Nadine walked into a blind date expecting nothing. She walked out with a husband. Twenty-four hours. That's all it took. From "nice to meet you" to "I do." No long courtship. No second-guessing. Just a quiet, steady stranger who looked at her like she was the only woman in the world—and asked her to take a leap. Day one: he informed her, with perfect seriousness, that he was in excellent health and would not be sleeping in a separate room. Day two: he cooked her cynical aunt into silence with a single meal. Day three: he stood beside her, calm and unshakable, as she finally told her father and stepmother exactly what she'd been swallowing for twenty years. Day four: she turned on the news and saw his face—Cyril Lachlan, the eldest grandson of the Lachlan dynasty, CEO of one of the nation's largest conglomerates. Day five: she packed her bags. "I can't do this," she whispered. "You're too much. I'm not enough." He pinned her suitcase shut with one hand, his voice low and steady. "You promised me a lifetime. Twenty-four hours doesn't get you out of forever." Months passed. She looked down at the curve of her belly, then up at the man who had never once made her feel like a gamble. He caught her glare and pulled her into his arms, laughing as he kissed her. She thought she was betting on a stranger. She didn't realize she was the prize he'd been waiting for all along...

Chapter 1Nadine Monroe and Cyril Lachlan went from their first meeting to getting their marriage license in less than twenty-four hours.With just one glance, Nadine was nearly blinded by how handsome the man in front of her was, her heart fluttering wildly. His striking features looked as though they were sculpted by the gods, radiating an elegant, aristocratic aura.As a senior auditor, Nadine had crossed paths with her fair share of successful men, but she had never seen anyone wear a suit with such irresistible, sophisticated charm.Did Aunt Rachel really have this kind of top-tier connection?She briefly recalled the parade of mediocre men in her aunt's little match-making book and shook her head in disappointment.Ah, he was probably someone else's blind date!Just as she forced herself to look away, the impossibly handsome man took the seat directly across from her and began to introduce himself."Ms. Monroe, hello. My name is Cyril Lachlan. I'm thirty-three years old, own a modest two-bedroom apartment in Jinova City, and have a car. I don't have a mortgage or any car loans. I run a small business, so my finances are decent. My parents and grandparents are all alive, healthy, and very easygoing. I'm in good health myself. Although... I don't have much practical experience in that department yet, I'm a fast learner and open to guidance. If you're agreeable, we can head over to City Hall and get our marriage license right now."He looked at her intently. His deep, obsidian eyes possessed an innate magnetism, swirling with an intense, unmelting affection that completely captivated her.Nadine's heart skipped a beat. What was he talking about? Guidance?Her face flushed slightly. It felt like she was being flirted with.Wait, Cyril? The guy without a picture, the one her aunt didn't really think highly of?He really was her blind date!Nadine let out a breath of relief."Ahem, Mr. Lachlan, this is our first time meeting. We don't really know each other at all. It might be better to date for a while before we talk about getting a marriage license.""Some people can spend ten years, or even a lifetime, and still not fully understand someone. Ms. Monroe, the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were the one. Besides, the matchmaker mentioned that your family is rushing you to settle down? Are you not in a hurry?"Nadine paused for a moment, feeling that neither confirming nor denying it would be the right answer.She thought of her cousin who had recently gotten married and would soon be having kids. Her aunt's small three-bedroom apartment would quickly run out of space for her.Of course, her aunt would never kick her out, but she genuinely didn't want her presence to cause any friction between her aunt and her cousin's new wife.Suddenly, Nadine lifted her head and stared blankly at the handsome face across from her.Screw it. Why not take a shot?City Hall was very close to the coffee shop. Less than half an hour after walking out of the cafe, Nadine became a married woman.Looking at their photo and the official seal on the marriage license, her adrenaline suddenly faded, replaced by creeping regret.She was a married woman now? How was she going to explain this to her aunt? And what if this guy was a scammer?"Mr. Lachlan, you haven't