Chapter 3951-3955

Married At First Sight Chapter 3951-3955
Chapter 3951
Abby paused for a moment before responding, “I’m not certain either. If Evan hadn’t informed me, I would have never discovered all of this. I’ve met Grandma York; when I visited the York family with my master, I had the opportunity to interact with her. She is such a kind and approachable woman—so easy to get along with, without the slightest hint of pressure. If you only look at her superficially, you’d never guess how formidable she truly is. Grandma York commands respect even from the Bucham family. My master treats her with the utmost reverence, never daring to act superior. He once said that she was a force to be reckoned with in her younger years and played a crucial role in shaping the York family into what it is today. Just look at the eight outstanding grandsons she and the late Grandpa York raised; that alone speaks volumes about her greatness.”
Mrs. Du interrupted, “Doesn’t the York family have nine young masters in this generation?”
Abby nodded. “Yes, but Evan, being the youngest, was primarily raised by his parents and older brothers. Grandma York did offer him some guidance, but he wasn’t raised under her direct care like the others. As for the ninth young master, Rowan York, he’s still in school and hasn’t yet reached adulthood. While it’s evident he’s destined for great things, it’s too early for outsiders to determine if he’ll become a dragon or remain a worm.”
Mrs. Du shifted her focus. “Abby, if Evan still loves you, why didn’t you explain everything to him from the start? It could have saved both of you so much heartache.”
Her mother’s tone was filled with concern. To Mrs. Du, whether it was Fox or Abby, they were one and the same. She couldn’t help but think that being upfront might have spared her.

, it sounds like there’s a strong connection between you two.” Abby sighed softly. “It’s not that I’m sad, Mom. I was just… embarrassed. In our city, I’ve always been a proud and accomplished woman, someone with high self-esteem. Yet somehow, I found myself overshadowed by my own disguise. Evan fell in love with Fox—my alias. He didn’t even know my real name, my appearance, or anything about my background. Losing to a version of myself that isn’t even the real me? It’s absurd. A little laughable, perhaps even pathetic. But sad? Not really.” She paused and smiled faintly. “Deep down, I know the person Evan truly loves is still me.”

Abby continued, “Evan told me he kept having the same dream repeatedly. In it, he was intertwined with me. Then there was the photo Grandma York gave him—that was the real me. He said the photo felt different from the version of me he met in disguise, yet he couldn’t resist being drawn to my alter ego.”

Mrs. Du gasped. “That’s unbelievable! You had never met before, yet he kept dreaming of you? Could it be that you two were linked in a previous life? Perhaps you were husband and wife—or at least emotionally connected. And now those feelings have resurfaced in this life?”

“Mom,” Abby said, exasperated, “you’ve been watching way too many TV dramas.” Still, she couldn’t completely dismiss the odd circumstances. How could Evan dream about her when they had never met, and he hadn’t even seen her photo at that time? Could there really be such a thing as past lives? Were they entwined in unresolved emotions from before, only to reunite and continue where they left off?

Mrs. Du sighed, still captivated by the idea, but Abby quickly shifted the conversation. Mr. Du finally broke in, alleviating the tension with a smile. “Well, regardless of the explanation, it sounds like there’s a strong connection between you two.”

You are now responsible for that kid. I just feel relieved he didn’t freeze out there for too long. If he had gotten sick or injured, you would have been the one to bear the consequences.” Abby couldn’t help but laugh. Just moments ago, her father had been lamenting that Evan hadn’t suffered enough in the cold, and now he was grateful the poor guy hadn’t frozen to death. People can change their minds quickly. With that, the heaviness of the conversation lifted slightly, leaving Abby with much to consider as she faced the complexities of her intertwined fate with Evan.

Evan returned to Wiltspoon the same day. Coincidentally, it was also the day Liberty and Duncan went to the Brown family home to pick up Sonny. Sonny had been staying there for two days, and during that time, Duncan couldn’t stop talking about him. He video-called Sonny every hour or two, unable to go without seeing him for long. To facilitate those calls, Duncan begrudgingly added Hank as a contact on WhatsApp—despite his dislike for Liberty’s ex-husband. He swallowed his pride and made the connection solely for Sonny’s benefit. In a bit of mischief, Duncan also began flooding his social media with pictures and posts showcasing his growing relationship with Liberty, hoping to provoke Hank and stir feelings of envy and regret.

