Married At First Sight Chapter 4021
Chapter 4021
Mrs. Du gently knocked on Abby’s door, but there was no response.
“Abby probably went to bed early. Stop knocking—look at the time,” Mr. Du said, lowering his voice as a reminder. “It’s late, and she’s likely already asleep. Don’t wake her.”
Hearing this, Mrs. Du paused and sighed. “I just haven’t seen her these past couple of days. I wanted to talk to her, but if she’s asleep, I’ll have to wait until her next day off.”
The Du family mansion was large and spacious, but the younger generation was always busy with work. They were often out early in the morning and returned late at night. Even during the New Year holiday, true relaxation was a luxury. Social obligations and client meetings dominated their schedules.
Though the Du Group was one of Huyoniville’s largest corporations, they faced fierce competition. Their clients were powerful, and their rivals were always lurking, ready to poach opportunities.
Maintaining strong relationships with clients was a necessity—part of the unspoken rules of business. Those who understood the industry understood this reality all too well.
“If you miss her so much, just stop by the company and see her,” Mr. Du suggested as they walked to their bedroom.
“She’s swamped at work,” Mrs. Du replied. “If I go see her there, it’ll interrupt her. She’ll end up staying late to catch up on work. I don’t want to make things harder for her.”
Mrs. Du’s expression softened. “I just wanted to talk to her about Spencer’s return. She agreed to pick him up at the airport tomorrow. We’ve watched Spencer grow up—he’s capable, kind, and has a good head on his shoulders. Honestly, he’s not much different from that kid from the York family.”
Mr. Du chuckled lightly as he opened their bedroom door and flipped on the lights. “The Yorks are well-off, and Evan’s no slouch. He’s talented, but he’s in love with Fox, Abby’s alter ego. There’s something about that whole situation that feels… off.”
“What’s so strange about it? They’re all part of the same story,” Mrs. Du replied, stepping into the room.
Mr. Du sat down and leaned back in his chair. “Well, we can give things a little nudge—help things along subtly. But don’t overdo it. Abby still cares about him, even if she won’t admit it outright.”
Mrs. Du gave him a knowing look. “I understand. Spencer is wonderful, and our families have a deep bond. But Spencer only sees Abby as a sister. Can’t you tell? If they were ever going to fall in love, it would’ve happened by now. Evan wouldn’t even be in the picture.”
She was right. The Du and Chouinard families had been close for years. Abby and Spencer had grown up together, yet their relationship had always been purely platonic.
Evan, on the other hand, had only met Abby last year.
After a brief pause, Mrs. Du sighed. “Yes, you’re right. They’ve known each other for so long. If there was any romantic spark between them, it would’ve surfaced by now.”
“Let’s see how Evan handles things,” Mr. Du said reassuringly. “Our daughter isn’t going to make it easy for him this time, so we’ll just sit back and watch.”
Mrs. Du nodded in agreement. “Of course. Let’s see how it all plays out.”
Meanwhile, Abby was unaware that her parents had come home hoping to see her. Instead, she had gone to Evan’s hotel.
The Du family’s influence in Huyoniville made it easy for her to know everything Evan was up to, including where he was staying.
When Abby arrived, Evan had just stepped out of the shower. He froze when he saw her—Fox, the woman he couldn’t stop thinking about.
But tonight, she wasn’t wearing the red dress he had grown so used to seeing.
Abby sat casually at the table, flipping through a romance novel. It was one Evan had bought, hoping to learn how fictional heroes won back their wives. Ironically, it was a “chasing-wife-to-the-ends-of-the-earth” story.
Evan’s heart lifted at the sight of her. A smile tugged at his lips as he opened his mouth to call her “Fox,” but Zachary’s words echoed in his mind.
He caught himself just in time. “Abby,” he said instead.
Without even glancing up from the book, Abby smiled faintly. “It’s just a shower, Evan. You’re not drunk, so why are you acting confused? Can’t you tell who I am? Or is it because I changed my outfit that you can’t recognize me?”
Her tone was playful, but there was an unmistakable edge beneath the teasing.
Evan stood there, momentarily stunned, unsure whether her words were meant to challenge him or mock him. Either way, he knew one thing for certain—winning her back wouldn’t be easy.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4022
Chapter 4022
Evan approached the table, careful to keep his distance. He didn’t stand too close, knowing Abby might retaliate with one of her infamous over-the-shoulder takedowns. She had made it clear she didn’t like him invading her space.
“You’re still denying you’re Abby?” he asked, his voice calm but firm. “I heard the truth from my grandma. Abby is you, and you’re also Bianca.”