been married before, have you? Or do you have some kind of hidden medical condition?"With his insanely good looks, never mind having a house and a car—even if he had absolutely nothing, women would still be throwing themselves at him.Cyril looked down at his hand that had just been shaken off, a wave of disappointment washing over him.After a brief pause, he pressed his lips together and said, "Mrs. Lachlan, don't you think it's a bit late to be asking these questions? I'm not abusive, I don't cheat, and this is my first marriage. As for any hidden conditions you're worried about, I can prove otherwise with practical action in the future."Nadine's face flushed crimson. There it was again—this man really knew how to sound perfectly serious while flirting outrageously!"Still not at ease? Then give me your phone."Nadine handed it over, watching his long, elegant fingers quickly type his number into her contacts before using her phone to call his own."I have a business deal to discuss tonight, and I'll be quite busy over the next couple of days. Once things settle down, I'll come pick you up. I'll also drop by to visit your family and talk to them about us."Nadine felt her head pounding. She really had no idea how she was going to explain this flash marriage to her aunt.At least it seemed the man wasn't trying to scam her into marriage, otherwise she'd probably be stranded in the middle of nowhere by now."I... I live with my aunt’s family. They are my only family."Cyril didn't pry further, simply replying, "Okay."Terrified that her aunt would find out about her sudden marriage, she wanted to head back alone. But Cyril insisted on dropping her off, using a perfectly reasonable excuse."You're a married woman now. If I let you go back alone this late at night, what would people think of me as a husband?"Nadine was left speechless, unable to find a valid reason to refuse.A sudden thought hit her—was she going to be completely wrapped around his finger from now on?She had assumed the car ride would be safe, but he spent the entire trip holding her hand. His thumb gently and repeatedly stroked her pinky finger, sending shivers down her spine and leaving her squirming in her seat.It was just hand-holding, yet given their newlywed but barely-acquainted status, it was an awkward intimacy she couldn't exactly protest aloud.The car soon pulled up to an older apartment complex near the Third Ring Expressway, and Nadine finally breathed a sigh of relief.Cyril looked down the dark, narrow alleyway and couldn't help but frown. "You walk through this area by yourself at night?"Nadine tightened her grip on her purse. "Not always. If I work late, my family will come pick me up."Cyril gently patted the top of her head. "It's not safe for a girl to walk alone in the dark. Once your family gives their blessing, you should move in with me. It'll be easier for me to take care of you."Nadine didn't reply, clutching her bag as she practically fled the scene.She had never even been in a relationship, let alone lived with a man.But she was married now. Forget just living together—if he wanted to do anything more with her, it would be entirely within his rights.Oh God! How had she managed to sell herself out in a moment of impulse!Nadine tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep.The next morning.Nadine emerged from her room with dark circles under her eyes.Rachel Jensen had already set breakfast on the table. Seeing her niece's exhausted state, her eyes filled with concern. "Nadine, your bags are so dark. Were you working late again last night?"For a moment, Nadine had no idea how to tell her aunt that she had just signed a marriage license with a total stranger. She scratched her head and lied, "No, I just didn't sleep well."Rachel patted Nadine's shoulder and let out a sigh. "You kid, you always push yourself too hard. Most girls your age are dressing up, going out on dates with their boyfriends, and enjoying life. But you? You dedicate all your evenings to your job. What will you do if you ruin your health?"Nadine stuck her tongue out playfully. "Aunt Rachel, I like my life this way. It keeps me fulfilled. Besides, your niece is already beautiful without even trying.""That's true. You get your looks from the Jensen family—natural beauty. It's just... if your mother were still around, there's no way she would have let you live like this."A flash of pain crossed Rachel's face. Her sister had been fiercely independent her whole life, only to meet a tragic end: betrayed by her husband and driven to take her own life.The smile on Nadine's face froze.Harold Blackwood walked out of the kitchen, his apron still tied around