Meanwhile, at the Brown family home, Hank was upstairs packing Sonny’s clothes. He moved at an infuriatingly slow pace, clearly stalling to keep Sonny there just a little longer. He was aware that Duncan was waiting downstairs with Liberty, but he took his time anyway, purposely dragging things out. Duncan, on the other hand, refused to go upstairs. He stayed outside with Liberty, respecting her decision to avoid stepping foot in her ex-husband’s house again. Instead, Liberty…

used the time to chat with some of her former neighbors. Through their conversations, she learned that the Brown family hadn’t changed much. Chelsea, her former sister-in-law, still relied on her parents for support. The neighbors recounted how, despite the turmoil that had taken place in the family, Chelsea remained selfish and entitled. Liberty couldn’t help but recall how Hank had enabled his sister by prioritizing her over his own wife and son. Back then, he had willingly given money to Chelsea and their parents instead of ensuring that Liberty and Sonny had what they needed.

Even now, Chelsea’s behavior hadn’t improved. Liberty suspected that Chelsea would continue to take advantage of Sonny if given the opportunity. She didn’t want her son exposed to such a toxic environment or influenced by Chelsea or her son, Lucas, who had grown up surrounded by negative role models. Still, Liberty recognized that her ex-husband’s family was no longer her concern. She simply listened to the neighborhood gossip without contributing her own thoughts.

Upstairs, Sonny grew impatient with his father’s slow packing. He finally spoke up. “Dad, I’ll do it myself!” At home, his Aunt Serenity had always encouraged him to be independent, teaching him to fold his clothes and keep his bed tidy each day. Sonny was more than capable of handling his own packing.

But Hank dismissed him. “No, Sonny, let me take care of it. Go double-check your toys. Did you pack everything? Make sure you didn’t leave anything behind.” Hank wasn’t stalling without reason; his jealousy toward Duncan ran deep. Though he had long given up on Liberty—after all, he was the one who filed for divorce and remarried—Sonny was different. Sonny was his only child, his flesh and blood. The thought of Sonny calling Duncan “Dad” in the future infuriated Hank.

filled with envy. Duncan, on the other hand, was quite open about his intentions. He showcased every tender moment with Liberty on social media, proudly displaying their blossoming romance for everyone to see. In response, Hank flooded his own posts with pictures of himself and Sonny, highlighting the bond he was determined to strengthen.

Father and son were undeniably connected. Their resemblance was striking, and the shared blood between them naturally nurtured a closeness that could not be overlooked. Hank held onto that bond, hoping to maintain a piece of Sonny’s heart, even as Liberty moved forward with Duncan.

On that day, Duncan arrived earlier than expected. Liberty had initially planned to pick Sonny up in the evening, but Duncan was eager to bring Sonny home immediately.

“I’ve packed everything, Dad, and I double-checked. Nothing’s missing,” Sonny replied, unaware that his father was intentionally stalling to keep him there a little longer. “And even if I forgot something, it’s fine. I’ll come back to get it next time. Didn’t you say this will always be my home?”

To Sonny, it didn’t matter if he left something behind. He viewed both his mother’s and father’s homes as equally important.

Hank softened and replied gently, “Yes, this will always be your home, Sonny. As long as I’m here, the door will always be open for you. Now go watch TV with your grandparents for a bit. I’ll finish packing soon. Make sure to take back all the snacks and goodies your grandparents got for you.”

Although Sonny had everything he needed at his mom and stepdad’s house, Hank wanted him to appreciate the loving gestures from his grandparents, even if they had once favored Lucas.

“I don’t want to watch TV,” Sonny said plainly.

Sonny found his grandparents’ choice of shows uninteresting, and the programs he preferred didn’t appeal to them. Liberty and Serenity had instilled in him a respect for his elders, so Sonny always made an effort to be considerate, even if it meant not arguing over the television.

For the past two days, Hank had stayed home with Sonny instead of going to work. He spent time taking him to various places and buying him gifts. Sonny had arrived with a small suitcase but was leaving with an armful of bags and boxes—a testament to Hank’s love for his son.

“Dad, the day after tomorrow, I’ll come back to wish you a Happy New Year,” Sonny announced. The day after tomorrow marked the first day of the new year.

Hank smiled warmly. “When you come, have your mom call me first. I’ll be waiting for you downstairs.”

“Okay,” Sonny replied enthusiastically.

“Dad, after the new year, I’ll be five years old!” Sonny said, chatting with excitement.

