Chapter 3966-3970

Married At First Sight Chapters 3966-3970
Chapter 3966
Grandma May sighed dramatically, “If only all of you grandkids would settle down and find your own spouses, I wouldn’t have to work this hard. Do you think I’d still be this old? Evan, every single gray hair on my head is because of you.”
Evan chuckled as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “You’re absolutely right, Grandma. It’s all our fault. We’ve caused you so much worry. But don’t worry, we’ll make it up to you. We’ll be even more devoted to you from now on.”
Grandma May waved him off. “Bah, I’m too old for empty promises. I’m taking life one day at a time now. Don’t tell me what you’ll do in the future; I’ve heard it all before. If you truly want to show your devotion, go bring Abby back. I like her. She’s the one I want as my granddaughter-in-law.”
Evan gave her a sly look. “So you’re saying Abby is Fox? If you confirm it, I swear I’ll move to Huyoniville in just a few days. I’ll start fresh there, open a new company, and pursue her properly. I’m not about to follow her around aimlessly without being productive, right?”
Evan thought about his brothers. Sure, they pursued their wives, but none of them sacrificed their careers to do so. They built their futures while nurturing their relationships.
Grandma May raised an eyebrow. “Did I say Abby is Fox? Perhaps I merely said she’s as clever as a fox. Abby won’t admit it, so what can you do? And what if they’re not the same person?”
Evan stared at her, speechless. He had pleaded, reasoned, and begged, but his grandmother refused to give him a direct answer.
Yet, her hints were clear enough—there was at least an 80% chance Abby was Fox.
“Grandma,” Evan finally asked, “would it be a mistake for me to pursue Abby?”
Grandma

May shot him a sharp look. “Of course not! She’s the wife I chose for you. I don’t make mistakes in these matters. Go after her!”
Evan groaned. “Grandma!”
She tapped his forehead with her finger. “Don’t overthink it. Just pursue her. The New Year has passed, and Abby’s still on vacation. She has time for dates. Take advantage of it!”
Evan hesitated, glancing at her. He was worried. What if Abby wasn’t Fox? If he pursued her and she turned out to be someone entirely different, what would he do? His heart was already drawn to Fox—her allure, her charm. He was only willing to give Abby a chance because he believed she was Fox.
Grandma May noticed his reluctance. “I’ll have Sam prepare some New Year gifts for you to take when you visit her in Huyoniville. It’s the New Year—you can’t show up empty-handed.”
She continued, her tone becoming more practical. “Once you’re there, start house hunting. Buy a place nearby, settle in, and take your time pursuing her. Do what Remy did when he courted Elisa. He bought the villa right next to her parents’ house—so convenient for her to visit them even after they got married. That kind of thoughtfulness earned him major points with her family.”
Grandma May grinned. “You see, Remy won over Elisa and her family. He proved he was serious by making smart choices. He’s been running several FC Manor subsidiaries in Wiltspoon, so he’s practically part of their community now. And that house? It sealed the deal with Elisa’s parents. She can visit them whenever she wants. That’s what I call a smart move.”
She pointed at Evan. “You’ve got plenty of examples around you. Your brothers and cousins have all settled down. Just pick a role model and learn from them. You’re the only one still single.”

Evan sighed in frustration. “Grandma, I’m not that old! Many people my age are still single.” Grandma May shot him a pointed look. “And many people your age are already fathers. It’s funny how you didn’t mention that. Honestly, among all my grandkids, you’re the most hopeless. You don’t even know the name of the woman you’re infatuated with. Useless!” Evan couldn’t help but chuckle at her teasing tone. “You’re right, Grandma. I am completely hopeless. That’s why I need your help.” Grandma May shook her head, unable to conceal her amused smile. “Hopeless, indeed,” she remarked.

Glancing at Evan, Grandma May said, “Haven’t I already helped you? Didn’t I suggest you ask Sam to prepare some New Year gifts? Deliver those to the Du family in Huyoniville to pay your respects. Trust me, they won’t turn you away, especially during this time of year. It’s the perfect opportunity.”

“Okay, Grandma, I’ll do exactly as you say,” Evan replied obediently, nodding. Without delay, he pulled out his phone and booked a flight for the fourth day of the New Year.

Grandma raised an eyebrow. “Why not book a flight for tomorrow?”

Evan smiled. “Because I want to spend a bit more time with you, Grandma.”

Grandma May chuckled, amusement shining in her eyes. “Oh, please. I don’t need your company. What I really want is for all of you to pair up and stop being single. That would make me the happiest grandma alive.”