his waist. "Why do you keep bringing up the past? People need to live in the present. Look at the time—hurry up and pour Nadine her drink. If she's late and gets yelled at by her boss, are you going to take the blame for her?"Rachel glared at her husband. "You just get more nagging the older you get."Nadine looked at her aunt and uncle-in-law with pure envy. She longed for this kind of simple, straightforward marriage. Two people staying true to their original commitment, holding hands as they grew old together—wasn't this the definition of happiness?Thinking of her sudden husband, Cyril, Nadine rubbed her temples and took the drink Rachel handed her. "You should be content, Aunt Rachel, considering Harold has been cooking for you for most of your life.""That's about the only thing he's good for."Harold and Rachel taught at the same school and kept similar hours, but Harold handled all the household chores single-handedly. Whenever Rachel stepped into the kitchen, he would shoo her out, which explained why, even at her age, her cooking skills were still atrocious."At least our niece appreciates me. Some people just don't know how good they have it. Where else are you going to find a completely devoted husband like me?"Harold agreed with Nadine, pulling out a chair to sit down for breakfast, making sure to push a plate of food toward Rachel."You always take his side, kid. When the time comes, I'm going to personally vet your future husband. If he can't cook, he's instantly disqualified.""Exactly. A good husband doesn't let his wife slave away in the kitchen every day until she's utterly exhausted. Nadine, you have to find a man who knows his way around a stove."Nadine's hand trembled, nearly dropping her breakfast roll as her thoughts involuntarily drifted to Cyril.How could a man like that possibly know how to cook?Her lips twitched into a stiff smile as she let out an awkward laugh. "I don't think many guys these days know how to cook."Rachel shot Nadine a stern look. "Well, you can't just settle for anyone. This is the most important decision of your life. This whole flash-marriage trend is popular right now, but they get divorced just as quickly! People treat marriage like picking out groceries! And the men? They just wash their hands of it and walk away. In the end, it's usually the women who get hurt, especially when there are kids involved. Nadine, don't blame me for nagging, but you have to be extremely careful when it comes to this..."Chapter 2Nadine Monroe and Cyril Lachlan went from their first meeting to getting their marriage license in less than twenty-four hours.With just one glance, Nadine was nearly blinded by how handsome the man in front of her was, her heart fluttering wildly. His striking features looked as though they were sculpted by the gods, radiating an elegant, aristocratic aura.As a senior auditor, Nadine had crossed paths with her fair share of successful men, but she had never seen anyone wear a suit with such irresistible, sophisticated charm.Did Aunt Rachel really have this kind of top-tier connection?She briefly recalled the parade of mediocre men in her aunt's little match-making book and shook her head in disappointment.Ah, he was probably someone else's blind date!Just as she forced herself to look away, the impossibly handsome man took the seat directly across from her and began to introduce himself."Ms. Monroe, hello. My name is Cyril Lachlan. I'm thirty-three years old, own a modest two-bedroom apartment in Jinova City, and have a car. I don't have a mortgage or any car loans. I run a small business, so my finances are decent. My parents and grandparents are all alive, healthy, and very easygoing. I'm in good health myself. Although... I don't have much practical experience in that department yet, I'm a fast learner and open to guidance. If you're agreeable, we can head over to City Hall and get our marriage license right now."He looked at her intently. His deep, obsidian eyes possessed an innate magnetism, swirling with an intense, unmelting affection that completely captivated her.Nadine's heart skipped a beat. What was he talking about? Guidance?Her face flushed slightly. It felt like she was being flirted with.Wait, Cyril? The guy without a picture, the one her aunt didn't really think highly of?He really was her blind date!Nadine let out a breath of relief."Ahem, Mr. Lachlan, this is our first time meeting. We don't really know each other at all. It might be better to date for a while before we talk about getting a marriage license.""Some people can spend ten years, or even a lifetime, and still not fully understand