Chapter 3941-3945

Married At First Sight Chapter 3941-3945
Chapter 3941
Mrs. Du smiled playfully as Abby opened the door. Without waiting for an invitation, she stepped into her daughter’s room.
Abby’s bedroom had a cozy, minimalist atmosphere. She kept it simple with just a bed, a computer desk, and a small sofa set. The warm tones of her decor reflected her preference for comfort without excess clutter.
Her room was also the smallest in the house, a choice Abby had made, claiming that larger spaces felt empty and made it difficult for her to sleep.
Mrs. Du often speculated that Abby’s preference for smaller rooms stemmed from her martial arts training, as she had once shared modest quarters with her fellow disciples.
What felt normal to Abby might seem cramped to others.
However, compared to most people’s homes, Abby’s “small” room was still quite spacious. It only appeared small when compared to the expansive Du family mansion.
Mrs. Du settled onto the sofa, glancing around as Abby yawned.
“Mom, let me get dressed,” Abby said, running a hand through her messy hair.
“Go ahead,” her mother replied, making herself comfortable.
Abby changed quickly, freshened up, and returned to find her mother waiting. She poured a cup of warm water and handed it to her.
“Here, Mom,” Abby said as she sat down next to her. “Aren’t you busy with New Year’s preparations?”
Mrs. Du smiled and waved her hand dismissively. “What is there to be busy with? The staff handles everything. I only make a few family dishes for New Year’s Eve; the rest is taken care of by the chefs.”
The Du family employed several chefs, each specializing in different cuisines. With the household on vacation for the holidays, the remaining chefs were busier than usual since a few had gone home for the New Year. Still, Mrs. Du rarely

Mrs. Du felt the need to intervene. After taking a sip of water, she set her cup down and turned to Abby. “I wanted to talk to you about something,” she said, her tone more serious.

Abby raised her eyebrows in curiosity. “What’s on your mind?”

Mrs. Du hesitated for a moment. “Do you… still have feelings for Evan?”

Abby’s smile faded slightly. “Mom, why are you asking me that?”

The question caught her off guard, though she couldn’t deny it was a valid one. Did she still have feelings for him? If she were honest, yes—though not as strongly as before.

Mrs. Du sighed. “I just want to know if seeing him again might stir something in you. Evan’s… complicated. I don’t want you to get hurt again.”

Abby offered a faint smile and reached out to pat her mother’s hand. “Mom, your daughter isn’t as fragile as you think. Sure, it stung a little, but heartbreak doesn’t kill anyone. I’ve learned to love and let go.”

Mrs. Du studied her daughter for a moment before nodding. “I’m glad to hear that. But after the New Year, I want you to keep an open mind. Look around and see if there’s someone more suitable for you—someone local, here in Huyoniville. You don’t need to look far.”

“Why the sudden push for someone local?” Abby asked, her curiosity piqued.

Mrs. Du smiled knowingly. “If you marry someone nearby and ever face any trouble, you can come straight home, and your father and I can support you. If you marry someone far away, it’s not so simple. It would take us hours to reach you.”

Abby narrowed her eyes playfully. “Wait a second… You’re not planning to set me up on blind dates during the holidays, are you?”

Her mother laughed but didn’t deny it outright.

“Mom, don’t even think about it!” Abby groaned. “I only have ten days off for New Year’s. I’m not spending them going on blind dates!”

on blind dates!” Her company’s annual holiday break spanned from the 26th of the lunar calendar to the 8th. It was a brief period, and Abby was determined not to waste it.

“Relax,” Mrs. Du reassured her. “You’re still young. Your father and I aren’t pressuring you into marriage. If you like someone, take your time to get to know them. There’s no need to rush. But don’t give your heart away so quickly, like last time.”

Abby recognized the subtle reference to Evan. Her mother remained cautious and protective.

Abby smiled reassuringly at her mother. “Don’t worry, Mom. If I ever fall in love again, I’ll take my time—years even—before considering marriage. I’m not in any hurry.”

Mrs. Du smiled, her faith in her daughter evident. “I know you’ll make the right choice.” After all, Abby was no ordinary young woman. She had been raised and trained by a hermit, a master known as Silver Fox. Mrs. Du often felt guilty for not being more involved in Abby’s upbringing, but her daughter’s strength, independence, and skills were all thanks to her master.

