Married At First Sight Chapter 4551
After listening to River, Serenity couldn’t help but reflect again on how remarkable the York family’s tradition was.
The sons and daughters raised in this family were truly exceptional—clear-headed, responsible, and always thinking about the family’s future.
“You know, your sister-in-law isn’t hard to get along with,” Serenity said, smiling. “As long as someone doesn’t have a terrible temper, we can get along just fine. And once you’re married, you’ll be living separately anyway. You’ll only come back to the villa for big holidays like New Year’s. That little bit of distance keeps things pleasant. Even people with strong personalities can handle each other during those short visits.
Honestly, I believe all my sisters-in-law are wonderful. If anything, I’m probably the least impressive one.”
The brothers-in-law respected her because they respected Zachary, the eldest brother. It was out of love and loyalty to him that they also respected her as their eldest sister-in-law.
Her position in the York family—and in all of Wiltspoon—was because Zachary cherished her, spoiled her, and respected her as his wife.
Because of that love, whenever the brothers-in-law needed Zachary’s help, they’d come to Serenity first, hoping she’d speak on their behalf. And if she did, she usually got them what they wanted.
They respected her deeply because Zachary had made sure they knew: holding on to her meant gaining access to his support.
Serenity was well aware that Zachary had built that bridge for her, giving her the authority and influence she had with his brothers.
Even now, after all this time, she still often found herself overwhelmed with gratitude.
How had she been lucky enough to end up with someone like Zachary?
“You’re not the worst,” River said with a warm smile. “You’re already amazing, Sister-in-law. Don’t be so modest.”
When she first married Zachary, she’d seemed ordinary. But over the years—with guidance from Grandma and Aunt—she’d grown into the role. She now carried herself with the grace and authority of the matriarch of a large, influential family.
Her capability had grown steadily, and now, if anyone called her a strong, successful woman, no one would argue.
In short, Grandma had excellent judgment.
Serenity smiled. “Grandma always says there’s always someone better out there, and people should stay humble. Speaking of Grandma, I should give her a call and update her. She told me that if you and Romina ever made progress, I should let her know. She can’t be there to see it herself, but hearing about it keeps her entertained.”
River was speechless.
He knew it—his sister-in-law was basically Grandma’s personal informant.
She would report everything he did in Eaglioncile straight to Grandma.
Serenity called the old lady and, once she answered, began telling her all about what had happened that day.
River chimed in from the side, “Don’t worry, Grandma. Whether it’s this year or next, I promise I’ll bring home a granddaughter-in-law for you.”
The old lady replied, “This year would be better. Next year’s too far away. I’m getting old, River. I take life one day at a time now. Who knows if I’ll even make it to next year?”
From Serenity’s tone, the old lady could tell that River had fallen for the Lafond girl—even if they’d been rivals for years. It was a love story born out of conflict, and she was sad she couldn’t witness it firsthand.
What a shame.
Sure, Serenity would keep her updated, but hearing about something just wasn’t the same as seeing it.
“Grandma, you’re going to live to be 120,” River said. “I hate hearing you talk like that. You have to stick around long enough to see me, Eighth, and Ninth all get married. You’ve already picked wives for our six older brothers—you can’t skip out on us!”
Married At First Sight Chapter 4552
River added, “Even if you don’t choose our wives, at least live long enough to see us get married and become dads.”
The old lady laughed. “That was my plan. I really thought I still had the energy to arrange marriages for the three of you. But as I get older, my strength just isn’t what it used to be. All those old-age issues are catching up with me. Aging is hard to deny. If I could live as long as your Grandpa Jimenez, I’d be content.”
Old Mr. Jimenez had lived to a hundred.
If she could reach that age, she’d definitely get to see her three youngest grandsons settle down and have families of their own.
But she wasn’t sure she’d make it that far.
These days, she often felt like she was standing with one foot in the grave.
She’d be satisfied to reach ninety-four or ninety-five. By then, her three youngest grandsons would likely be married.
If all nine grandsons had families, and their parents were enjoying peaceful, happy retirements, then she could face her late husband without regret or guilt.
“Grandma, you’re much healthier than Grandpa Jimenez ever was. You’ll definitely outlive him.”