Evan fell silent, a mix of exasperation and amusement. The real reason Evan chose to leave on the fourth day wasn’t solely to spend time with his family; he also wanted to wait for his brothers to return the following evening. He needed their advice—especially Zachary’s. Evan suspected that Zachary already knew the truth.

However, he kept it to himself, likely enjoying the spectacle of Evan’s confusion. Somehow, Evan had managed to offend the entire family, and it felt as if everyone was simply sitting back to watch the drama unfold. Despite Grandma May’s cryptic responses, Evan felt increasingly confident about his intuition. With that reassurance, he allowed himself to relax and enjoy the remaining days of the New Year holiday.

By the evening of the third day, Zachary and Serenity returned home. Evan, who had been lingering at his uncle’s house all day, sprang into action as soon as he heard the butler’s respectful greeting. He rushed out, eager to assist his brother and pregnant sister-in-law with their bags, fussing over Serenity with endless reminders to be careful.

Zachary glanced at him twice without saying anything at first, though his raised eyebrows conveyed a lot. Once inside, Evan hovered around Serenity, nearly tripping over himself in his eagerness to help. His exaggerated enthusiasm did not go unnoticed.

“I was only gone for a night, taking your sister-in-law to her parents’ house, and now you’re acting like a complete lapdog,” Zachary teased. “So, what’s going on? Did you mess something up? Or is there something you want from me?”

Evan laughed awkwardly, trying to play it cool. “Big brother, you’re as sharp as ever. Nothing escapes you. Honestly, you’re the best, the smartest, the most capable brother I’ve ever had. My admiration for you is endless—it’s like a river flowing without end…”

Zachary shot him a deadpan look. “Flatter me one more time, and I’ll silence you myself.”

Evan scratched his nose sheepishly, his grin faltering. Serenity, on the other hand, burst out laughing, clutching her belly. “Evan, if you keep this up, you’re going to make me laugh so hard I’ll hurt myself!”

“No, no, don’t leave!” Evan pleaded as Serenity stood to go. “Are my second and third sisters-in-law back yet? I’ll go talk to them!” Serenity waved him off, but Evan quickly interjected, “Sister-in-law, wait! I might need your help later. You’re my only hope—Brother probably won’t assist me. My second sister-in-law isn’t back yet, but my third brother and his wife will arrive by noon tomorrow.” Serenity paused, clearly amused, and sat back down. “Fine. I’ll stay and listen, but only if you get to the point. No more nonsense, or you’ll have me laughing to tears.”

Evan took a deep breath and turned to Zachary. “Big brother, just tell me—Abby is Fox, right? And Bianca, she’s her too, isn’t she?” Zachary leaned back calmly, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “Who is she? How would I know? I don’t keep tabs on her. The only person I focus on is my wife.” To emphasize his point, Zachary gently placed a hand on Serenity’s belly. “Hey there, baby. Have you been good today? Daddy’s been busy, but I hope you still remember my voice.”

“Brother!” Evan groaned, exasperated. Zachary raised an eyebrow. “Your fourth uncle is quite loud, isn’t he? If he keeps it up, I might have to get a pair of scissors and snip that tongue of his. He’s interrupting our father-son bonding time.” Evan stared at Zachary in disbelief, while Serenity couldn’t help but laugh again, shaking her head at the playful banter.

Serenity gently patted Zachary’s hand. “Stop teasing Evan. Look at him—he’s practically about to jump out of his skin. He’s been here for two days trying to get Grandma to share the truth, and he’s gotten nowhere.” Evan nodded eagerly. “Exactly, Brother! Quit messing with me. This…

“It’s serious—it’s about your little brother’s happiness!”

Zachary raised an eyebrow. “Alright, what did Grandma say?”

“She told me to pursue Abby again,” Evan replied.

“Then just do what she said,” Zachary shrugged. “Why are you still overthinking it? Has Grandma ever led us astray? I’ve told you before—she might tease us for fun, but when it comes to our marriages, she’s dead serious. She wouldn’t joke about something like this.”

Hearing this, Evan felt a wave of relief wash over him. Zachary hadn’t explicitly confirmed that Abby was the Changeable Fox, but his words suggested it. If Grandma wanted him to go after Abby, it must mean she and Fox were the same person.

Evan exhaled deeply. “Alright, Brother, I’ll take your and Grandma’s advice. But seriously, why didn’t you tell me this sooner?”

Zachary gave him a knowing look. “Grandma and I both warned you not to regret your decisions. But you? You went on and on about how regret wasn’t in your vocabulary. Well, look at you now—you seem to have learned the hard way, huh?”