Then Mrs. Du’s tone changed. “But there’s something I need to tell you—Evan’s here. He’s standing outside our house. He said he wants to see you.”

Abby’s expression remained neutral, though she pretended to be surprised. “What? What’s he doing here?” she asked, her voice laced with feigned confusion.

Mrs. Du huffed. “Who knows? He didn’t explain himself, just insisted he wanted to see you. After what he did—playing with your feelings—your father and I have every reason to be furious. We’ve held back for your sake, but now he shows up at our door? It’s not that simple.”

Abby

She didn’t say anything, but it was clear she wasn’t eager to see Evan either. Mrs. Du continued, her voice firm. “Your father told him to take off his coat and stand outside for two hours. If he’s sincere enough to do that, I told your dad I’d come up here and let you know.”

Abby’s eyebrows shot up in disbelief. “Mom, it’s freezing out there! Even with a heavy coat, he’d still be cold. But without one? How is he supposed to survive in this weather? It’s below ten degrees—and windy!”

Mrs. Du remained calm. “Your father wasn’t being unreasonable. He just wanted to test his sincerity. If Evan is willing to endure it, we’ll let him in. He won’t actually freeze to death; at worst, he’ll catch a cold.”

Abby shook her head and stood up abruptly. “I’m going out there. If something happens to him and it creates bad blood between our families, it won’t end well. We can’t afford to make the York family our enemy—not over this. Even Master would feel terrible about causing problems with Grandma York.” Her voice softened as she added, “And… I don’t want anything bad to happen to Evan, either.”

Mrs. Du didn’t argue. “Fine, but put on a coat before you go.”

Abby grabbed her warmest coat, slipped on her boots, and headed outside. Mrs. Du watched her leave, knowing Evan was probably shivering uncontrollably by now.

And she was right.

Evan was trembling violently as the cold wind whipped around him, biting through his layers and leaving him with numb fingers and purple lips. The wind felt like tiny knives cutting across his face, and his body shook uncontrollably as he struggled to stay upright.

His teeth chattered, and each breath felt like ice in his lungs. He wondered if he’d even make it through the full two hours. Would I really turn into an ice sculpture if I stayed here?

He thought grimly. Then, through the cold haze, he saw her. Abby was walking toward him. Even from a distance, she appeared calm and composed, her figure illuminated by the warm glow of the house behind her. Evan’s heart leaped despite the chill. She came out. She actually came out.

“Second Miss,” the security guard greeted Abby with a respectful nod as she passed by. Abby nodded in return before stopping in front of Evan. Without a word, she picked up the coat he had discarded and tossed it to him.

“Put this on before you freeze to death,” she said flatly. “We’re not in the business of covering funeral costs.”

Evan hesitated, his frozen lips struggling to form words. “Your… your father said… two hours,” he stammered, his voice shaky and barely audible over the wind.

Abby frowned. “Do you want to see me or not?” she asked. “I’m standing right here. You don’t need to prove anything to my dad. Put on the coat and come inside.”

When Evan hesitated again, Abby’s tone softened slightly. “Seriously, Evan. If you keep this up, you’ll end up in the hospital, and my parents will have trouble with the York family. Nobody wants that.”

Finally, Evan relented and slipped the coat back on with trembling hands.

“Follow me,” Abby said, her voice calm yet firm. “Let’s get you inside.”

As they walked toward the house, Abby considered asking the kitchen to prepare a hot bowl of ginger soup. He would need it—something to warm him up before they talked.

Abby spoke briefly, and Evan quickly grabbed his coat. He had been standing outside for half an hour, and the cold had seeped into his bones. Even with the coat on, he still shivered.

“Come with me,” Abby said, turning toward the house.