someone. Ms. Monroe, the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were the one. Besides, the matchmaker mentioned that your family is rushing you to settle down? Are you not in a hurry?"Nadine paused for a moment, feeling that neither confirming nor denying it would be the right answer.She thought of her cousin who had recently gotten married and would soon be having kids. Her aunt's small three-bedroom apartment would quickly run out of space for her.Of course, her aunt would never kick her out, but she genuinely didn't want her presence to cause any friction between her aunt and her cousin's new wife.Suddenly, Nadine lifted her head and stared blankly at the handsome face across from her.Screw it. Why not take a shot?City Hall was very close to the coffee shop. Less than half an hour after walking out of the cafe, Nadine became a married woman.Looking at their photo and the official seal on the marriage license, her adrenaline suddenly faded, replaced by creeping regret.She was a married woman now? How was she going to explain this to her aunt? And what if this guy was a scammer?"Mr. Lachlan, you haven't been married before, have you? Or do you have some kind of hidden medical condition?"With his insanely good looks, never mind having a house and a car—even if he had absolutely nothing, women would still be throwing themselves at him.Cyril looked down at his hand that had just been shaken off, a wave of disappointment washing over him.After a brief pause, he pressed his lips together and said, "Mrs. Lachlan, don't you think it's a bit late to be asking these questions? I'm not abusive, I don't cheat, and this is my first marriage. As for any hidden conditions you're worried about, I can prove otherwise with practical action in the future."Nadine's face flushed crimson. There it was again—this man really knew how to sound perfectly serious while flirting outrageously!"Still not at ease? Then give me your phone."Nadine handed it over, watching his long, elegant fingers quickly type his number into her contacts before using her phone to call his own."I have a business deal to discuss tonight, and I'll be quite busy over the next couple of days. Once things settle down, I'll come pick you up. I'll also drop by to visit your family and talk to them about us."Nadine felt her head pounding. She really had no idea how she was going to explain this flash marriage to her aunt.At least it seemed the man wasn't trying to scam her into marriage, otherwise she'd probably be stranded in the middle of nowhere by now."I... I live with my aunt’s family. They are my only family."Cyril didn't pry further, simply replying, "Okay."Terrified that her aunt would find out about her sudden marriage, she wanted to head back alone. But Cyril insisted on dropping her off, using a perfectly reasonable excuse."You're a married woman now. If I let you go back alone this late at night, what would people think of me as a husband?"Nadine was left speechless, unable to find a valid reason to refuse.A sudden thought hit her—was she going to be completely wrapped around his finger from now on?She had assumed the car ride would be safe, but he spent the entire trip holding her hand. His thumb gently and repeatedly stroked her pinky finger, sending shivers down her spine and leaving her squirming in her seat.It was just hand-holding, yet given their newlywed but barely-acquainted status, it was an awkward intimacy she couldn't exactly protest aloud.The car soon pulled up to an older apartment complex near the Third Ring Expressway, and Nadine finally breathed a sigh of relief.Cyril looked down the dark, narrow alleyway and couldn't help but frown. "You walk through this area by yourself at night?"Nadine tightened her grip on her purse. "Not always. If I work late, my family will come pick me up."Cyril gently patted the top of her head. "It's not safe for a girl to walk alone in the dark. Once your family gives their blessing, you should move in with me. It'll be easier for me to take care of you."Nadine didn't reply, clutching her bag as she practically fled the scene.She had never even been in a relationship, let alone lived with a man.But she was married now. Forget just living together—if he wanted to do anything more with her, it would be entirely within his rights.Oh God! How had she managed to sell herself out in a moment of impulse!Nadine tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep.The next morning.Nadine emerged from her room with dark circles under her eyes.Rachel Jensen had already set breakfast on the table. Seeing her niece's exhausted state, her eyes filled with concern. "Nadine, your bags are so dark. Were you working late again last