Prosperous Marriage: Married to My Brother-in-law

After crossing the two-meter-wide concrete path in the Courtyard, Glades Horne personally opened the intricate, openwork gate for Julia Bluen. He then stood aside like a soldier, a light smile on his face. Teasingly, he said to Julia, who was still in the car, "Humbly awaiting my dear wife's return."

Julia's delicate brows immediately arched, and her rosy lips couldn't help but curl into a light, heartfelt smile. She didn't drive into the villa. Instead, she sat in the car, smiling as she gazed at the tall man waiting for her, her unspoken thoughts clear in her eyes.

Glades Horne chuckled softly. He understood her unspoken message and recalled his own domineering words: as long as he was around, she shouldn't even think about driving.

He walked to the driver's side. Julia Bluen proactively slid over to the passenger seat, leaving the driver's seat for him. Her eyes crinkled with laughter; she loved his quick understanding. A single glance from her, and he knew what she meant. This man constantly touched her heart, making her begin to love him as much as she loved herself—perhaps even more.

Once he was in the car, he turned his head, his gaze affectionate, before starting the engine and parking in the garage.

"Julia, you go inside first. I'll close the gate," Glades Horne said softly, then walked directly to the gate and secured it.

Julia Bluen obediently entered the house before him.

She thought Glades was just waiting for her to come home and cook for him. As soon as she entered the house, she headed for the kitchen.

As she passed the dining room and saw the table laden with dishes, she paused, then drew closer. Looking at the food, she noted that while nothing looked particularly appetizing, at least it was all cooked through. What truly moved her was his thoughtfulness.

Julia Bluen turned around, nearly bumping into Glades Horne's lowered handsome face. She laughed, her eyes filled with disbelief, and gently asked, "How long did you spend cooking all these dishes?"

"About an hour, maybe two. It's not great, honey, so please bear with it," Glades Horne said, his deep, husky voice making Julia melt. She realized she adored his voice—so unique and mellow, as intoxicating as fine wine. One could imagine his handsome features just from its sound.

He released his arm from Julia's waist and guided her to a seat at the dining table. He checked the temperature of the dishes first and, finding them a little cold, said, "Honey, why don't you go wash your hands and relax for a moment? I'll reheat these."

Julia Bluen silently nodded her head.

He then carried all the dishes into the kitchen to reheat them. She went to wash her hands and then returned to her seat at the dining table, facing the kitchen. She watched his tall figure standing by the stove, silently waiting for the food to warm. His strong, handsome back made her heart flutter.

With playful brows raised and sly almond-shaped eyes twinkling, Julia Bluen suddenly stood up and tiptoed behind Glades Horne, wrapping her arms around his chest from behind.

Without turning around, Glades continued to watch the stove intently, patiently waiting for the dishes to heat up.

A sweetness like honey spread through Julia, and her smile deepened. She had just successfully negotiated a business deal—her first since entering the corporate world, and it was a significant one. The profits were clear, and she was ecstatic. Returning home to a loving, doting husband made her feel even more invigorated. Confidence radiated from her, her entire being vibrant.

It's often said that confidence is what makes a woman truly beautiful. When a naturally pretty woman exudes confidence, she practically glows. Julia Bluen was exactly that kind of radiant woman.

"You're my nemesis," Glades Horne said, smiling.

He gently guided her back to her seat at the dining table, then turned to bring out the reheated dishes.

As to his cooking skills, Julia really had some reservations. Nevermind their unappetizing appearance, the taste was uneven, with some dishes too salty, others too bland, and two that were actually sweet—probably because he had mistaken sugar for salt. Julia could manage to eat them solely because of his earnest affection.

After taking a few bites himself, Glades stopped, his face etched with apology. He looked at his beloved wife and said regretfully, "Honey, this is my first time making so many dishes. They didn't turn out well; in fact, they're terrible. Please don't eat any more. I'll take you out." He had put in so much effort, eagerly awaiting her return for this meal, only for it to be such a disaster. Even he couldn't stomach it, and he naturally felt he had let her down.

"It's okay, I can eat it." Julia didn't want to dismiss his deep affection. For a man of his stature to cook for her felt like a blessing earned in a past life.

When she picked up a piece of green vegetable and put it in her mouth, her elegant brows still furrowed involuntarily. So salty!

Her movements froze, and Glades Horne carefully watched her, cautiously asking, "Honey, what's wrong?"