Chapter 4: Family Politics and Finding My Place

I was so embarrassed I kept my head down, my ears red.

Marcus noticed my discomfort and shouted at the kids outside, "Go play."

The kids scattered.

After eating, I had to serve coffee to my in-laws.

But my in-laws didn’t look pleased, and my brothers- and sisters-in-law all had different expressions.

"Dad, here’s your coffee."

"Mom, here’s your coffee."

My in-laws didn’t make things hard for me. They took the coffee, gave me a small gift, and told me to live well with Marcus and keep him from acting up.

I thought, Marcus was quite different from the quiet workhorse he appeared to be.

Eldest brother was truly honest, smiling awkwardly.

Eldest sister-in-law wasn’t as tough as rumored, but cheerful and sincere. Especially with her six daughters behind her, all fair, clean, and bright-eyed, watching me curiously.

I instantly understood why she was tough.

If it were me, I’d be tough too, to feed and clothe so many kids.

I immediately liked her.

Second brother still had a bruise on his face and smiled awkwardly at me.

Second sister-in-law was pretty but had a sharp look, obviously competitive and hard to get along with.

Behind her were five sons and a daughter—her pride.

She was also the one who knocked on my door in the morning to wake me up.

Fourth brother was a teacher, polite and proper. I had seen his wife in the morning, gentle and delicate, with two well-behaved sons.

Fifth sister was obviously happy. Her husband held their daughter, and when she spoke, her eyes and brows were smiling. Her oldest son was also obedient and sensible.

After going around, I finally recognized all the Taylors.

"Now that third sister-in-law is married in, she should help with laundry and cooking."

"Before, eldest sister-in-law and I took turns every day. Now, with third sister-in-law, it’ll be every three days."

I thought taking turns was fair.

I was about to say that as a new bride, I didn’t know much and hoped they’d teach me.

Marcus suddenly said, "I didn’t marry a wife just to have her do chores."

Marcus was standing up for me.

"How can that be? Fourth sister-in-law lives in the city, so she doesn’t need to do chores, but third sister-in-law lives here..."

"We’re not planning to stay here. We’ll move to the new house in a few days."

Marcus looked at his parents. "Dad, Mom, let’s split the family. I don’t want anyone knocking on my door before dawn to wake my wife."

At the mention of splitting the family, the brothers had different expressions.

Eldest and second brother didn’t agree, fourth brother didn’t care and looked like he’d listen to Marcus. Only eldest sister-in-law’s eyes brightened, but when Dad scolded, the light faded.

The matter of splitting the family was just mentioned by Marcus and left at that.

We got up late and had leftovers for lunch.

Two bowls of meat for the whole table.

The adults were fine, picking piece by piece, but the kids, especially second brother’s, fought for meat, while eldest brother’s daughters were quiet and got none.

Then eldest sister-in-law picked up the meat and called, "Lily, come here."

Her daughters immediately went to her.

Eldest brother was about to speak.

Marcus said coldly, "Big brother, eat your food."

"Oh..."

Eldest brother fell silent.

No one else spoke.

I suddenly realized, Marcus cared about his nieces. When eldest sister-in-law protected her daughters, he must have helped openly and secretly.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t dare take the meat.

Mother-in-law would have scolded her.

Eldest sister-in-law protected her daughters but didn’t take any meat herself, quietly eating vegetables.

Marcus picked several pieces of meat for me.

I smiled at him.

He stared blankly, then picked more for me.

After the meal, the adults did their chores. Today was eldest brother’s family’s turn, so Lily and her sisters helped their mom wash dishes and sweep.

Second brother’s sons kept playing.

Fourth brother said the city restaurant was busy and took his family back.

Fifth sister’s family had to take the car rented by fourth brother, so they left too.

Marcus fetched water back and forth.

Others went about their business.

Second sister-in-law was in the parents’ room, talking about something.

I changed the soiled bedding from last night and prepared to wash it.

Eldest sister-in-law came over, "Third sister-in-law, you’re a new bride, you can’t do chores yet. Wait until after the return visit. I’ll wash it for you."

She took the basket from me and left, no matter what I said.

Eldest sister-in-law was paying Marcus back for helping her protect her daughters, and I benefited.

I went to the new house.

I wasn’t feeling well and walked slowly. Marcus soon caught up.

"Want to look inside?" Marcus asked, like he was showing off a treasure.

"Mm."

The two rooms were spacious. With the window open, the room was bright, now empty and echoing.

One was the main room, the other the bedroom.

The back half of the main room connected to the bedroom and could store food or clothes and bedding. The bedroom could be divided into inner and outer rooms.

I really wanted to move in immediately.

"In a few days, we’ll pick a good day and move in. I’ll build a small kitchen next to the main room and put in a stove. It’ll be convenient for you to cook."

I nodded slightly, secretly pleased.

It wasn’t that I didn’t want to honor my in-laws, but who doesn’t want to live comfortably?

I had no feelings for my in-laws, and not much for Marcus either.

I told myself, take it slow, feelings will come.

At night, when Marcus came close, I still gently refused him.

"Tomorrow we visit my parents, let’s get some sleep."