Evan let out an awkward laugh. “Sure, you said not to regret, but how was I supposed to connect the dots that Fox is Abby’s pseudonym? That’s totally unexpected!”

Zachary smirked. “Because you’re slow. You didn’t grasp the deeper meaning behind Grandma’s words. Come on, Evan, who is Grandma? She’s a mastermind at keeping us on our toes. She’s always ten steps ahead.”

From another room, Grandma May cleared her throat loudly. Zachary, was that a compliment or an insult?

Evan’s expression darkened as he reflected on his past mistakes. “Man, I really messed up. I rejected Abby so harshly… Now I’m here chasing Fox like a fool, not even realizing she was right in front of me all along.”

“Bianca… It has to be her too,” he muttered, pacing in frustration. “She’s the Changeable Fox. A woman that versatile wouldn’t just have one alias. For all I know, every mysterious woman I’ve encountered could have been her in disguise!”

Zachary leaned back, clearly enjoying the spectacle. “Honestly, who wouldn’t want to see this play out? Admit it, Evan, it’s somewhat entertaining. Grandma makes the rules, and the rest of us follow them to the letter. But you? You’re the wild card. Somebody had to add a little extra drama.”

Evan shot him a glare. “Yeah, very funny. Chasing my wife is proving to be harder than anything you guys faced.”

Zachary didn’t argue; he knew Evan was right. Abby had genuinely cared for him, but Evan had shut her down so completely that even Abby’s parents, Uncle and Aunt Du, held a grudge against him.

A few days earlier, Evan had stood outside the Du family’s door for half an hour in the freezing cold, hoping they would let him in. By the time he left, he was so chilled that his nose was running. Fortunately, after consuming a large bowl of spicy ginger soup and resting for a day, he managed to avoid getting sick.

“Brother, Sister-in-law, I’m heading back to pack,” Evan said as he stood up. “Grandma said I need to buy a house in Huyoniville—pull a Remy and get close to Abby, just like he did with Elisa. Though I doubt anyone from the Du family will sell a house to me anytime soon…”

With that, Evan stormed off, determined to rectify his mistakes.

After he left, Serenity sighed. “I’m not sure if Abby will even give him another chance. He made it so clear he’d never fall for her, and that must have crushed her self-esteem.”

Zachary shrugged. “That’s his problem, not ours. Come on, Seren. Let’s head upstairs—you need to rest.”

As the New Year came to a close, the couple eagerly awaited the arrival of their baby at any moment. Zachary found himself watching Serenity’s growing belly with a blend of excitement and concern. He was beginning to understand why Ben had struggled with insomnia during his wife’s pregnancy. Now, it was Zachary’s turn to lie awake at night, filled with anticipation about their child’s impending arrival and questioning whether he was prepared for what lay ahead.

In Huyoniville, another snowfall marked the start of the New Year, covering the city in a pristine, white layer of winter magic. Evan arrived in town with a plan. After a restful day at the hotel, he picked up the New Year gifts that Sam had prepared and rented a luxury car. Eager to make an impression, he filled the car with gifts and drove to the Du family mansion. However, fate had a different outcome in store. Abby had gone on a trip with her eldest sister and some cousins, leaving Evan to be turned away at the door. Mr. Du, Abby’s father, had outright refused the gifts.

Having realized that the woman Evan truly loved was his daughter, Mr. Du had anticipated Evan’s return and had taken precautions. To ensure that Evan would leave empty-handed, Mr. Du convinced Abby to go on a trip. Abby, for her part, had her own reasons for escaping. She missed her master and her siblings, so she decided to take her cousins to visit them. Engulfed in lively conversation and the warmth of companionship, she hardly thought of Evan.

Meanwhile, Evan waited patiently. He marked his calendar for the tenth day of the first lunar month—the day the Du Group resumed work after the holiday. As vice president, Abby was required to attend the New Year’s opening meeting, and Evan knew this would be his opportunity. When Abby’s secretary informed her that Evan…

gorgeous as ever. But I appreciate the compliment.”

Evan chuckled, appreciating her playful spirit. He placed the bouquet on her desk, carefully setting the jewelry box beside it. “I hope you’ll accept my apologies for the misunderstanding. I didn’t realize that you and ‘Fox’ were the same person. It was never my intention to undermine your self-esteem.”

Abby’s expression softened slightly, though she maintained her teasing demeanor. “Apologies are nice, but gifts won’t erase your mistakes. Still, I’ll give you credit for effort.”

Evan nodded, understanding that he needed to earn her trust back. “I’ll do whatever it takes to make things right. Just say the word.”