Mr. Jimenez had suffered serious injuries when he was young, yet he still made it to a hundred.
The old lady just smiled, saying nothing. Sometimes, the ones who look healthier don’t live as long as the frail ones.
Lifespan, health, wealth, and suffering—it was all decided at birth. That’s what she believed.
She’d lived through war, chaos, and hardship in her youth. Then, through difficult political times. She had suffered plenty.
But once she reached middle age and old age, the York family had risen to become the wealthiest in Wiltspoon. Her suffering was behind her. Now she lived in comfort, surrounded by luxury.
She had many children and grandchildren—and every one of them was exceptional.
She knew plenty of people envied her.
The only thing she once regretted was never having a daughter or a granddaughter. But now she had a great-granddaughter. The York family had finally broken the long-standing pattern of only having sons.
Even if she passed away now, she’d have no regrets.
The old lady said, “River, you’ve known the Lafond girl for five or six years—you know her well. Now that you’ve realized your feelings for her, don’t waste time. Go after her. Your sister-in-law told me she probably has feelings for you too, even if she doesn’t realize it yet or won’t admit it.
You should have a much easier time pursuing her than your fourth brother Evan did. Try to lock it down before the New Year. Let’s have a wedding during the holidays so I can enjoy a truly happy New Year. And if your brothers and their wives start having second babies, and we get a few more great-granddaughters, I’ll be even happier.”
Right now, aside from Serenity, none of the other daughters-in-law wanted a second child.
They all said that even one child gave them constant headaches. Plus, they had their own careers and didn’t want to be overwhelmed by noise and chaos.
During the holidays, when all the kids came home, it was loud. Fights would break out, and the adults were always exhausted from the noise.
Only the elders loved having all the kids under one roof.
If Serenity hadn’t believed the master’s prophecy—that she and Zachary would have both a son and a daughter—she wouldn’t have gone for a second child either.
That prophecy was what pushed her to try again.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4553
Those couples didn’t get a prediction from the master, yet they still considered having a third child. But what if it was another boy? That would really put them in a tough spot.
Trying to shift the topic and dodge his grandmother’s marriage talk, River smiled and said, “Then Grandma, why don’t you urge my brothers to have a second child? They’re not getting any younger. If they wait too long, it’ll be even harder on my sisters-in-law. Pregnancy and childbirth are so much easier in your twenties than in your thirties.”
“Your grandma keeps urging me, but I can’t pressure her the same way. I already have a few great-grandkids, including a precious great-granddaughter. I told your brothers to try for another, but they just go silent. So, instead, I’ll push you three to get married. If something happens with you and Romina, I’ll start working on your eighth and ninth brothers. Rowan hasn’t been back in a while. Does he really think he can dodge me by staying away?”
Rowan was still in Wiltspoon, but he always claimed that since River and Alex weren’t married yet, and he was the youngest, there was no reason for him to rush. He was still in his twenties. Most of his older brothers hadn’t married until around thirty, so he figured he still had time.
River laughed. “Exactly, Grandma. Go ahead and start nudging Eighth and Ninth. Rowan might be young, but time flies. Before you know it, years have passed.”
The old lady replied, “Do you think I need a reminder? You just be nicer to that Lafond girl. Stop stealing her business—it might mess up your chances with her. I really want to meet her in person.”
River chuckled, “Business is business. Personal matters are separate. If she takes my deals, of course I’ll take hers. It won’t affect our relationship.”
The old lady was speechless.
Whatever. The kid’s in his early thirties—he’s got his own way of doing things.
As long as he brings her a granddaughter-in-law, she’ll let it slide.
“Seren, where’s my precious great-granddaughter? Is she with you?”
She quickly shifted to asking about the kids.
Bethany was the one she missed most.
Even though she video chatted with Bethany several times a day, it still didn’t feel like enough.
Serenity always took the kids out to play, capturing tons of pictures and videos to share in the family group chat so the elders could enjoy them too.
The siblings had so much fun together whenever they went out.
Bethany’s sweet little smile could melt anyone’s heart.
Even Hayden often joked she wanted to trade her two sons for Serenity’s daughter. Her boys were just too wild—girls seemed so much easier.