Abby closed the book in her hands and raised her gaze to meet his. Her striking eyes sparkled with amusement, and a faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “Oh? Are you sure your grandma said that? You claim I’m Miss Du, but do you have any proof? Do I look like her? Does my voice sound the same? What about my figure?”
Evan hesitated for a moment before answering honestly. “You don’t look like her, and your voice isn’t the same, but your figure… it’s a bit similar.”
Abby leaned back slightly, her expression unreadable.
“Changeable Fox,” Evan continued. “That’s your nickname. It fits perfectly—you’re clever, elusive, a master of disguise. The only people capable of mastering such exceptional disguise skills are the disciples of a select few elders from the Five Emperors Hall. Bianca was trained by Silver Fox, one of those elders. And Fox? That’s just another identity of yours. I may not have concrete evidence, but based on what my grandma, brother, and sister-in-law have said, I’m certain all three of you—Fox, Bianca, and Abby—are the same person.”
His voice softened as he added, “Abby, it doesn’t matter if you admit it or not. I’m not backing down, and I’m certainly not giving up on you. It’s cold tonight—put on an extra coat when you go out.”
With that, Evan turned, grabbed his coat, and held it out to her. “Here. Wear my coat.”
Abby arched a brow. “Are you trying to kick me out?”
“I’m not kicking you out,” Evan replied with a small smile. “I just don’t want you catching a cold. You’re free to come and go as you please. I wouldn’t force you to stay, nor would I ever ask you to leave.”
Evan hesitated for a beat before asking, “How about a midnight snack? My treat.”
Instead of answering, Abby deflected the question, pointing to the book on the table. “Why are you reading something like this?” She ignored the coat he held out to her—it wasn’t cold enough to need it.
After all, she had just left the hotel. Her car was heated, and her home was warm. The chill didn’t bother her.
Evan set the coat on the table when she didn’t take it and followed her gaze to the romance novel she had been reading. A slight flush crept onto his face. “Well… it’s my first time feeling this way. My first time trying to ask someone for forgiveness. I don’t know what I’m doing, so I figured I’d learn from these books. They’re supposed to teach you how to chase someone, right?”
Abby couldn’t help but laugh, her melodic voice filling the room. “Evan, girls don’t care about all those dramatic gestures and cheesy lines. What matters most is sincerity and honesty. If you’re truly genuine, she’ll forgive you eventually—no fancy tricks required.”
She paused and added pointedly, “And by the way, I’m not Miss Du. If you’re pursuing Miss Du because you like her, then focus on her. But if you’re confusing her with someone else, don’t waste her time.”
Evan said nothing, simply watching her intently.
She didn’t explicitly say she was Abby, but her words and actions made it clear she knew far more than she should. There was no logical way she could know so much about his private conversations with Abby—unless, of course, she was Abby.
Evan reminded himself not to dwell on her denials. Whether she called herself Abby or Bianca, it didn’t matter. Zachary’s words echoed in his mind:
“The person Grandma chose for you is the one who’s right for you. Trust her judgment and focus on winning your wife over. Grandma would never pair you with someone who wasn’t meant to be by your side.”
Evan smiled faintly, his resolve strengthening. Whatever Abby—or Fox—wanted to call herself, it didn’t change a thing. She was the woman he wanted. The woman he would fight for.
After a recent call with Zachary that had ended in a sharp scolding, Evan had begun to truly understand what his brother had been trying to tell him all along.
It was clear now—he just needed to follow his heart and let his actions speak louder than any words.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4023
Chapter 4023
Neither Bianca nor Fox reveals Abby’s true self. Her real identity is the Abby that Evan sees.
Evan had to fall for her—not as Fox, but as Abby.
Unable to endure the way Evan was looking at her, Abby finally stood up, her voice sharp with frustration. “When are you going to give me back my things? Hand them over, and we can finally end this. No more ties. No more crossing paths.”
Evan leaned back casually, his voice calm but laced with a subtle challenge. “I don’t have them with me. I kept them on me for months, but you never came to claim them. Now they’re at my place. Funny how you’re in such a rush to cut ties. We’ve known each other for over half a year. Sure, it was rocky at first, but didn’t things get better between us?”
He thought she was using the breakup as an excuse—trying to transition from Fox to Abby and make him accept her for who she really was.
Abby’s laugh was bitter, almost mocking. “Better? Evan, do you even understand what ‘getting along’ means? Every time we met, we fought. We argued. That’s your idea of harmony? If you hadn’t taken my things and refused to return them, I wouldn’t have been chasing you for six months like this.”