“Okay,” Evan responded as he bent down to pick up the gifts. He hurried to catch up with her.
“Abby, thank you,” he said sincerely.
Abby glanced at him twice before looking away. “I just couldn’t let you freeze to death on my doorstep. If that happened, your family would blame mine. Given how close I am with your two sisters-in-law, it would create quite a mess.”
Since leaving Wiltspoon, Abby had never returned under her own name. However, her bond with Serenity and the others remained strong, and they still kept in regular contact.
Evan smiled, trying to lighten the mood. “My eldest sister-in-law is due in a few months. Brother Josh’s wife is due a month before her. Oh, and Sister Liberty and Brother Duncan finally tied the knot—they’ve received their marriage certificate.”
Abby listened attentively. When he finished, she asked, “Has Fourth Master Lewis fully recovered?”
Back in Wiltspoon, Abby had heard Duncan express his desire to marry Liberty once he was fully healed. He had promised her a grand wedding.
“Not yet,” Evan admitted. “They decided to get the marriage certificate first and are postponing the wedding for now.”
Abby nodded. “That makes sense. I’ve even heard about the Farrell family situation in Jensburg all the way from here. Is Sister Liberty going to take over the family?”
The two continued chatting, their conversation flowing easily as they discussed friends and family.
“She’s the best fit,” Evan replied. “My sister-in-law Serenity and Elisa can’t take on that role, and honestly, neither of them wants to. Liberty, being the eldest granddaughter, is naturally the one to step up.”
Abby considered this for a moment before responding. “It’s not that Serenity isn’t capable—it’s just not a good fit for her. If she took over the Farrell family, your eldest brother would have to

becoming a son-in-law. Any daughter they have would need to carry the Farrell name, which I doubt the York family would accept. Serenity is better off staying out of it. “Regarding Elisa, her mother knows her best. Mrs. Stone is correct—Elisa’s personality isn’t suited for managing a family like the Farrells. It’s not comparable to dealing with other prominent families. Liberty, however, is perfect for the role.” Abby smiled, with a hint of admiration in her expression. “In the end, Sister Liberty took on the responsibility.”

Evan chuckled softly but was interrupted by a sudden fit of sneezing. Abby frowned. “I’ll have someone prepare a bowl of spicy ginger soup to warm you up. But you should see a doctor and get some cold medicine when you return. You southerners aren’t built for this kind of weather.” Every winter, a wave of southerners comes north to see the snow, only to catch colds. Some can’t handle it—they stay holed up in their hotel rooms, wrapped in blankets, and then head straight back home.

Just like children dragged along on summer vacations, who’d rather stay in the hotel glued to their phones than venture outside into the sweltering heat, Evan felt trapped by the situation he had created for himself. He wanted to rub his nose, but with both hands full, he couldn’t manage it. The urge to sneeze built up once more—before he could do anything, he sneezed loudly. Abby glanced at him and shook her head. “My dad told you to take off your coat and stand outside, and you actually did it? Like a fool! You’re not chasing after a lost wife—there’s no reason to take him so seriously.” Luckily, she had come out quickly; otherwise, he would have turned into an ice sculpture. Evan chuckled weakly, his

voice tinged with self-deprecation. “I deserved it. What happened before—that was my fault. I hurt you. Uncle and Aunt had every right to be upset. Honestly, I got off easy. They didn’t yell at me or anything. Being left outside for a while was more than fair.” He sneezed again, this time more violently. Although Evan was usually in good health, it was evident that he wasn’t escaping this unscathed.

Abby glanced at him briefly, keeping her expression neutral. When they stepped inside, Abby turned to the butler. “Is the ginger soup ready?”

“Almost done, Miss Abby,” the butler replied.

She nodded and motioned for Evan to sit down. Then, she poured him a cup of warm water and asked, “Have you eaten yet? I’ll grab some cold medicine for you.”

Evan sniffled and reached for a tissue to wipe his nose. His polished, handsome image took a hit, and he couldn’t help but feel embarrassed. Handsome or not, he thought, nobody is immune to a runny nose.

“I had breakfast earlier,” he replied, his voice slightly hoarse.

Abby returned with a small box of cold medicine. “This stuff works well. Do you want to take it before or after the ginger soup?”

He hesitated for a moment before making his decision. “I’ll drink the ginger soup first.” Someone had gone through the effort of preparing it for him—he couldn’t refuse Abby’s kindness, especially after everything he had done to upset her family. He figured the cold medicine could wait a little longer.

The warmth of the room, the glass of water, and simply sitting down for a while helped him feel a bit better.

Moments later, the butler brought out a steaming bowl of ginger soup. The strong, spicy aroma reached Abby’s nose even before he got close. Mrs. Du entered from the kitchen, her expression unreadable. Abby saw her mother and immediately understood. If her mom had made the soup…

The soup was bound to be potent—likely more like a bowl of liquid fire. Evan wasn’t good with spicy food; even a hint of garlic in a dish made him uncomfortable. This ginger soup was about to be his personal challenge.