night?"For a moment, Nadine had no idea how to tell her aunt that she had just signed a marriage license with a total stranger. She scratched her head and lied, "No, I just didn't sleep well."Rachel patted Nadine's shoulder and let out a sigh. "You kid, you always push yourself too hard. Most girls your age are dressing up, going out on dates with their boyfriends, and enjoying life. But you? You dedicate all your evenings to your job. What will you do if you ruin your health?"Nadine stuck her tongue out playfully. "Aunt Rachel, I like my life this way. It keeps me fulfilled. Besides, your niece is already beautiful without even trying.""That's true. You get your looks from the Jensen family—natural beauty. It's just... if your mother were still around, there's no way she would have let you live like this."A flash of pain crossed Rachel's face. Her sister had been fiercely independent her whole life, only to meet a tragic end: betrayed by her husband and driven to take her own life.The smile on Nadine's face froze.Harold Blackwood walked out of the kitchen, his apron still tied around his waist. "Why do you keep bringing up the past? People need to live in the present. Look at the time—hurry up and pour Nadine her drink. If she's late and gets yelled at by her boss, are you going to take the blame for her?"Rachel glared at her husband. "You just get more nagging the older you get."Nadine looked at her aunt and uncle-in-law with pure envy. She longed for this kind of simple, straightforward marriage. Two people staying true to their original commitment, holding hands as they grew old together—wasn't this the definition of happiness?Thinking of her sudden husband, Cyril, Nadine rubbed her temples and took the drink Rachel handed her. "You should be content, Aunt Rachel, considering Harold has been cooking for you for most of your life.""That's about the only thing he's good for."Harold and Rachel taught at the same school and kept similar hours, but Harold handled all the household chores single-handedly. Whenever Rachel stepped into the kitchen, he would shoo her out, which explained why, even at her age, her cooking skills were still atrocious."At least our niece appreciates me. Some people just don't know how good they have it. Where else are you going to find a completely devoted husband like me?"Harold agreed with Nadine, pulling out a chair to sit down for breakfast, making sure to push a plate of food toward Rachel."You always take his side, kid. When the time comes, I'm going to personally vet your future husband. If he can't cook, he's instantly disqualified.""Exactly. A good husband doesn't let his wife slave away in the kitchen every day until she's utterly exhausted. Nadine, you have to find a man who knows his way around a stove."Nadine's hand trembled, nearly dropping her breakfast roll as her thoughts involuntarily drifted to Cyril.How could a man like that possibly know how to cook?Her lips twitched into a stiff smile as she let out an awkward laugh. "I don't think many guys these days know how to cook."Rachel shot Nadine a stern look. "Well, you can't just settle for anyone. This is the most important decision of your life. This whole flash-marriage trend is popular right now, but they get divorced just as quickly! People treat marriage like picking out groceries! And the men? They just wash their hands of it and walk away. In the end, it's usually the women who get hurt, especially when there are kids involved. Nadine, don't blame me for nagging, but you have to be extremely careful when it comes to this..."Chapter 3Nadine Monroe and Cyril Lachlan went from their first meeting to getting their marriage license in less than twenty-four hours.With just one glance, Nadine was nearly blinded by how handsome the man in front of her was, her heart fluttering wildly. His striking features looked as though they were sculpted by the gods, radiating an elegant, aristocratic aura.As a senior auditor, Nadine had crossed paths with her fair share of successful men, but she had never seen anyone wear a suit with such irresistible, sophisticated charm.Did Aunt Rachel really have this kind of top-tier connection?She briefly recalled the parade of mediocre men in her aunt's little match-making book and shook her head in disappointment.Ah, he was probably someone else's blind date!Just as she forced herself to look away, the impossibly handsome man took the seat directly across from her and began to introduce himself."Ms. Monroe, hello. My name is Cyril Lachlan. I'm thirty-three years old, own a modest two-bedroom apartment in Jinova City, and have a car. I don't have a mortgage or any car loans. I run a