She took a steadying breath, her tone softening but still resolute. “I admit I was wrong at the start. I shouldn’t have destroyed your stuff or taken your valuables. But I gave them back. I even apologized. Now, I just want what’s mine.
“And since you’ve decided to pursue Miss Du again, maybe focus on her instead of dragging me into your life. Don’t make her jealous. You can’t play both sides, Evan. Let’s end this. For good.”
Abby might have appeared as Fox, but she understood Evan’s feelings for her as Abby.
What she didn’t know was that she was the woman Grandma York had chosen to be Evan’s wife.
It was true—Abby had provoked Evan first. She’d destroyed some of his things and taken one or two valuables. But Evan hadn’t let it go. His relentless pursuit had forced her to return what she’d taken, and she’d even compensated him for the damages.
Yet, one item remained—a small, delicate golden token.
The token wasn’t just any trinket. It represented the Five Emperors Hall, and it was something Abby had always carried with her. Without it, she felt humiliated every time she returned to her brothers and sisters. They never said anything, but their silence was worse than words.
The embarrassment cut deep.
Abby was one of Silver Fox’s most skilled apprentices. In the martial arts world, her reputation was impeccable—she’d never lost a fight. But despite her superior skills, she had lost something precious to Evan.
She had spent half a year chasing him to get it back, but every time she thought she was close, Evan found a way to keep it out of her reach.
And then, there were his eyes—the way he looked at her, as if she was more than just an adversary. Abby knew what that look meant. Evan’s feelings for her made retrieving the token even harder. He used it as leverage, knowing she wouldn’t leave as long as he had it.
“You’ll disappear if I give it back,” he’d say.
Evan never asked for her full name or where she lived. It was almost as if he didn’t want to know, afraid it would make letting her go easier. His brother and sister-in-law had told him to return her things, and he’d promised to do so.
But promises meant little to Evan. He always found a way to break them.
Even now, Abby stood there, facing the same man who had lied to her countless times. The same man who had taken something so important and refused to let it go.
Evan York was, without a doubt, the most infuriating man she had ever met.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4024
Chapter 4024
“Fox, you must be Abby, right?” Evan’s piercing gaze locked onto her. “You think I love you as Fox, not the real you. So, you’re trying to leave Fox behind and make me love Abby completely. But whether you’re Abby, Fox, or Bianca—they’re all just parts of you, aren’t they?”
Fox’s expression turned icy. “I’ve told you before, I’m not Miss Du.” Her voice was sharp, cutting through his assumptions. “Evan, you’re a bastard. You don’t even have the facts straight, yet you provoked me and then moved on to Miss Du. You’re trying to play both sides. Well, guess what? I won’t accept you, and neither will she.”
Evan’s dark eyes burned with determination as he stared her down. “If you’re so sure you’re not Abby, then prove it. Take off the makeup. Tear off the human skin mask. Show me your real face.”
Abby’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Do you know what happens to people who see my true face?” Her voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. “They die. Every single one of them. If you’re so eager to die, I can make it happen. But I don’t want to cross the York family or make them my enemy. So don’t force my hand, Evan.”
Underneath her mask, Fox knew the truth—if it was torn off tonight, her true identity would be exposed.
Evan let out a low laugh. “You’re scared. That’s why you won’t do it. You’re guilty, because deep down, you know I’m right. You are Abby. You’re also Bianca. My grandmother and my brother and sister-in-law wouldn’t lie to me about this.”
Fox sneered, her tone dripping with disdain. “If you really trusted your grandmother, why didn’t you stick to pursuing Miss Du? Why quit halfway and come chasing after me instead?”
Evan froze, her words hitting him like a punch to the gut.
The truth was, he hadn’t known Abby and Fox were the same person. Grandma hadn’t told him that Abby was trained by the legendary Silver Fox of the Five Emperors Hall.
All his grandmother had given him was a photograph with Abby’s basic details—her identity, age, and address. Nothing else. He had been left to figure out the rest on his own: to approach her, get close to her, and uncover the truth piece by piece.
Evan exhaled deeply. “I made a mistake not trusting Grandma, and now I’m paying the price—chasing my wife all the way to the crematorium. But don’t call me fickle. My feelings haven’t changed. I just didn’t know you were playing three roles. The truth is, the person I’ve always loved has been you. It’s never been anyone else.”
Fox sighed, exasperated. “I’m done repeating myself, Evan. I’m not Miss Du, and I’m not Bianca. I’m Fox. That’s it.” Her voice softened, but her resolve remained firm. “I didn’t come here to argue with you. I came for my token. You said it’s at your house, so I’ll go there and get it myself.”