She leaned forward, studying him with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. “What if I ask for something impossible?”

“Then I’ll find a way to make it happen,” he replied earnestly.

They shared a moment of silence, the weight of their unspoken feelings hanging between them. Abby finally broke the tension, her tone shifting to a more serious note. “Let’s just take it one step at a time, okay?”

“Absolutely,” Evan agreed, relieved to have a chance to rebuild their connection. “One step at a time.”

As they continued their conversation, both felt a renewed sense of hope for what lay ahead.

“Radiant as a flower,” Evan remarked with a chuckle. “That’s true. Our Abby is a natural beauty, unmatched in grace and charm.”

“You certainly have a way with words,” Abby replied, accepting the flowers with a blend of amusement and skepticism. “But tell me, Mr. York, what’s the real reason for this visit? Your sudden gesture raises my suspicions. It’s been a while since I last saw you, and I’m quite sure I haven’t offended you recently. Also, please remember to call me Miss Du. Only my family refers to me as Abby, and we’re not exactly family, are we?”

Evan’s attentiveness didn’t escape Abby’s notice. She suspected he had received some inside information—perhaps from his grandmother or his eldest brother. While she recognized his sincerity this time, her past experiences with him had taught her to be cautious. She didn’t want to rush into accepting his gestures, only to find herself in the same predicament as before—falling for him while he hesitated. Previously, she had been the one who suffered.

In the delicate game of love, the one who falls first often loses. Having already experienced loss, Abby was determined not to face it again. Despite her lingering feelings for Evan, she resolved to guard her vulnerability this time. She wanted to change the dynamics so that Evan would be the one pursuing her.

Breaking the silence, Evan said, “Miss Du, I came here today to apologize.”

Abby maintained her composed demeanor as she asked, “Apologize? For what?”

Evan placed a jewelry box on the desk in front of her, his movements purposeful. “A few months ago, I pursued you, but when you began to care for me, I pulled away. I told you I didn’t love you, and that was wrong. I hurt you, and I’m here to make amends.”

a grandchild, and Evan knew how much she cherished the thought of family. “This bouquet and this jewelry set are my way of apologizing,” he said, presenting them to her.

Abby placed the flowers aside and opened the brocade box, unveiling a breathtaking ruby jewelry set. Her keen eye instantly recognized its worth. “Mr. York,” she replied coolly, shutting the box, “I can’t accept something so extravagant. The past is behind us, and I’ve already moved on. You’ve apologized, and I’ve accepted it. There’s no need to spend money on me.”

Abby couldn’t help but speculate whether the jewelry was a gift from Evan’s grandmother or mother. Such exquisite gems were clearly part of the York family’s collection, typically reserved for special occasions or family members.

Evan, however, was determined not to give in. “Miss Du, if you refuse to accept it, I’ll take it as a sign that you haven’t forgiven me. In that case, I’ll have no choice but to come by every day to apologize until you do. I certainly wouldn’t want to annoy you.”

Despite his confident demeanor, Evan struggled to reveal the whole truth—he now realized Abby was “Fox.” His reason for continually showing up felt flimsy, even to him, but it was the only justification he could come up with.

Abby tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Did you get this jewelry from Grandma York?”

“No,” Evan replied honestly. “I asked my mother for it. She has several sets like this. I thought it would suit you; it complements your complexion perfectly. So, I asked her for one to give to you as an apology. Miss Du, please accept it.”

Evan held back the fact that his mother’s jewelry was typically reserved for future daughters-in-law. If Abby didn’t accept it now, she would likely receive it later—if their relationship progressed.

He also recalled how his mother had bemoaned the idea of waiting for grandchildren. She had gone through three pregnancies, hoping for a grandchild, and he knew how much she treasured the prospect of family.

Abby was not optimistic about the younger generation’s willingness to have children, let alone multiple ones. She sighed, closed the box, and slid it back toward him. Her tone became serious. “Mr. York, as I’ve mentioned, our story has come to an end. You don’t need to do anything further.” Evan fell silent, his gaze fixed on her face.

It was strange to see Abby this way, especially after realizing she was “Fox.” Her transformation had been so skillfully executed that he hadn’t connected the dots sooner. Abby, Fox, and Bianca seemed like entirely different people.

Evan could almost hear his eldest brother’s teasing voice in his head: You’re too dense, Evan. Grandma made it clear, and you still didn’t see it. In hindsight, he couldn’t blame anyone but himself. Abby’s disguise had been flawless, a testament to her brilliance. But now that the truth was revealed, Evan was determined not to let her slip away again.