Hayden adored Bethany, her little niece.
Serenity had even teased Hayden and her husband about having another child.
But Hayden shut that idea down fast. What if she ended up with another set of twins? With four boys in the house, she’d be pulling her hair out.
Serenity joked, “But what if they’re twin girls this time? Then you’d have a perfect balance—two sons and two daughters.”
But Hayden didn’t dare risk it. One more boy and she might lose her mind.
Her twin sons had just started kindergarten—she was finally getting a little breathing room. There was no way she was going back to diapers and chaos.
“Grandma, the kids are at River’s place. The nanny’s watching them. We’re heading back now, and I’ll have them video call you in a bit.”
“Alright, I’ll wait.”
With that, the old lady hung up on her own.
No kids on the call? No point in chatting.
After the call ended, Serenity laughed. “Honestly, Grandma makes it feel like if the kids aren’t with me and we can’t video chat, I shouldn’t even bother calling.”
River grinned. “Haha, you’ll get used to it. Grandma waited decades for a girl in this family. Of course Bethany is her everything. It’s not just her—us uncles all dote on that little girl like crazy.”
They were totally wrapped around Bethany’s tiny little finger.
River missed his niece so much while at work that he often found himself video calling just to see her and her brother for a minute or two.
Married At First Sight Chapter 4554
Bethany wasn’t much of a talker, but every time she called him “Uncle River” in that soft, sweet voice, River melted.
He honestly hoped that one day he could have a daughter just as adorable and lovely as his niece.
Serenity smiled.
That’s what made Bethany so cherished—she was rare.
The York family hadn’t had a daughter in generations. Out of the current batch, seven boys came first, and then finally, Bethany was born. She was adored by everyone—completely surrounded by love.
Outsiders were always curious about what Bethany looked like. But the family protected her fiercely. The media had only ever managed to get photos of her from behind—never her face.
Serenity wanted her kids to grow up like regular children, not celebrities trapped in the spotlight from a young age.
Soon, they pulled into River’s driveway.
The sound of the car had Maverick and Bethany racing out from the yard.
“Young Master, Young Miss, slow down!” the nannies called out, hurrying after them. One scooped up Maverick, the other caught Bethany.
They were terrified the kids would trip—or worse, that the driver wouldn’t see Bethany and accidentally hit her.
She was the York family’s little treasure. Nothing could be allowed to happen to her.
“Mom!”
Bethany reached out, wiggling to get free, her tiny hand pointing at River’s car.
She knew Mommy had gone out with Uncle River—and hadn’t taken her or her brother.
As soon as the car stopped, Serenity got out and walked toward her children.
“Mom!” Maverick wriggled out of the nanny’s arms and ran up to Serenity. His excited little face turned pouty as he asked, “You didn’t take me or my sister. Don’t you love us anymore?”
Serenity hugged him tightly. “Mommy and Uncle River had work to do. It wasn’t the right time to bring you along. But of course I love you. You and your sister are my whole world.”
“Mom.” Little Bethany stretched her arms toward Serenity from the nanny’s embrace.
Serenity gently handed Maverick back and took her daughter in her arms.
Bethany immediately clung to her, wrapping her little arms around her mom’s neck and resting her head on her shoulder.
Maverick watched, a bit jealous.
He was getting big now—too heavy for Mommy to carry the same way.
Suddenly, he was lifted into the air—Uncle River had swooped in.
“Baby, Belle, you two are so unfair,” River teased. “You only want your mom and not your awesome uncle?”
“Baby, your mom’s holding your sister. She can’t carry both of you. But Uncle River’s strong—I’ve got you.”
He added with a grin, “Your mom was helping me propose to your future aunt. That’s why she couldn’t bring you guys.”
River didn’t want the kids thinking he was slacking off or being selfish. Gotta protect that cool uncle image.
Maverick’s eyes lit up. “Are we getting a Seventh Aunt?”
Bethany perked up too, loosening her grip on her mom to look over at River.
Seventh Aunt?
Was that the pretty lady?
River smiled, carrying Maverick inside.
“No official aunt just yet,” he said. “But there’s a strong candidate—your Aunt Romina. What do you think, Baby? Would you like her to be your Seventh Aunt?”