Vecna's POV:
Joseph's gaze swept once over Dominic and me before he introduced me in his usual clipped tone:
"This is my newly wedded wife, Vecna."
Her eyes settled on me. Standing before me now was a Western gentlewoman in the truest sense dressed in a teal-blue gown tailored with precise structure, the waist neatly defined, the shoulders sloping just right. The fabric was thick yet soft, understated yet carrying a quiet elegance. She stood perfectly straight, without leaning on anyone, the posture of someone long accustomed to holding authority within a household, to coordinating everything through reason and experience rather than emotion.
Dorian's face bore balanced, well-defined features, not the softness of a young girl, but the beauty of a woman past her youth. Her cheekbones were moderately high, lending her a sense of firmness, yet softened by a clean jawline and a gently rounded chin that kept her overall appearance from seeming sharp or cold.
Her eyes were what resembled Joseph the most. Pale irises, bright and clear, with a deep, steady gaze. When she wasn't smiling, there was an almost cool alertness to them, but the moment her lips curved, her eyes softened, carrying the forbearance of someone well seasoned by life. The outer corners tilted slightly upward, not sharp, but intelligent. She looked at people carefully, at length, as though accustomed to weighing multiple layers of meaning before speaking.
Her nose was straight, not overly high, the classic Western profile, giving an impression of uprightness and resolve. Her lips were thin but well-shaped, naturally light in color. When she smiled, it wasn't wide, only a slight curve, just like Joseph in that regard: restrained, never overly expressive.
Her hair was swept neatly back into a low bun at the nape of her neck. A few dark-brown strands were left loose at her temples, not from carelessness, but by design. Neat without being rigid, it was precisely the bearing of a modern Western matron. Her hair was well cared for, glossy yet unadorned, much like the woman herself valuing substance over ornament.
In Dorian's hand was a soft leather handbag, structured but not stiff, in a muted color with a simple metal clasp. It wasn't the kind meant to flaunt status, but one chosen for practicality, durability, and versatility just like her place within the Anderson family: never loud, but always exactly where she should be, at exactly the right time.
Only upon closer look did it become clear that Dorian and Joseph resembled each other not so much in features as in temperament, their composure, their ability to maintain distance, and the way their eyes regarded others as though measuring layers of meaning beneath every word. One was a pillar of the court, the other a pillar of the family different roles, same root.
I felt her gaze on me and responded with a faint smile.
The morning sunlight slanted under the eaves, brushing the corner of my lips and reflecting softly off my pale skin. The smile wasn't radiant, nor ingratiating, just warm enough, just reserved enough, like a piece of jade polished to perfection, glowing quietly without needing to show off its luster.
I saw clearly the moment Dorian let out a breath of relief.
If her younger brother had been forced to live with a crude, rustic girl from the countryside, she would surely have felt regret on his behalf.
"Sister-in-law."
Dorian stepped forward, open and forthright.
I had met her once in childhood, the eldest daughter of the Anderson family back then had shone like the sun, dazzling amid any crowd. It had only been a fleeting encounter.
Now, meeting her again, that blazing warmth had mellowed, but the light in her eyes remained unchanged.
"Second Sister, Brother-in-law."
I inclined myself in greeting.
After that, my gaze unconsciously paused on Joseph.
We exchanged only a brief look before following Dorian and Daniel toward Evercrest Estate.
…
When Lauren Anderson saw her daughter return, she was so delighted that her smile wouldn't fade. Dominic carried little Andy over to her; she embraced the boy as though holding a priceless treasure.
"Such a good boy, Andy, Grandma's precious treasure indeed."
"Sit, sit," she said cheerfully.
Across from us, Dorian and Daniel were already seated. Dominic and I hesitated, glancing at Joseph.
He shot us a look, irritation plainly written on his face as though our uncertainty about where to sit alone was enough to give him a headache. He didn't bother paying us any more attention, continuing his conversation with his brother-in-law.
Understanding the cue, Dominic and I obediently sat down.
…
After tea, Dorian stood.
"Mother, I'll go greet Second Aunt and Third Aunt-in-law."
Today was meant to be only a family gathering of the main branch, with no intention of disturbing the other branches. But Dorian had always been attentive to propriety having returned home, it wouldn't be right not to pay her respects.
By noon, the table was set.
Lauren offered a few words of congratulations, then announced the meal.
As we ate, I quietly observed Daniel and Dorian.
They spoke cheerfully, their expressions gentle, nothing like a couple with cracks in their marriage.
