Prosperous Marriage: Married to My Brother-in-law

Deep down, I still harbor no fondness for Julia Bluen. In my mind, if it weren't for Julia, I wouldn't have been instigated by Orlando Evans, nor would I have been severely punished by my older brother.

Yet, at this moment, I dare not express my resentment towards Julia. Instead, I have to show gratitude, because if Julia hadn't been there, my punishment would surely have been more severe.

Upon reflection, I realize that Julia actually treats me quite well. Although we argue and bicker at times, Julia's concern for me is genuine.

Why can't I sincerely accept Julia?

It's probably out of jealousy. I envy the strong love and protection Julia receives from my brother.

Men as outstanding as Glades Horne are rare, few and far between. And he dotes on Julia to such an extent! Many men pamper their wives, but it's extremely rare for one to do so as he does.

Thinking of Orlando Evans, Adele Horne also felt resentment rising in her heart.

Every plan Orlando came up with was never perfect, always leading me to be punished.

But I also blame myself.

I was brainless, impulsive, and jealous of Julia. All these factors together led me to be swayed by Orlando's instigation.

Her cheeks burned with pain. She had slapped herself very hard to achieve the desired effect.

"If there's a next time, Mom won't protect you either," Mila Anderson said, sitting beside Adele and carefully applying ice to her swollen, reddened face. Seeing her daughter like that, Mila couldn't hide the pain in her eyes. Unable to help herself, Mila turned to glance at Julia with a flicker of apology in her gaze.

"Mom, I won't dare to do it again."

Adele's words were actually true; she would never dare to slap herself again. It was painful and unsightly, and my schemes hadn't succeeded, she reflected. It was like trying to steal a chicken only to lose the rice used to lure it.

Seeing her mother glance at Julia, she also sneaked a peek.

Glades was tenderly applying ice to Julia's face with great affection.

The old lady and Sovia Morris, among others, were all observing his expression and movements.

Seeing his deep affection and care for Julia, the feelings of the more experienced women suddenly changed. All being women, who wouldn't envy having a man protect them like that? Initially, Sovia and Viola Hanley were somewhat displeased because their allowances had been suspended. It wasn't that they would starve without the allowance, as they owned plenty of immovable property. However, without the allowance, they couldn't live as extravagantly as before.

Now, seeing the way Glades looked after Julia, the two aunts suddenly felt like mothers, filled with contented blessings. After all, they had watched this passionate young man grow up. Now that he had become a true man, they felt a sense of relief.

Their displeasure quietly disappeared.

"It's late. You should all go back to your rooms and rest," Glades said, scanning everyone with a cold gaze.

There was no need for the family to be present to deal with Orlando, he thought. I've given Jonathan Allen half an hour, and I estimate Jonathan is already carrying out the task.

Orlando!

That despicable, shameless woman. After tonight, I'll make her tremble at the mere mention of my name.

Everyone hardly spoke. Hearing Glades say this, they gradually went upstairs. Sovia and Viola had their own rooms here, so they too returned to their rooms.

It was now past ten at night. Indeed, it was very late.

Glades also picked up Julia in his arms.

"Glades, I can walk by myself," Julia said, feeling somewhat uneasy as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She looked up at him with pleading eyes, hoping he would put her down. I've only been slapped—I'm not seriously ill. I've applied ice, and the pain isn't so bad anymore, although the swelling will probably only go down tomorrow.

Glades looked down at her, his eyes deep, his pressed lips slightly parting, his hoarse voice tinged with a hint of teasing, "You weren't afraid of disgrace just now, so why fear losing face when I carry you upstairs?"

Julia was taken aback. Hearing his teasing words, she knew his fury had passed, and her heart truly relaxed. He's so fierce. If I encounter any troubles in the future, it would be better to seek my own solution and keep him unaware, otherwise...

"Put away those thoughts. If something happens to you and you don't tell me..."

"Stop having such sharp eyes, okay? In front of you, I feel completely exposed, as if you can see through all my thoughts," Julia couldn't help but poke his firm chest.

Glades continued walking upstairs without stopping, his voice low and hoarse, "It's you who have put those thoughts all over your face."

Had I?

Julia let go of his neck, wanting to touch her own face, but Glades's low, hoarse voice pierced her ears again, "Don't touch. The swelling on your face hasn't gone down yet."

It was as if my face belonged to him, as if touching it would cause him pain.

In truth, the blow to her body pained his heart.

Julia didn't touch her face in the end but instead wrapped her arms back around his neck, resting her head in his solid embrace.

Tonight's events made me feel like I had fallen from heaven into Hell, then ascended back to heaven—the fluctuations were too great. When I felt wronged, I was furious, feeling as if I had plunged into Hell itself, tormented in every conceivable way. The whole family watched me with questioning and accusatory eyes, making me feel as if I had committed some unforgivable sin.

Even though they were all sitting and not saying much, the pressure they put on me was still there, invisibly.

Therefore, when my own man decided to punish the family, I just sat back and enjoyed the show.

The thoughts of a husband and wife really do share many similarities.

Glades had acted because everyone had added to the pressure on me. That's why, except for the old lady, he didn't let anyone off.

Having such an understanding husband truly felt like the blessing of ten lifetimes; even that might not be enough to earn it.