When Evan saw Mrs. Du, he quickly stood up. “Auntie,” he greeted her respectfully, his tone formal. Mrs. Du shot him a frosty look. “You two talk. I’m going to chat with my sister-in-law.” With that, she walked away, leaving Evan standing awkwardly.

He sneezed again, this time so forcefully that his nose began to run. Grabbing another tissue, he wiped his nose quickly, his face flushing with embarrassment. However, Abby didn’t laugh at him. Instead, she pushed the steaming bowl of ginger soup toward him.

“Drink this—it’ll help with your cold,” she said, her tone practical and firm. “It’s got extra ginger, so it’s a bit spicy, but that’ll warm you up faster. Drink it while it’s hot—it works better that way.”

Evan let out a small hum, wiping his nose with a tissue before tossing it into the trash can. The sight of the overflowing pile of crumpled tissues made him feel even more self-conscious. He picked up the steaming bowl of ginger soup and carefully took a sip. The spiciness hit him immediately—it was intense.

His first instinct was to spit it out, but with Abby sitting right next to him, he forced himself to swallow. The fiery burn lingered, stinging his eyes. After that one sip, Evan set the bowl back down and quickly said, “Abby, the ginger soup’s too hot. I’ll drink it later.” The truth was, he had no intention of taking another sip.

“I’ll just take the medicine first,” he added, hoping to steer the conversation away. The medicine might be bitter, but it was certainly preferable to the soup.

but at least it wouldn’t burn his mouth. Abby saw right through him. “You’re afraid of spicy food, aren’t you?” she asked, her tone playful. Caught off guard, Evan let out a small sigh and sneezed a few more times as he reached for water to help swallow the medicine. He realized there was no use in denying it. “Fine, you’re right. I am afraid of spicy food. I don’t like it at all. That soup was so spicy that I barely managed to keep it down. Honestly, I thought I was going to throw up, but I swallowed it out of respect.” He shook his head, as if just recalling the soup was painful. “The spiciness nearly killed me.”

Abby smirked. “If I gave you a big bowl of chili water, that would probably finish you off.” Her comment made her chuckle softly as an idea struck her. If Evan ever finds out I’m Fox, maybe I’ll make him drink chili water as payback for everything he’s done. Not just one bowl—every day, a cup. But then she hesitated. No, too much might upset his stomach. If he ends up in the hospital, I’ll have to take care of him. The thought brought a small smile to her lips. Despite her mixed feelings about Evan, she couldn’t deny that part of her still hadn’t completely let go.

Evan, unaware of her inner musings, gave her a sheepish look. “Honestly, asking me to drink chili water would be the end of me. I can’t even handle ginger soup, let alone something worse.” Abby laughed lightly. “Well, you’re not getting out of drinking this ginger soup. If you can’t handle the whole bowl, at least finish half. It’ll help drive out the cold. You’re not used to this kind of weather, and even we can catch colds if we stand outside too long without a coat. You’re probably already coming down with something, but the ginger soup and medicine will help you recover faster.”

“Otherwise, you’ll end up sick for days,” Abby warned. Evan let out a slight groan, his attractive features dimming. “This soup is way too spicy. Can I just have a small cup instead?”

Abby shrugged, adopting a matter-of-fact tone. “It’s your body, not mine. If you don’t care about getting better, then don’t drink it. But let’s be clear—I didn’t ask you to stand outside in the freezing wind; that was my dad. Just because he told you to do it doesn’t mean you had to listen. Since you did choose to listen, you should have considered the consequences of getting sick.”

Evan shook his head, guilt washing over his face. “Abby, I’m not blaming Uncle. He and Aunt have every right to be upset with me. In the past, I messed up. I shouldn’t have led you on and then walked away.”

Abby interrupted him, her voice firm yet calm. “That’s all in the past. There’s no point in revisiting it. What’s done is done. Now tell me—what made you want to see me so badly that you didn’t care about the cold? What’s so important?”

She didn’t want to dwell on past wounds; those feelings were behind her now. Abby had learned through experience that in matters of the heart, the one who falls first often gets hurt the most.

Looking at Evan, she realized she no longer held those deep feelings for him. If they walked away from each other today, she would be okay. The heartbreak she had felt before, though not devastating, had taught her a vital lesson: in love, self-preservation comes first. Moving forward, she would only give her heart to someone who demonstrated their love through actions, not just words. She would love cautiously, hold back, and never lose herself in the process. After all, who could guarantee that love would last?