Daniel was attentive to Dorian to an almost unbelievable degree: serving her dishes, pouring her tea, his eyes never leaving her. It was as though there were a magnet around her, drawing him in so that he couldn't leave her side even for a moment.
How strange.
Could there really be men in this world who loved their wives at heart, yet could still carry on affairs outside without the slightest guilt?
I pondered for a moment, then laughed inwardly. In any case, it was another family's business, there was no need for me to think too deeply.
I let out a soft sigh, set down my chopsticks, and refocused on the meal.
…
Lauren's POV:
In truth, I didn't need to look closely. Seated at the head, with just a casual glance, I could see everything clearly.
That girl Vecna… her eyes kept drifting toward Daniel and Dorian. She was clearly admiring that harmonious couple.
Heavens, the thought made my heart ache for her.
I used to disparage her rustic origins, but after living together for some time, I came to understand that although she appeared casual on the surface and unconcerned with trivialities, her mind was delicate and perceptive. She knew how to observe, how to keep proper measure. My view of her changed considerably.
Then I looked at my son…
Silent while eating, motionless while resting, sitting stiffly like a guest in his own home.
Not to mention serving his wife even throughout the entire meal, the two of them didn't exchange so much as a glance.
When the meal ended, he politely asked only one question:
"Are you finished eating?"
The words were courteous, but the distance between them… heavens, so great that even I felt weary of it.
At that moment, little Andy taught so cleverly by Dorian pattered over to Vecna, sweet as candy.
"Auntie!"
Vecna smiled, embraced the child, and carried him out into the courtyard. She picked up a clean leaf, wiped it, placed it to her lips, and blew.
The sound rang out high and clear, as pure as birdsong echoing along a mountainside. Andy flailed his arms and laughed delightedly, while Dominic beside them clapped and praised without end.
Seeing her son so happy, Dorian set down her teacup and stepped out curiously to watch.
Daniel, seeing his wife go, hurriedly stood and excused himself to follow her.
In the hall then, only Joseph and I remained.
Mother and son together looked out into the sunlit courtyard.
Laughter and voices spread everywhere so warm and lively that my heart stirred.
"In the blink of an eye, Andy is already three. And now you're married as well… If your father were still alive, he would surely be overjoyed."
Those words came straight from my heart.
Joseph rested his fingers against his teacup, his gaze drifting outward pausing briefly on Vecna, but mostly settling on Andy. That was the instinct of an uncle; who wouldn't dote on their nephew?
"Andy is three now. He should start learning his letters," he said. "I plan to choose a tutor from within the household and send him to the Richart residence for his early lessons."
I snorted softly at that.
"If you like children so much, why don't you give Vecna one sooner?"
His handsome face stiffened slightly. He lowered his eyes to the teacup and didn't answer.
I turned to face him, worry suddenly swelling in my chest.
"How have things been between you and Vecna lately?"
He answered honestly.
"We don't get along in conversation."
I let out a cold laugh.
"You're like an icy block of wood all day long, who would you ever be easy to talk to?"
My mouth scolded, but my heart understood clearly: the two of them were so different that expecting them to be compatible was the real oddity. Even so, I advised him:
"Could it be that you hold prejudice in your heart and refuse to open your mouth to her? Try talking to her, getting to know her little by little. Look, she's handled the kitchen affairs quite well…"
Fearing I would go on, Joseph raised his head and cut me off.
"Mother, I've taken half a day off. The diplomatic delegation has already arrived outside the city and will enter the capital tomorrow. I must return to the palace to coordinate with the Ministry of Culture on the ceremonial protocols."
With that, he stood, saluted, and took his leave.
I knew that once envoys entered the capital, the court would inevitably be thrown into turmoil. All factions would be drawn in. In such a turbulent transitional period, with affairs of state and family piling up, he was spinning endlessly, how could he spare the mind for husband and wife matters, let alone feelings?
Understanding that my son disliked being lectured, I only sighed softly.
I stepped forward, straightened his lapel, and spoke gently.
"I don't expect you and Vecna to be like your second sister and her husband, children, harmony, everything complete. I only hope you give her a child… so she'll have something to rely on, a firm footing within the Anderson household."
This time, Joseph paused in clear surprise. It seemed my words had finally reached him.
He bent slightly and replied,
"I know my limits. Please be at ease, Mother."
By afternoon, Dorian wished to stay at the Anderson estate for a few days with her son.
Daniel returned alone.