She paused, giving him a pointed look. “You need to figure out who you really want. I do have some feelings for you, but I’m not looking to settle down anytime soon. If you’re serious about me, then give up Miss Du and keep chasing me for a few years. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll give you a chance.”
Her eyes narrowed. “But if a few years feels like too long, then walk away now and choose Miss Du. You can’t have it both ways, Evan. She and I are two entirely different people. Don’t mix us up.”
To Abby, her true self and her Fox persona were completely separate. They were like two sides of a coin, each with its own identity and way of handling the world.
The problem was, when Evan pursued her, it wasn’t Abby he fell for. It was Fox—her sharpness, her cunning, her flair. He was drawn to the person she became when she wore the mask.
“I’m leaving,” she said, brushing past him without looking back.
Evan’s voice stopped her in her tracks. “Fox, your token is in my room at Wildridge Manor. You won’t be able to get in on your own. Go find my second brother. He’ll give it to you.”
His words hung in the air like a final break from her “Fox” disguise.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4025
Chapter 4025
Fox turned back to look at Evan, her gaze lingering for a moment.
After a long pause, she said, “Thank you for returning my things.”
That simple statement felt like a definitive break between them.
Evan’s dark eyes softened as he replied, “Don’t go out late at night anymore. You should rest.”
He didn’t add that she’d end up exhausted during the day, surviving on multiple cups of coffee just to stay awake.
Fox chuckled lightly. “I enjoy late-night outings—it’s a habit I’m not ready to break. Goodbye, Evan.”
With a small wave, she turned and, under his watchful gaze, opened the door. Within seconds, she vanished into the night.
Knowing her token was safe in Wildridge Manor, Fox felt no urgency to retrieve it.
For now, Evan was still in Huyoniville. If she returned to Wiltspoon too soon, Evan would visit Du’s Group, fail to find her, and inevitably connect the dots between Abby and Fox. He was already suspicious.
Besides, Wildridge Manor was one of the safest places. Evan wouldn’t dare lose her belongings there, but retrieving them would be tricky.
Wildridge Manor wasn’t Evan’s private property. It was under Grandma York’s domain, with her children, in-laws, and others living there too. Even with her skillset—her ability to scale walls and evade detection—Fox wasn’t willing to provoke Grandma York.
Getting caught by the sharp-eyed matriarch? That was a humiliation Abby couldn’t bear.
Meanwhile, Evan returned to his room, phone in hand. He sat down on the bed, eventually reclining halfway as he aimlessly scrolled through his messages.
He wanted to contact his eldest brother, but the hour was far too late. His brother and sister-in-law were surely asleep by now.
Evan typed out several long messages, only to delete them each time. He didn’t dare wake his brother—doing so would only invite a scolding.
Finally, he sent a quick text to Tatum.
“You still up?”
It took a moment, but Tatum eventually responded with a voice message.
“Fourth brother, why are you still awake? I just woke up from a nap. The eldest miss has an early morning tomorrow, so I have to get up early to prepare her breakfast. I go to bed early these days.”
Tatum’s tone was light but carried a hint of weariness. His days were structured around caring for his fiancée, from her meals to her preferences. If he didn’t get enough rest at night, he wouldn’t have the energy to cook properly during the day—and subpar cooking wasn’t an option.
His fiancée had a refined palate. She could tell instantly if something was off. She might let it slide once or twice, but if it became a habit? Tatum knew his place in her life would be at risk.
And leaving her? That wasn’t even a consideration. Tatum hadn’t even confessed his feelings to Elora yet. Losing her wasn’t an option.
“I just finished my shower and haven’t gone back to bed yet,” Tatum added with a chuckle. “Fourth brother, just focus on winning over our future sister-in-law. Leave the other matters to the rest of us. You can afford to stay up late—you can catch up on sleep during the day. Unlike me, who has to handle everything myself.”
Evan replied with a heavy sigh. “You think I’m happy? I was completely tricked by Grandma.”
“Out of all the brothers, Grandma chose to fool me,” Evan continued, his voice tinged with self-pity. “She didn’t trick you, or the others. Just me.”
Tatum laughed softly. “Fourth brother, you’re being dramatic.”
“I’m serious, Tatum. I’m upset, and I need someone to talk to. Big brother’s busy and asleep by now. If I wake him, he’ll just scold me. That leaves you.”