Hank reached out and gently ruffled Sonny’s hair. “Yes, my boy will be five.”

Sonny was currently four, or five by the lunar calendar. Hank marveled at how swiftly time had flown. When he and Liberty divorced, Sonny could barely speak. Now, his son was a chatterbox, brimming with stories, questions, and energy.

In just a few months, Sonny would start senior kindergarten, followed by elementary school. Time truly flies.

“Dad, I’ll grow up fast. I’ll eat more, get taller, and protect Mom,” Sonny said with a determined expression.

“You’re such a good boy, Sonny,” Hank replied, though his heart ached at the sentiment. Sonny wanted to protect Liberty, not him.

Of course, Liberty wouldn’t need Sonny’s protection—she had Duncan and bodyguards at her side now. Still, hearing his son’s declaration stung.

“Dad, when Uncle Duncan and Mom get married, will you come to the…”

“Wedding? I want to be the flower boy for Mom,” Sonny asked innocently.

Hank hesitated, taken aback by the question. After a brief pause, he replied, “If Uncle Duncan invites me, I’ll come. If not, I won’t.”

In their culture, attending a wedding without an invitation was considered improper. Funerals were a different matter, but weddings required a formal invitation.

Sonny nodded. “I heard Uncle Duncan say he’ll definitely invite you to the wedding. Dad, Uncle Duncan’s really nice. He treats me and Mom so well. He’s not a bad guy.”

Sonny’s words were sincere, as if he was trying to ease the unspoken tension between his father and Duncan.

Hank felt a pang of sadness but managed a small smile. “Yes, Uncle Duncan isn’t a bad guy. He treats you and your mom well, and that makes me happy. I’m glad you both have someone like him in your lives.”

Although his words were kind, the bittersweetness in Hank’s heart was undeniable.

No matter how much bitterness churned within him, Hank had to admit the truth: Duncan genuinely loved Sonny and Liberty. In every meaningful way, Duncan was a better man than he was.

It was good for Liberty to remarry—better still to choose someone like Duncan. Despite Duncan currently being confined to a wheelchair, his recovery was still possible. When that day came, Duncan would once again stand tall, ready to support Liberty and Sonny as a steady, dependable presence in their lives.

“Sonny! Sonny!” Mrs. Brown’s voice echoed from the hall.

Hank glanced at his son and said softly, “Sonny, your grandma’s calling you. Go see what she wants.”

Sonny nodded obediently, then turned and trotted out of the room.

“Grandma!” Sonny called out, his clear, bright voice filling the air.

He couldn’t help but smile as he listened. Despite everything, moments like this reminded him of how much he cherished being around Sonny and his parents. However, deep down, he knew the truth—Sonny’s custody belonged to Liberty, and that was for the best. As much as Hank wished to keep Sonny with him, he recognized that he couldn’t provide the stable environment Sonny needed. His days were consumed with driving his sports car, socializing, and chasing fleeting thrills. There was neither time nor space for parenting in that lifestyle.

Trusting his own parents with Sonny wasn’t an ideal solution either, and the thought of Chelsea bringing Lucas around made Hank uneasy. Although his father had finally come to his senses and no longer favored Lucas, his mother’s softer heart might still be swayed by Chelsea’s influence. After all, Chelsea’s three children had been raised by Hank’s parents, creating a bond that ran deep.

“Sonny, here’s some New Year’s money from your grandparents,” Mrs. Brown said, holding out two red envelopes she and her husband had prepared. Sonny shook his head and refused to take them. Looking up at his grandmother, he spoke with childlike sincerity, “Grandma, I have enough money. Mom says it’s not easy for Dad to earn money, and you and Grandpa don’t have much pension. I don’t want to take your money.”

Mrs. Brown froze, her grandson’s innocent words tugging at her heart. She regretted her earlier actions, the choices that had driven a wedge in their family. Bending down, she pulled Sonny into a gentle hug. After a moment, she released him and softened her tone. “Grandparents still have enough money, Sonny. This isn’t about that. This is our way of showing our love for you.”

“Take it,” Mr. Brown added. “Your mom can save it for when you go to college someday.”

Sonny hesitated, looking between his grandparents. “Grandma, can I ask my mom first? If she says it’s okay, then I’ll accept it. Is that alright? But I want to thank you and Grandpa now. When I have time, I’ll ask Mom to bring me over so I can visit you more often.” Mrs. Brown sighed but smiled at the boy’s thoughtfulness. “Alright, Sonny. Ask your mom first.” She tucked the red envelopes back into her pocket and then scooped him up into her arms.

