Chapter 3829

Mrs. Bucham intended for Julian and Kiera to obtain their marriage certificate and have the wedding on the same day. However, the wedding was scheduled for early February, shortly after the New Year, resulting in more than a month between securing the certificate and the ceremony. Nonetheless, Mrs. Bucham found solace in knowing that Kiera’s commitment was ensured once the certificate was issued.

Mrs. Bucham was concerned about Julian’s health and feared that Kiera or the Caron family might have second thoughts. Yet, when she spoke with Kiera, she was warm and kind, displaying a gentleness that even Kiera’s own mother rarely showed. Although Kiera’s father recognized Mrs. Bucham as a powerful figure, Kiera saw only a caring woman.

As the matriarch of the Bucham family, who had enjoyed her husband’s love for decades, Mrs. Bucham had honed her skills in navigating family dynamics, yet she reserved her strength for protecting those she loved. She presented both Kiera and Julian with red envelopes she had prepared in advance. “This is a red envelope from Mom. I wish you a long and happy life together,” she said. Julian accepted his first, followed by Kiera, who expressed her gratitude. Other family members also gifted red envelopes to the couple, each filled with blessings for their future.

Julian’s aunt gifted Kiera a necklace she wore daily, symbolizing Kiera’s new role as the eldest daughter-in-law. Although Kiera felt overwhelmed by the generosity, she graciously accepted the gift. Despite not yet having received the certificate or held the wedding, she was continually showered with valuable tokens of affection from the moment she arrived in Wiltspoon and met Julian’s family.

thoughtful and expensive gifts from her elders. Back in her room, Kiera opened the ornate brocade boxes and discovered that the gifts were indeed quite valuable. Returning them could risk offending the family, so she decided to accept them all. Julian, noticing her discomfort, gently reassured her, “No matter how expensive the gifts from my parents, uncles, and aunts are, you deserve them.” His words lifted a weight off Kiera’s shoulders, making her feel worthy of the family’s generosity.

As they sat in Julian’s car, Kiera reflected on the experience. “No wonder so many people want to marry into a wealthy family,” she sighed. Julian responded thoughtfully, “You can only find happiness if your in-laws genuinely like and accept you. Otherwise, marrying into a wealthy family can feel like being a servant—doing everything without receiving respect. It helps if your husband supports you, but many men lose interest in their wives after marriage, which only complicates matters.”

Kiera paused for a moment before adding, “That’s true. A woman’s standing in her in-laws’ home often depends on her husband’s attitude. I’ve heard that in marriage, a woman must either be strong herself or come from a strong family to avoid being mistreated.” As she spoke, she glanced at Julian, feeling grateful for his support and commitment.