are you crying? Are my parents okay?”
Her question held genuine worry. While her relationship with her family was strained, they were still her parents. The pressure of her incarceration had already taken a toll on them, both emotionally and socially. They had endured whispers, judgment, and shame from their community because of her actions.
In the beginning, her parents had visited her often, trying to support her as best as they could. But over time, their visits stopped. The occasional package delivered by a third party was the only connection they maintained. She later learned that her brother and sister-in-law had forbidden her parents from seeing her, calling her a disgrace to the family.
Jessica had laughed bitterly when she heard the news. How quickly things had changed.
When she was thriving and showering her family with gifts, they praised her. Her parents proudly boasted about their capable daughter who had “married well.” Her brother and sister-in-law were eager to enjoy the benefits of her city lifestyle—cars, money, and the promise of a better future for their own children.
But the moment Jessica’s life fell apart, she became a stain on their reputation, no longer worthy of love or support.
People, Jessica thought with cold detachment, are so painfully realistic. Even family.
Hank finally broke the silence. His voice was almost a whisper. “Jessica, Liberty got married today.”
Jessica froze. For a moment, she wasn’t sure she’d heard him correctly.
“That’s why you’ve been crying?” she asked slowly, studying his face.
Her mind raced with questions. Did Hank still have feelings for Liberty? Or was his regret purely practical? Liberty had lost weight, built a successful business, and reclaimed her life. She was thriving—far from the woman Hank had discarded.
Jessica remembered the times Hank’s mother and sister had urged him to leave her and try to win Liberty back. To them, Liberty was a better option—stronger, smarter, and connected. After all, Liberty’s sister Serenity had married into wealth and influence.
With Serenity’s backing, Liberty’s future had always seemed bright. And now, with her new marriage, it was undeniable: Liberty had found her happiness.
Jessica couldn’t help but wonder if Hank’s tears were about love lost—or an opportunity missed.
Married At First Sight Chapter 3889
Chapter 3889Jessica sat silently for a moment before asking, “So you cried so hard because Liberty remarried? You know there’s no chance for you to remarry her now.”
“Jessica, no,” Hank stammered, his voice rising slightly. “I’ve never even thought about remarrying Liberty. That’s impossible. I’m going to wait for you to get out, no matter how long it takes. I’ll wait for you.”
Jessica didn’t blink. She simply stared at him as he rushed to explain.
“I’m sad about Liberty’s remarriage, yes, but it’s because she took Sonny with her. My son will live with another man now. What if Sonny starts calling Duncan ‘Dad’? I barely get to see Sonny as it is—I’m terrified he’ll grow closer to Duncan than to me, his real father.”
Jessica’s cold gaze lingered on Hank before she finally responded. “Then spend more time with Sonny when you’re free. Even if he’s your son by blood, your bond won’t mean much if you don’t nurture it.”
She paused before asking, “Who did Liberty marry? The fourth young master of the Lewis family?”
“Who else?” Hank said bitterly. “Duncan Lewis. He’s been hovering around Liberty for years. Anytime a man so much as looked her way, Duncan made sure to scare them off. He’s been waiting for this.”
Jessica’s lips twitched into a faint, sardonic smile. “Well, good for them. Lovers becoming a couple—it’s poetic, really. Duncan Lewis is reliable. Liberty made the right choice. She’s far luckier than I am.”
Without waiting for a response, Jessica placed the receiver back on its hook. She stood up, her chair scraping the floor, and turned her back on Hank.
“Jessica, wait—” Hank called after her, standing up, but she didn’t look back.
“Jessica, I’ll wait for you! I promise! You’re all I have. Please, focus on reforming yourself. I’ll be here when you get out.”
Jessica didn’t react. She walked away with the guard, her posture rigid, her face unreadable.
Hank sat back down, his hands trembling. Did she hear him? Did it matter if she did?
As Jessica walked away, her thoughts churned. Wrong person. Wrong choice. Wrong life.
If only she had ignored Hank’s advances back then. If only she’d left the company when she noticed his interest. None of this would’ve happened.
Liberty, on the other hand, had escaped. She had clawed her way out of the toxic grasp of the Brown family and into a better life. Jessica had done the opposite—she’d walked straight into the fire, and now she was burned beyond repair.
Liberty’s remarriage to Duncan Lewis felt like the final nail in the coffin of Jessica’s envy. Liberty, like her sister Serenity, had become a phoenix. They had both risen from hardship to claim lives that others could only dream of.
For Jessica, it was hard to accept how fate seemed to favor those two sisters. God, she thought bitterly, must play favorites.
Liberty had no idea that Hank had been waiting outside the Civil Affairs Bureau, watching her and Duncan sign their marriage certificate. She didn’t know about his tears or his swollen eyes.