“Fourth brother, I’m busy too, you know,” Tatum replied with a mock sigh. “But if you’re upset, I’ll listen. Sometimes just talking helps. If I can help, I will. If I can’t, at least you’ll feel better getting it off your chest.”
Tatum didn’t admit it, but he was curious to hear what Evan had to say. Perhaps a little too curious.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4026
Chapter 4026
Evan asked, “Tatum, can I call you now? Is it convenient?”
“Of course,” Tatum replied cheerfully. “I live alone in a nice, spacious dormitory. It’s comfortable, my salary comes on time every month, I eat well, and I’m perfecting my cooking skills.”
Evan sighed. “Cooking. That’s all you ever talk about. You’ve been there for months, didn’t even come back for the New Year, and all you seem to care about is cooking.”
Tatum chuckled. “Well, I came here to cook, didn’t I?”
Evan was momentarily speechless.
Tatum wasn’t wrong. The moment he heard Elora was notoriously picky about food, he couldn’t resist the challenge. Long before Grandma could prod him, he had already packed his bags and headed to Annenburg in Province X.
Every so often, Evan would overhear his siblings mentioning Tatum. They always said the same thing: he was busy perfecting recipes, buried in his culinary experiments, and seemingly frozen in time.
Meanwhile, the acting head of the Labbe family in Havenmill had already set his sights on the Ormond sisters. Yet, Tatum didn’t seem worried. Instead, he poured his energy into preparing meals for his fiancée every single day.
When Tatum called, Evan picked up immediately.
“All right, Fourth Brother,” Tatum began. “What’s bothering you? Spill it.”
Evan hesitated but eventually shared the source of his confusion.
After listening, Tatum couldn’t help but laugh. “Fourth Brother, you’re still hung up on this? No wonder Grandma tricked you. But hey, I get it. You’re being careful—this is a lifelong decision, after all.”
Evan’s face flushed with embarrassment, though Tatum couldn’t see it through the phone.
“But seriously, Fourth Brother,” Tatum continued, his tone more earnest, “you’ve already made your choice, haven’t you? If that’s the case, stick to it. Don’t second-guess yourself. We’re adults—we need to own our decisions and see them through.”
Evan fell silent.
After a long pause, he asked, “Tatum, are you doing okay over there? The Ormond family isn’t giving you a hard time, right?”
“No, not at all,” Tatum assured him. “Everyone in the Ormond family has been great to me. They enjoy my cooking, even when I just stir-fry some vegetables—they still rave about how good it is. The two little ones like me the most. If I have any free time, they’re all over me, begging me to teach them martial arts, play games, or go shopping.
“Kids have so much energy. After playing with them for a bit, I’m completely wiped out, but they’re still bouncing off the walls. Watching them run around so carefree, it reminds me of our own childhood.”
Evan chuckled. “So, between cooking and babysitting, I guess you’ve made zero progress in winning over your wife?”
Tatum laughed. “Hey, I’m just a frog in warm water, taking it slow. To win her over, I’ve got to start with her stomach.”
Evan shook his head but couldn’t help smiling.
Tatum didn’t think he was moving too slowly. Sure, Elora and her sisters teased him relentlessly, but he knew it wasn’t personal. A woman like Elora wouldn’t be easy to win over.
Still, Tatum wasn’t in a rush. He focused on winning her heart one step at a time—starting with her love for his cooking. He was determined to make her so accustomed to his meals that she couldn’t live without them.
Beyond the food, he treated Elora with unwavering care and thoughtfulness. Over time, he was certain she’d come around.
As for the acting head of the Labbe family in Havenmill, who had his eye on both Elora and her sister Tinsley? Tatum was ready to step in.
With Tatum around, that old predator wouldn’t lay a finger on Elora.
Elora and Tinsley were more than capable of protecting themselves, but Tatum wasn’t just standing by. He supported Elora and her brother, earning their trust and respect.
And if that Labbe scumbag ever dared to cross the line, Tatum would make sure he paid for it dearly.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4027
Chapter 4027
Zachary explained to Tatum that the scheming old man, Labby, was trying to seize the Ormond family’s property and claim it as his own. Labby lacked any legitimate inheritance rights within his family—no recognition as the family head, no tokens, no totems. Just ambition and greed.
“Brother,” Tatum said, “I don’t have any clever advice for you. Like Big Brother said, we trust Grandma. As long as you follow her instructions, you won’t come out on the losing end. We’re past the age of being disciplined by Grandma only to end up worse off.”
Growing up, they’d frequently find themselves at a loss after being corrected by their grandparents, who would scold them for lacking the skills, planning, or insight needed to make things work. It was a harsh lesson in humility.
