Chapter 3910
The Ormond sisters had specific criteria for their future partners. Firstly, the man’s family background needed to align with their own distinguished lineage. Secondly, he had to reside in the same city or a nearby one—no long-distance relationships for them. Tatum had worked for Elora long enough to grasp her personal requirements for a husband. Grandma had designated Elora as his intended partner, and initially, Tatum believed the process would be straightforward. However, he soon realized how complicated it truly was.
For one, Elora was not someone prone to falling in love easily. Additionally, her reluctance to marry far from home posed a significant challenge. Would he be expected to move in with her family? He thought about his third sister-in-law, Hayden, who was similarly reserved and aloof. However, Hayden had a capable twin brother, Hugh, who could manage her family’s business. In contrast, Elora had a younger brother, Alonzo, who was still in elementary school, meaning it would take at least 20 years before he could take on the family responsibilities.
Tatum decided that once his relationship with Elora was more stable, he would return home to discuss the matter with his family elders. If the Ormonds insisted on him joining their household, would his family agree? Even if he didn’t formally move in, he would likely have to spend most of his time in Province X. Compounding his concerns was a middle-aged man named Labbe, who seemed to be targeting Elora and her sister Tinsley.
River, his younger brother, laughed during their voice call. “Brother Tatum, you’ve been away for so long, but you’re still stuck at square one.” Tatum sighed, irritated by River’s teasing. “Do you think it’s easy to win someone’s heart? Grandma’s choices for us aren’t simple.”
“It’s simple. Just wait until she chooses someone for you—you’ll see how challenging it can be.” River chuckled. “But that’s a problem for future me. The three of us are still young. I’ve got at least four more years of freedom, Alex can enjoy another five or six, and Rowan? He’s still just a kid. We’re in the clear for now.”
River’s confidence radiated as he continued. “Trust me, when my time comes, I won’t drag things out like you guys. I’ll go all in! I’ll embrace love at first sight, launch a passionate pursuit, and win her over with my charm. Strong women can’t resist determined men, and I’m confident I can pull it off. I bet I can propose, get married, and throw a wedding all within six months!”
Tatum laughed dryly. “Keep dreaming. Unless you head straight to the courthouse for a marriage certificate like our oldest brother and sister-in-law, you’re going to have to work for it. Grandma has a keen eye. The women she chooses are incredible, but they aren’t easily impressed.”
He paused as the reality of his situation sank in. “Honestly, I can’t even show Elora how I feel yet. To her, I’m just her private chef—someone she could replace at any moment. If I confessed my feelings now, she’d fire me on the spot and kick me out of the Ormond household.”
River smirked. “If Grandma’s choice for me is open to a quick marriage, I’ll take a page from Eldest Brother’s playbook: marry first, fall in love later.”
The men of the York family held a strong sense of loyalty to both family and marriage. Once they tied the knot, they were committed for life—as long as their wives remained faithful. Quick marriages weren’t viewed negatively; feelings could develop over time. “Look at…
Eldest Brother and Sister-in-Law Yver were mentioned as a prime example. “Take a lesson from Eldest Brother’s experience: marry first and fall in love later.” The men of the York family held a deep loyalty to both family and marriage. Once they committed, they remained devoted for life, provided their wives remained faithful. To them, quick marriages were not a negative; emotions could develop over time.
“Look at Eldest Brother and Sister-in-Law,” River said. “They are a perfect example. Their relationship began with a quick marriage, and now they are genuinely happy. However, it doesn’t work out for everyone. Some rush into marriage only to discover they are incompatible, leading to divorce. There are many stories like that as well.”
Tatum sighed, “I’m done. I’m taking a nap.”
Before River could respond, Tatum hung up, ending the conversation abruptly. He was too exhausted to handle his younger brother’s incessant chatter any longer.