Ida paid him no mind, sidestepping past him to fill the kidsâ cartoon water bottles from the kitchen tap.
Byran followed. He was feeling disgruntled. âWhat gives, Ida? Why are you suddenly denying our relationship?â
Ida was a bit irritated. She adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses. âKeep your voice down; donât create a scene.â
Byran was fuming now. âHow am I creating a scene, Ida? Canât you take me seriously for once?â
Chase, overhearing the brewing argument, wisely grabbed the freshly washed fruits and took Belinda out to the patio to slice them, leaving the kitchen to the quarreling pair.
Ida quickly glanced at Chase and Belinda leaving, then turned her displeased gaze back to Byran.
âWhen will you ever get over your hotheadedness?â
Byran was livid. âI can control my temper when it comes to anything but you. Why wonât you acknowledge our relationship?â
Ida, usually calm, was also getting annoyed by his pestering. âWhy acknowledge a relationship with no future? Since we get along, letâs enjoy the moment. Stop emphasizing these empty relationships!â
Byran stared at her. âWhat do you mean, âno future? Why do you think we have no future together?
Youâve never taken me seriously, have you?â
Ida put down the cartoon water bottle and turned to face him. âWhat future do you think we have? Donât tell me that you think weâll get married?
Think about it. Among your entire family, who would accept you bringing home a woman six years your senior with a complicated romantic past? Be realistic, will you?â
Byran looked at her with his pupils trembling. âIf my family accepted you, would you marry me?â
Ida paused, then turned away. She didnât want to look at him and continued filling the childrenâs water bottles.
With no answer, Byran exhaled. He was seemingly disappointed and angry, so he left the kitchen.
Ida paused her actions momentarily but continued filling the water bottles.
What she didnât expect was that Byran would run straight to his intimidating older brother.
âBrother! Can I get married before you?â
His question made Balfour, who was playing with the kids on the couch, raise his gaze. He frowned. âTo whom are you planning to get married?â
Ellinor, who was sipping her coffee, also turned her surprised gaze towards Byran.
âI want to marry Ida. You know her. Sheâs in the kitchen, filling water.â
Balfourâs frown deepened, and he went silent for a while. His gaze on Byran was not friendly.
Ellinor pursed her lips around her coffee, watching Balfourâs reaction, seemingly waiting for his response.
After a while, Balfour finally spoke in a low voice. âThere are several girls your age that our family has chosen for you. They are all good girls. If you want to get married, make some time to meet them.â
Byran was immediately unhappy. âI wonât go on blind dates! Brother, you yourself are reluctant to meet the girls chosen by our family. Why should I? I just told you that the one I want to marry is Ida, no one else! If youâre bothered by me, your younger brother, getting married before you, then Ida and I can get engaged first, and we can get married after your wedding. How about that?â
Balfour narrowed his eyes. âAre you asking for my opinion or informing me of your decision?â
Byran felt a chill run down his spine under his brotherâs gaze. âI⦠Iâm both asking for your opinion and telling you my decision.â