Zachary looked worried. “If you can’t manage it, then don’t. I’ll help you do it instead.“Seren, I want you to be carefree for the rest of your life.”Serenity touched his cheek.“Babe, every time I see you, I thank Nana for letting me marry such a wonderful man. I thank your family too for never looking down on me and never saying things like I’m not good enough for you to me.“I know—you’re so good to me and you don’t want to burden me.“But since I’ve married you and am now the eldest daughter-in-law of the York family, I must bear the responsibility that falls on me. I can’t run from it, and neither will I refuse to bear it.“Plus, you’re already so busy. How could I make you do it instead?”Serenity said confidently, “I can surely do everything well.“I won’t complain, either. You know how dedicated I am.”Zachary gazed at her deeply.He hugged her tightly for a long moment before letting her go.“It’ll be easy once you’re familiar with it. Like my mom—she’s been manag
“If you want to see snow, I’ll take you up north to see it once Lil’ Bun is born.”“Okay.”The couple rarely went on trips together.They were both busy, after all.Just as they arrived at the manor, so did Grandma May.Zachary got out of the car and walked toward his nana’s car. Once she got out, he said, “Still know your way home, Nana? You said you would come over to look after Seren now that she’s pregnant, but you’re hardly ever home, always off to who-knows-where.“There aren’t any old ladies who are as mischievous as you are. You’re still gallivanting at this age and when we call you, we only get to say a few words before you impatiently hang up on us.”The old lady was not angry despite her grandson’s complaints about her constant wandering and said smilingly, “Isn’t it good that I’m still able to be gadding about? That means I’m very healthy. You guys should worry if I was bedridden and immobile.”“Bah, it’s unlucky to say that. That won’t happen to Nana.”Serenity wa
“You taught all of us how to cook. If you complain about my cooking, you’re complaining about the results of your own teachings.”Grandma May was struck speechless.Her precious eldest grandson was getting better with his comebacks. This was all thanks to her making him marry Serenity.Serenity was grinning ear-to-ear.Every time Grandma May and Zachary bickered, she could laugh until her sides hurt.“Let’s ignore him, Seren. He’s always wearing that tense and serious expression. You’re the only person who can stand him. If you were anyone else, they’d have probably made a run for it long ago. Children would probably get scared to tears if they went out and saw him at night.”Zachary’s expression was dark.“No, I think Zachary’s very kind and not cold at all. Anyway, he’s gentle and considerate and is the perfect husband to me. I’m very satisfied.”Zachary immediately looked happy. “My wife’s still the best to me.”Grandma May laughed. “You guys could suffocate anyone single w
Liam immediately said, “I’m going to take Tania shopping later. She can buy whatever she likes, as long as she’s happy.”Grandma May said as she sat down, “You’re about to be a grandfather soon. You need to set a good example for your grandchild.”“Mom, I’ve always been a role model for Zack and Austin.”“You two men should go to the kitchen to help Austin out.”“Mom, dinner’s ready,” Liam said, as if asking for credit. “Austin’s already prepared all the food.”Grandma May gave her eldest son a side-eye.Liam smiled sheepishly and gave Zachary a look. The father and son then headed for the kitchen.Grandma May immediately smiled after successfully diverting the men away and said to Tania and Serenity, “Later, we should go out shopping. I haven’t been on a shopping spree for a while now and I want to buy a few dresses for my precious great-granddaughter.”Tania immediately agreed. “That’s right, we should buy a few more dresses for her.”Serenity was speechless for a moment. “N
Serenity doused their enthusiasm. She said, “Zachary told me Kevin and Hayden are going on a trip. They’ll only be back half a month later.“You can still go to Jensburg for fun. However, it might not be appropriate to discuss Kevin and Hayden’s marriage without them around.”Grandma May and the others were speechless. “I guess we’ll go over after they return then. When that time comes, we can also get to know Mr. and Mrs. Queen better.”Serenity smiled. “Aren’t you close enough to them, Nana?”“We’ve talked often over the phone, but rarely in person.”Serenity understood. The two families’ elders did keep in contact through phone calls and only met each other a few times. The main reason was the distance between their cities. “Food is ready.”Zachary came out of the kitchen and called everyone. When Grandma May was home, the guys would cook, whereas the ladies would sit and chat while waiting for the food. Grandma May, who never had a daughter of her own, treated her
“It’s so cold here, Aunt Ser. The wind is strong too. I almost got blown away when I got out of the airplane.”Sonny spoke with an exaggerated tone. “You should put on more clothes. Don’t get blown away by the wind. I don’t know where to find you if you do.”Sonny giggled. “I lied, Aunt Ser. The wind is strong, but it can’t blow me away. I’m all grown up.“But it’s really cold. Mom said it’ll snow, but it hasn’t yet.”Jensburg was indeed much colder than Wiltspoon. Serenity was relieved that she had stuffed a few more thicker clothes into Sonny’s luggage. “Dunc and I are in Mom’s new car. The heater is on, so it doesn’t feel as cold now. It even feels warm because Dunc is hugging me.”“Mm. Remember to wear another jacket when you leave the car. I put some thick clothes into your luggage.“Tell your mom to drive slowly because the weather is cold.”“Mom isn’t driving. Jim is.” Sonny was close to Jim, who had been assigned to follow Liberty to Jensburg. When Sonny saw him,
Meanwhile at the Longbottom Villa, which was named as such since Carrie had been staying there under the guise of Mrs. Longbottom. Carrie wandered around and only returned when night fell. When the car entered the property, she saw the villa’s lights were turned on. Carrie knew Mr. Longbottom had come. She was a little nervous and scared. She no longer harbored any expectations for him. At first, she wanted to replace the real Mrs. Longbottom and make Mr. Longbottom obedient to her. However, ever since he almost strangled her to death and looked at her with that hostile gaze, she was scared out of her wits. Carrie knew that if she did not complete the task Mr. Longbottom had assigned her, he would really kill her. If she offended him or thought of betraying him, she would not gain any benefits either. Mr. Longbottom was extremely generous. He would give her nice clothes and countless pieces of jewelry. Even the money he gave her was always more than what they had ag
Mr. Longbottom was sitting on the sofa, holding a glass of alcohol. He looked relaxed, sipping his drink from time to time. He did not look toward Carrie when he heard the sound of footsteps. She walked over and put down her bag. Then, she went to his side and said sweetly, “Mr. Longbottom.”When he finally spared her a glance, it was so hostile that Carrie was startled. Did she do something wrong?“Have you eaten, Mr. Longbottom?”She dared not talk in a cute voice. Instead, she looked at him cautiously. Mr. Longbottom returned a faint hum. He leaned back and said, “You’ll need the invitation on the table for the banquet you’re attending tomorrow.“I bought you a few evening gowns and sets of jewelry. They’re all there. You can wear whichever you prefer.”Mr. Longbottom looked toward a single-seated sofa. Following his gaze, Carrie noticed a few intricate bags and velvet boxes placed on that sofa. She took the invitation card and opened it. Then, she moved over to