Tatum added, “I’ll grab a few more hours of sleep before I get up to work out and make breakfast for Elora.”
Evan nodded. “Alright. Get some rest, but don’t overdo it.”
Tatum smiled. “I’m not overworked. I enjoy this.”
Evan chuckled. “As long as you’re in the kitchen, you wouldn’t care if the sky came crashing down.”
Evan couldn’t help but envy Tatum’s passion. He was doing what he loved—cooking—and deepening his bond with his fiancée in the process.
After their chat, Evan lay back on his bed, staring at the ceiling for a while. Eventually, he set his phone on the nightstand, turned off the lights, and drifted off to sleep, knowing tomorrow would bring new challenges.
The rest of the night passed quietly.
The next morning, Tatum, now in Annenburg, Province X, started his day with a jog in the Ormond family’s sprawling yard.
Elora and Alonzo were typically the earliest risers in the household, though Alonzo always needed a push from Elora to get out of bed. Like most kids, he hated waking up early for school but had no problem springing out of bed on weekends.
Tatum kept his routine simple—two laps around the yard, enough to stay active but not overexert himself. He wore his winter workout gear, jogging solo through the chilly morning air.
Occasionally, he’d cross paths with other members of the Ormond family’s staff. They’d greet him with warmth and curiosity.
“Morning, Tatum! The weather’s freezing, and you’re still out here running every day? Aren’t you southerners supposed to hate the cold?”
Tatum laughed it off. “Running keeps me warm. I barely feel the cold.”
This morning was no different. After exchanging a few words with the staff, Tatum resumed his jog, undeterred by the biting wind.
The Ormond household staff typically began work at six in the morning and didn’t finish until ten at night. Some positions required rotating shifts, ensuring the household ran smoothly around the clock.
Once Tatum finished his run, he headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for Elora and Alonzo. Breakfasts were usually simple, so Tatum could wrap them up quickly. Cooking for Elora was his personal responsibility as her private chef—a role he took seriously.
Other household members had their own routines and often slept in, but Tatum didn’t mind. While he wasn’t obligated to cook for anyone else, he would sometimes cater to their requests, especially if Elora wasn’t home for dinner. It was his way of earning goodwill within the family.
As Tatum jogged back toward the house, he heard the faint sound of footsteps behind him. Curious, he stopped and turned.
No surprises—it was Elora.
After several months in the Ormond household, Tatum had memorized her schedule. He knew her daily routine better than anyone, which was why he kept up his early morning jogs.
Opportunities to spend time with Elora were rare. Her busy schedule meant she left early and returned late most days. Dinner was often their only shared moment, but she never lingered long. After eating, she’d take a short break before diving back into her work.
And so, Tatum continued his quiet efforts to connect with her, one meal and one morning jog at a time.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4028
Chapter 4028
Mornings were the only time Tatum could enjoy a peaceful conversation with Elora without disrupting her hectic schedule. He cherished these moments, especially during their morning jogs.
Luckily, Tatum was already used to early runs from his days in Wiltspoon.
“Good morning, Miss,” Tatum greeted with a warm smile as Elora approached.
Elora, slightly winded from her run, slowed down and smiled back. “Good morning.”
Since discovering that Tatum was the sixth young master of the prestigious York family in Wiltspoon, Elora’s respect for him had deepened. Though she had already thought highly of him, his humility and determination impressed her even more. She admired how he had set aside his privileged background to master his craft as a chef. His journey—overcoming challenges, honing his skills, and ultimately earning his place as her private chef—had left a lasting impression on her.
Whenever Tatum wasn’t busy cooking, Elora treated him more like a friend than an employee.
As they strolled side by side, they fell into a casual conversation.
“The company must be keeping you busy now that the new year’s underway,” Tatum remarked with genuine concern. “You got home pretty late last night.”
Elora nodded. “It’s always busy, but the post-holiday period is a whole new level of chaos. People like me wish we could stretch a single minute into ten.”
She glanced at him, her tone softening. “I hear you go to bed early every night. Your schedule seems so disciplined. That’s great—keep it up. These days, with everyone glued to their phones, it’s rare to find someone who doesn’t spend hours scrolling in bed before sleeping.”
Tatum chuckled. “I try to keep a regular routine. Staying healthy is important.”
“How old are you again?” Elora teased lightly. “Talking like that makes you sound like an old man. We’re the same age, aren’t we?”
