Prosperous Marriage: Married to My Brother-in-law

The birthday Wine Party was set to begin at seven in the evening. After returning home from the company at a little past five, taking a bath, applying some light makeup, and donning an evening gown, it was time to head out.

Glades Horne had changed into his evening attire before Julia Bluen, as always clad in black, with a hint of pride and a touch of indifference in his casual demeanour. The black evening wear further accentuated his nobility and elegance.

He sat on the sofa in the room, waiting for Julia to emerge.

In the time spent waiting, he remained extremely patient. It seemed he was born to wait for her.

The room was quiet and still. The heating was on, and there was no trace of the cold outside.

Outside the window, the dark curtain of night had already been drawn. In early winter, night fell earlier than in summer; it was the season of short days and long nights.

There was no wind this evening. Even though the temperature had dropped, the lack of wind made it feel extremely comfortable, without much chill.

"Glades."

Julia's crisp voice sounded. As Glades Horne turned his head, he saw Julia wearing a pure white off-shoulder long dress. Her enticing collarbone was partly hidden, making his throat tighten at the sight. The fabric of the dress was so white it seemed almost translucent, reflecting light softly like angel wings, yet it was not revealing at all. The hem of the dress cascaded in a high-low arc, elegantly flaring out to reveal her slender, pristine legs. Diamonds scattered along the edge sparkled like countless dewdrops in the morning light.

A dazzling necklace adorned her delicate, snow-white neck, lending her an air of nobility befitting a queen.

Glades Horne slowly rose to his feet, his calm eyes filled with astonishment.

He knew his wife was beautiful. She always dressed casually and effortlessly, partially concealing her beauty yet still shining brightly. Now, dressed in an evening gown, her beauty was fully showcased, enchanting him utterly. He suddenly regretted allowing her to accompany him to the Wine Party. He feared she would become the object of pursuit for all the men there.

"How is it? Do I look good?" Julia asked, her eyes brimming with hope. She had spent a long time choosing this evening gown from her wardrobe. Since he was in a black suit, mysterious and noble, she thought a white dress would create a perfect black-and-white contrast. She could enhance his noble black, and he could enhance her pure white.

Actually, she had wanted to pick purple.

Now she had chosen this white one entirely for him. They say a woman dresses up for the one who delights her. She understood this saying perfectly—she didn't wish to attract anyone else's gaze, only his.

"You look stunning beyond words," Glades Horne declared profoundly. He walked up to her and, with a slightly possessive motion, drew her into his embrace, his voice tinged with a hint of jealousy. "I fear that at the Wine Party later, all the men will be looking at you."

At his words, Julia couldn't help but chuckle. Tapping his chest with her finger, she said, "Getting jealous before we've even arrived? Besides, I did this all for you—I only want to attract your gaze."

Glades Horne hugged her tightly, his voice hoarse as he spoke, "You attract me even without dressing up. Julia, no matter when, you will always be the only one in my eyes."

"Alright, alright, no more sentimental talk. It's getting late. Let's head out, and let's not be late." Julia glanced at the time. It was already seven, so she hastily nudged Glades Horne.

"Starting at seven usually means most guests won't arrive until after eight. We won't be late," Glades Horne assured her as he bent down to sweep her into his arms.

"Glades," she called softly. "I've put on light makeup. Hurry and let me go. We really need to be on our way."

"Julia, looking like this, you're clearly trying to make us skip going out altogether."

"I'm ignoring you now. I'll go on ahead." Julia turned and walked towards the door.

A deeply affectionate laugh from Glades Horne followed her out.

The couple descended the stairs to find the Mansion's hall as usual, with only the grandmother seated there. Knowing that her grandchildren would be attending the Wine Party, she seemed to have intentionally waited downstairs, eager to gaze upon them as if they were the golden boy and jade girl of legend.

James Horne was also attending the Wine Party but didn't return to the Horne Family Mansion to change. Instead, he went to his own little villa.

"Aunt Mei, bring the camera."

As soon as the old lady saw the young couple come downstairs, her eyes lit up as if she had just seen a celestial fairy descend to the mortal realm. She beamed with the glee of a seven-year-old child, calling out for Aunt Mei to fetch the camera. She wanted to capture the beauty of her most treasured grandson and granddaughter-in-law in that moment, not just for her own eyes but also to give them a memory to cherish in the future.

"Grandma," Julia called out with a laugh, stepping forward to take the old lady's arm and chuckling. "You watched me grow up, Grandma. It's not the first time you've seen me in an evening gown. There's no need for such excitement; it's quite embarrassing."

Grandmother chuckled heartily as Aunt Mei brought the digital camera, and the elderly woman insisted on taking precious photos of the young couple to serve as future memories.

"If only I wasn't too old, I would love to join in the fun," the grandmother said, her eyes filled with a hint of nostalgia. In her youth, she too was a great beauty. She had attended countless high-class Wine Parties with her man, shining brilliantly and often making him as nervous as her beloved grandson now felt about Julia.