As she carried Sonny to the door, she called out to Hank, “Honglin, have you packed Sonny’s things? It’s chilly today—don’t keep Liberty waiting too long.” Hank zipped up Sonny’s small suitcase and brought it out of the room. “Everything’s ready.” Mr. Brown followed, weighed down with items they had prepared for Sonny. Together, the family escorted Sonny downstairs.

Liberty and Duncan were waiting below. Duncan sat quietly, his gaze fixed on the elevator doors, completely focused. Meanwhile, Liberty chatted with a neighbor but kept glancing at Duncan, concern evident in her expression. She could tell he felt out of place here—she sensed it in his stillness and silence. Duncan was a good man, she thought, her heart softening. She felt fortunate to have him by her side.

Liberty and Duncan had only been married a few days—they were still enjoying the blissful honeymoon phase. Even with Liberty beside him, Duncan couldn’t help but video call Sonny multiple times a day. His concern for the little boy seemed to surpass even that of Sonny’s biological mother. “Is Sonny eating well? Is he sleeping okay at the Browns’ house? Do you think Chelsea’s son might bully him?” Duncan often voiced his worries aloud. Though Sonny had been learning martial arts, he was still young, and his training was not yet complete.

wasn’t
quite solid enough yet. Additionally, Sonny was polite and refrained from using physical force,
which only heightened Duncan’s concerns about whether the boy could defend himself.
Liberty couldn’t shake the feeling that Duncan played a more paternal role for Sonny than Hank ever had.
“Sonny’s coming downstairs,” Duncan announced suddenly, getting to his feet and striding
toward the door. He didn’t even consider using his wheelchair. Though he could only
walk short distances, his determination was clear.
Worried he might fall, Liberty quickly excused herself from her neighbors and hurried
after him. “Slow down, Duncan. Be careful—you might fall!” she called, staying close behind.
Duncan preferred to spend time alone with his little family, so he had dismissed the
bodyguard earlier.
When Sonny saw them, he immediately broke away from Hank and raced toward Duncan.
“Mom! Uncle Duncan!” Sonny’s excitement brightened his face as he ran into Duncan’s arms.
Duncan paused to steady himself. While he couldn’t maintain his balance for long, he knelt down to meet Sonny. As soon as Sonny reached him, Duncan lifted the boy into his arms and stood up, though it required effort.
“Sonny,” Duncan said affectionately, hugging the boy tightly and brushing his cheek against
Sonny’s. “Did you miss me?”
“Yes, Uncle Duncan! I miss you every day,” Sonny replied enthusiastically. “I miss
Mommy, Aunt Seren, Uncle Zack—so many people!”
Duncan chuckled at the boy’s honesty, lifting Sonny into the air to elicit laughter before placing him on his shoulders. “Sonny, I missed you so much that I wanted to
come get you and take you home. Let’s go home now, okay?”
Sonny held onto Duncan’s head for balance. “Uncle Duncan, can you walk?”
Duncan nodded as he started walking. “I can manage short distances.”

“I’m working hard on my rehab, and in a year, I’ll be able to run and jump just like you. When that time comes, I’ll take you horseback riding and fishing by the sea. How does that sound?”

“Really? I want to ride a horse!” Sonny exclaimed, his excitement evident. He had seen people riding horses at the zoo and had always dreamed of doing it himself—not just for photos, but to ride freely.

Just then, Liberty caught up with them. “Sonny!” she called, smiling warmly at her son.

Sonny beamed back. “Mom!”

Liberty reached out to take him, but Duncan shook his head. “He likes sitting like this. Don’t worry—he’s not too heavy for me. Just go ahead and grab Sonny’s things instead.”

Liberty hesitated but eventually relented. “Alright, but both of you be careful. Watch your step. Duncan, if you start feeling unsteady, sit down immediately.”

Duncan smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry—I’ve got this. I would never let Sonny fall. Even if I went down, he’d be safe.”

As Liberty turned to get Sonny’s belongings, Hank approached with the boy’s small suitcase in hand. Behind him, Mr. and Mrs. Brown carried bags filled with New Year’s gifts for Sonny and Liberty.

The Browns’ offerings were modest compared to the gifts Sonny had received from Liberty’s family, but they were heartfelt—a small token of their love and care for the little boy and his mother.