Tatum nodded. “Yes, we’re the same age. But healthy habits need to start early. People think they can get away with staying up late because they’re young, but that mindset takes a toll. Over time, it catches up. Many illnesses today are affecting younger people because they’ve been neglecting their health for too long. Staying up late and overworking your body eventually leads to trouble.”
Elora listened thoughtfully, finding truth in his words.
“You shouldn’t push yourself too hard, Miss,” Tatum added, his tone full of care. “Why not sleep in a little—wake up at 7:30 instead? Or maybe make it home by 11 p.m. and try to be in bed before midnight. Especially for women, staying up late isn’t great for your skin. You’ll end up spending a fortune on skincare just to make up for it.”
Elora fell silent for a moment, reflecting on his advice. Finally, she sighed. “You’re right, but it’s easier said than done. Ever since I took over the family business, this has been my lifestyle. It’s hard to change. If I take more time to rest, the work just piles up.
“Thankfully, my cousins are stepping up and taking on more responsibilities now. I can finally rest on weekends—something I couldn’t do before. Back then, even New Year’s Day was just another workday for me.”
She took a deep breath, her voice carrying a mix of hope and exhaustion. “Once my sisters are fully capable of managing things and Alonzo grows a little older, I’ll be able to relax more. Your eldest brother seems much more at ease now than before, doesn’t he?”
Tatum smiled at the mention of his family. As the sixth son of the Yorks, he had the freedom to pursue his passions without the burden of managing the family empire. His older brothers, all exceptional in their own right, had shouldered those responsibilities, leaving Tatum to follow his heart.
“I’m fortunate,” he admitted. “With nine brothers, I’m not the eldest or the heir, so I’m free to do what I love. My brothers have always supported and protected me. I know how lucky I am.”
Their conversation trailed off as they continued their walk, the morning air crisp and calm. For Tatum, moments like this—walking and talking with Elora—were worth every effort he had made to be here.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4029
Chapter 4029
Tatum said, “My eldest brother is much more relaxed now. Actually, the person who truly helped him wasn’t us—it was Brother Josh. They’ve been close friends for years. After graduating, my eldest brother brought Josh into the York Corporation, and he’s been his right-hand man ever since. Josh is incredibly capable.”
He continued, “My eldest brother is extremely efficient at work. In the past, people in the company struggled to keep up with his pace, so he had to slow down. But things changed after he married Serenity and started a family. Now, he spends more time at home and enjoys being with my sister-in-law. He’s not as intense about work as he used to be.
“His social events have also decreased. In the old days, he wouldn’t get home until late at night. Now, he makes sure he’s home by ten o’clock, no matter what. Not even the king himself could stop him.
“Even the business partners of York Corporation know this. When they want to discuss deals with my eldest brother, they make sure to handle it during the day. No one dares to drag it into the evening.”
Elora smiled warmly, her eyes glinting with a hint of envy. “I didn’t realize you were the sixth young master of the York family until recently. Once I found out, I started paying attention to your family. Your brothers are famous in Wiltspoon for how devoted they are to their wives.”
Tatum gave her a meaningful look and said, “In our family, doting on our wives is a tradition.”
Elora chuckled. “Any woman who marries into your family is incredibly lucky. Tatum, do you have someone special in your life?” she asked casually.
Tatum shook his head. “Not yet. I’m not in a rush. I’m still young, and my eldest brother didn’t get married until he was thirty.”
Elora raised an eyebrow. “You must have plenty of admirers, though.”
Tatum smiled. “I do, but I don’t give them a chance. Most give up after a while. I keep a pretty low profile in Wiltspoon, so not many people know I’m the sixth young master of the York family.”
He paused and added, “There aren’t many people with the surname York in Wiltspoon, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any. Still, when people hear the name York, they automatically think of our family and the York Corporation. But with so many members in the family, unless I say I’m the sixth young master, they won’t assume it’s me.
“I prefer staying under the radar. I enjoy cooking, so I spend most of my time in the kitchen. I don’t attend many banquets or parties, and I rarely interact with people outside of my family. As a result, not many have seen me in person, even if they’ve heard of me.”
Elora listened intently, her perception of the York family shifting. She had always known they were the wealthiest family in Wiltspoon, but now she understood their family values better. Loyalty and devotion to their wives seemed to be ingrained in the York men.
If there was one thing people could criticize about the York family, it was their lack of daughters. For generations, no daughters had been born into the family. It was said that the York household resembled a Buddhist temple, full of sons but devoid of daughters.
The York family’s matriarch, the old lady, often expressed her deepest wish—to hold a great-granddaughter. Tatum’s sister-in-law, Serenity, was currently pregnant, and her due date was approaching. People speculated that her first child would likely be a son, continuing the family tradition.