small business, so my finances are decent. My parents and grandparents are all alive, healthy, and very easygoing. I'm in good health myself. Although... I don't have much practical experience in that department yet, I'm a fast learner and open to guidance. If you're agreeable, we can head over to City Hall and get our marriage license right now."He looked at her intently. His deep, obsidian eyes possessed an innate magnetism, swirling with an intense, unmelting affection that completely captivated her.Nadine's heart skipped a beat. What was he talking about? Guidance?Her face flushed slightly. It felt like she was being flirted with.Wait, Cyril? The guy without a picture, the one her aunt didn't really think highly of?He really was her blind date!Nadine let out a breath of relief."Ahem, Mr. Lachlan, this is our first time meeting. We don't really know each other at all. It might be better to date for a while before we talk about getting a marriage license.""Some people can spend ten years, or even a lifetime, and still not fully understand someone. Ms. Monroe, the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you were the one. Besides, the matchmaker mentioned that your family is rushing you to settle down? Are you not in a hurry?"Nadine paused for a moment, feeling that neither confirming nor denying it would be the right answer.She thought of her cousin who had recently gotten married and would soon be having kids. Her aunt's small three-bedroom apartment would quickly run out of space for her.Of course, her aunt would never kick her out, but she genuinely didn't want her presence to cause any friction between her aunt and her cousin's new wife.Suddenly, Nadine lifted her head and stared blankly at the handsome face across from her.Screw it. Why not take a shot?City Hall was very close to the coffee shop. Less than half an hour after walking out of the cafe, Nadine became a married woman.Looking at their photo and the official seal on the marriage license, her adrenaline suddenly faded, replaced by creeping regret.She was a married woman now? How was she going to explain this to her aunt? And what if this guy was a scammer?"Mr. Lachlan, you haven't been married before, have you? Or do you have some kind of hidden medical condition?"With his insanely good looks, never mind having a house and a car—even if he had absolutely nothing, women would still be throwing themselves at him.Cyril looked down at his hand that had just been shaken off, a wave of disappointment washing over him.After a brief pause, he pressed his lips together and said, "Mrs. Lachlan, don't you think it's a bit late to be asking these questions? I'm not abusive, I don't cheat, and this is my first marriage. As for any hidden conditions you're worried about, I can prove otherwise with practical action in the future."Nadine's face flushed crimson. There it was again—this man really knew how to sound perfectly serious while flirting outrageously!"Still not at ease? Then give me your phone."Nadine handed it over, watching his long, elegant fingers quickly type his number into her contacts before using her phone to call his own."I have a business deal to discuss tonight, and I'll be quite busy over the next couple of days. Once things settle down, I'll come pick you up. I'll also drop by to visit your family and talk to them about us."Nadine felt her head pounding. She really had no idea how she was going to explain this flash marriage to her aunt.At least it seemed the man wasn't trying to scam her into marriage, otherwise she'd probably be stranded in the middle of nowhere by now."I... I live with my aunt’s family. They are my only family."Cyril didn't pry further, simply replying, "Okay."Terrified that her aunt would find out about her sudden marriage, she wanted to head back alone. But Cyril insisted on dropping her off, using a perfectly reasonable excuse."You're a married woman now. If I let you go back alone this late at night, what would people think of me as a husband?"Nadine was left speechless, unable to find a valid reason to refuse.A sudden thought hit her—was she going to be completely wrapped around his finger from now on?She had assumed the car ride would be safe, but he spent the entire trip holding her hand. His thumb gently and repeatedly stroked her pinky finger, sending shivers down her spine and leaving her squirming in her seat.It was just hand-holding, yet given their newlywed but barely-acquainted status, it was an awkward intimacy she couldn't exactly protest aloud.The car soon pulled up to an older apartment complex near the Third Ring Expressway, and Nadine finally breathed a sigh of relief.Cyril