For her, life moved forward. She, Duncan, and Sonny returned to the Lewis family’s home, where a small celebration was in full swing. Relatives and friends gathered to congratulate the newlyweds, filling the house with laughter and joy.
After spending the afternoon at the Lewis home, the little family visited the Stone family. As night fell, Liberty’s aunt, Audrey, gently suggested something to Sonny.
“Sonny, why don’t you stay with me tonight? Keep your Grandma Audrey company. You haven’t visited me since winter break, and I know you love playing with your little brother. Wouldn’t it be fun to spend the night here?”
Sonny hesitated, clearly tempted by the offer.
He turned to Liberty, his eyes wide. “Mom, can I? Please? You can come get me tomorrow before we go see Dad.”
Married At First Sight Chapter 3890
Chapter 3890After Liberty received a call from her former mother-in-law, she decided to consult Sonny once he woke up. When she explained the situation, Sonny was eager to stay with his grandparents at the Brown house for a couple of days.
“I’ll take you over there tomorrow,” Liberty said gently, smiling at her son.
But then she added, “If you’d rather stay just one night, that’s fine too. I’ll pick you up tomorrow and take you to your dad’s house for lunch.”
Later, Liberty planned to call Hank to let him know Sonny wouldn’t arrive early in the morning, sparing the Brown family the trouble of waiting around unnecessarily.
Sonny was thrilled and bounded toward his grandmother Audrey, announcing with excitement, “Grandma, Mom said I can stay! I’m going to sleep at your house tonight and play with my little brother!”
As soon as the words left his mouth, Sonny darted upstairs, brimming with energy. He adored his baby cousin, who had grown increasingly animated. Whenever Sonny talked to him, the baby’s cheerful babbling brought fits of laughter to everyone.
“Aunt Audrey, thanks for taking care of Sonny tonight,” Liberty said with gratitude.
Audrey waved a hand, her eyes twinkling knowingly. “It’s no trouble at all. In fact, this house feels livelier when Sonny is around, and your Uncle Darrell enjoys having him here, too. Besides,” she added with a teasing smile, “tonight is your wedding night, Liberty. You and Duncan deserve some time alone.”
Liberty flushed slightly, recognizing her aunt’s well-intentioned maneuver. With Sonny at home, their night would have been anything but private. When he was excited like this, he often refused to sleep, requiring her full attention to settle him down.
With her son staying at Audrey’s, Liberty and Duncan could savor their first evening as a married couple without interruptions—or concerns about a little “light bulb” suddenly lighting up the room.
Audrey chuckled. “Enjoy your time together, Liberty. Trust me, I’ve been there—these moments matter. Now go home and make the most of it.”
After ensuring Sonny was comfortable, Audrey turned her attention to Serenity and Zachary, urging them to head home as well.
Serenity, who had been looking a bit tired—likely from her pregnancy—gratefully accepted.
“Aunt Audrey, we’ll head out now,” she said with a warm smile, leaning slightly on Zachary as they departed.
Liberty and Duncan followed close behind, their hands interlocked as they said their goodbyes. Audrey and Darrell stood in the doorway, watching as the two couples drove off into the night, their taillights fading into the distance.
Darrell turned to his wife, a satisfied smile on his face. “Well, now you can finally relax. Both of our nieces have married into good families. No more sleepless nights worrying about them. Let’s focus on enjoying our golden years with the grandchildren.”
Audrey, however, wasn’t ready to relinquish her worries entirely. “Not yet. Don’t forget about Leland. That stubborn boy hasn’t celebrated New Year’s with us in years. He’s still single and living abroad. No matter how many blind dates we set up, nothing clicks with him!”
Darrell sighed, exasperated. “Love isn’t something you can force, Audrey. All your pestering is probably why he ran halfway across the world.”
“I can’t help it,” Audrey said defensively. “There used to be plenty of bachelors his age, but now even the most eligible ones—like Julian and Duncan—are happily married. Meanwhile, Leland is still out there on his own. How can I not worry?”
Darrell chuckled. “You’re envious, aren’t you? But even if you asked Old Mrs. York to set him up, do you think she has the time? That woman had nine grandsons to deal with, and most of them already have their matches lined up. She’s got enough on her plate without worrying about Leland.”
Audrey crossed her arms, her lips curving into a wry smile. “True, but I can’t help admiring her knack for matchmaking. The women she chose for her grandsons are all exceptional and perfectly suited for them. I’ll admit—I’m a little jealous of her success.”
Darrell shook his head, laughing. “Well, let’s just be patient. Leland’s story isn’t written yet. When he’s ready, he’ll find someone. Until then, we’ve got plenty to enjoy with the family we have.”