Elora shifted the conversation, testing the waters. “Do you only plan to marry someone from Wiltspoon?”
Tatum shook his head. “Not at all. My eldest and second sisters-in-law are from Wiltspoon, but my third and fourth sisters-in-law aren’t. I’m not sure about my fifth sister-in-law, but I know she’s not from here either.
“My grandmother always says it doesn’t matter where the girl comes from, as long as she has good character and her family is okay with her marrying into our family. They don’t insist we marry women from Wiltspoon.
“If the girl minds moving far away, we’re allowed to make adjustments—except for my eldest brother, who can’t leave since he’s the head of the family. The elders don’t place restrictions on us. They just want us to be happy.”
Married At First Sight Chapter 4030
Chapter 4030
With the powerful York Corporation backing them, the York men command respect no matter where they go. Even if one of them were to become a live-in son-in-law, it’s unlikely the woman or her family would dare to mistreat him—because behind him stands the influence and strength of the York family.
However, Tatum noted that none of his brothers had ever taken on such a role. Perhaps, he thought with a wry smile, he might be the first to set that precedent.
Elora carried a heavy burden in her own family. Her younger brother, who was expected to eventually take over their family business, was still a child. It would be at least a decade before he was ready for such responsibility, meaning Elora would have to shoulder the leadership role for many years to come.
When Tatum mentioned how open-minded his family was, Elora’s eyes flickered with curiosity. “Your elders sound incredibly progressive. Considering your family’s wealth and stature, I doubt many families would dare to have you or your brothers ‘visit’ them in the traditional sense.”
Tatum chuckled. “Our elders are indeed very open-minded. Honestly, my parents, uncles, and aunts don’t meddle in our personal lives. It’s only my grandma who gets bored and nags us about settling down.
“She has the funniest way of scolding us, though. She calls us pigs. She says she’s spent so much effort raising us pigs, but we’re so useless we can’t even ‘dig up someone else’s cabbage.’ According to her, I’m the biggest pig of all.”
Elora was momentarily stunned by his words but soon burst into laughter.
“Everyone says Old Mrs. York has a mischievous streak,” Elora said, still laughing. “It seems the rumors are true. She must be a lot of fun to be around.”
“She is,” Tatum said with a fond smile. “Grandma is easygoing and has a soft spot for girls. The moment any of my sisters-in-law comes home, my grandma only has eyes for them. We grandsons become invisible.
“If there’s ever a disagreement between my brothers and their wives, Grandma always takes the wives’ side. And if my brothers push her buttons, she doesn’t hesitate to chase them around with her cane.”
Tatum’s smile widened. “Miss Elora, if you ever have the chance to visit Wiltspoon, let me know. I’ll be your guide and take you to Wildridge Manor to meet my grandma. I guarantee she’ll love you.”
Elora seemed genuinely touched by the invitation. Meeting the legendary Old Mrs. York sounded intriguing. But she sighed softly. “I don’t know when I’ll have the time. My schedule is packed with meetings and endless documents. On top of that, I frequently travel for business. It’s rare for me to get a moment to breathe, let alone plan a trip.”
Her tone carried a trace of fatigue. Even during the New Year holidays, her time was spent at home with her family, catching up on the little rest she could get.
Tatum’s expression softened with concern. “You should consider hiring more professional managers to help ease your workload. Running a company is tough, but you don’t have to carry everything on your shoulders alone. Even at York Corporation, where we have countless senior managers, I, as the CEO, still have my hands full. But I make it a point to delegate when I can—otherwise, I’d never have time to enjoy life.”
Elora managed a bitter smile. “Maybe I was born to work hard.”
The Ormond family was incredibly wealthy, but Elora’s situation was far from carefree. Her parents, though kind, lacked exceptional business acumen and were often unwell. As the eldest child, the responsibility of managing the family’s empire had fallen squarely on her shoulders from a young age.
While her cousins had the freedom to pursue their dreams and choose their own paths, Elora was given no such luxury. Her entire life had been about meeting expectations and excelling in every area to prepare for taking over the family business.
Now, with a younger brother born two decades after her, there was some hope for the future. The boy was bright and capable, but it would be years before he reached an age where he could assume leadership. Elora often joked that by the time her brother was ready to take over, she would already be nearing retirement.
Listening to her story, Tatum felt a pang of sympathy. He wished there was something he could do to lighten her load, but he knew offering to help her run the Ormond business wasn’t realistic—not now, anyway. All he could do was admire her resilience and silently hope she found some relief.