looked down the dark, narrow alleyway and couldn't help but frown. "You walk through this area by yourself at night?"Nadine tightened her grip on her purse. "Not always. If I work late, my family will come pick me up."Cyril gently patted the top of her head. "It's not safe for a girl to walk alone in the dark. Once your family gives their blessing, you should move in with me. It'll be easier for me to take care of you."Nadine didn't reply, clutching her bag as she practically fled the scene.She had never even been in a relationship, let alone lived with a man.But she was married now. Forget just living together—if he wanted to do anything more with her, it would be entirely within his rights.Oh God! How had she managed to sell herself out in a moment of impulse!Nadine tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep.The next morning.Nadine emerged from her room with dark circles under her eyes.Rachel Jensen had already set breakfast on the table. Seeing her niece's exhausted state, her eyes filled with concern. "Nadine, your bags are so dark. Were you working late again last night?"For a moment, Nadine had no idea how to tell her aunt that she had just signed a marriage license with a total stranger. She scratched her head and lied, "No, I just didn't sleep well."Rachel patted Nadine's shoulder and let out a sigh. "You kid, you always push yourself too hard. Most girls your age are dressing up, going out on dates with their boyfriends, and enjoying life. But you? You dedicate all your evenings to your job. What will you do if you ruin your health?"Nadine stuck her tongue out playfully. "Aunt Rachel, I like my life this way. It keeps me fulfilled. Besides, your niece is already beautiful without even trying.""That's true. You get your looks from the Jensen family—natural beauty. It's just... if your mother were still around, there's no way she would have let you live like this."A flash of pain crossed Rachel's face. Her sister had been fiercely independent her whole life, only to meet a tragic end: betrayed by her husband and driven to take her own life.The smile on Nadine's face froze.Harold Blackwood walked out of the kitchen, his apron still tied around his waist. "Why do you keep bringing up the past? People need to live in the present. Look at the time—hurry up and pour Nadine her drink. If she's late and gets yelled at by her boss, are you going to take the blame for her?"Rachel glared at her husband. "You just get more nagging the older you get."Nadine looked at her aunt and uncle-in-law with pure envy. She longed for this kind of simple, straightforward marriage. Two people staying true to their original commitment, holding hands as they grew old together—wasn't this the definition of happiness?Thinking of her sudden husband, Cyril, Nadine rubbed her temples and took the drink Rachel handed her. "You should be content, Aunt Rachel, considering Harold has been cooking for you for most of your life.""That's about the only thing he's good for."Harold and Rachel taught at the same school and kept similar hours, but Harold handled all the household chores single-handedly. Whenever Rachel stepped into the kitchen, he would shoo her out, which explained why, even at her age, her cooking skills were still atrocious."At least our niece appreciates me. Some people just don't know how good they have it. Where else are you going to find a completely devoted husband like me?"Harold agreed with Nadine, pulling out a chair to sit down for breakfast, making sure to push a plate of food toward Rachel."You always take his side, kid. When the time comes, I'm going to personally vet your future husband. If he can't cook, he's instantly disqualified.""Exactly. A good husband doesn't let his wife slave away in the kitchen every day until she's utterly exhausted. Nadine, you have to find a man who knows his way around a stove."Nadine's hand trembled, nearly dropping her breakfast roll as her thoughts involuntarily drifted to Cyril.How could a man like that possibly know how to cook?Her lips twitched into a stiff smile as she let out an awkward laugh. "I don't think many guys these days know how to cook."Rachel shot Nadine a stern look. "Well, you can't just settle for anyone. This is the most important decision of your life. This whole flash-marriage trend is popular right now, but they get divorced just as quickly! People treat marriage like picking out groceries! And the men? They just wash their hands of it and walk away. In the end, it's usually the women who get hurt, especially when there are kids involved. Nadine, don't blame me for nagging, but you have to be extremely careful when it comes to this..."