Grandma May remained steadfast, stating, “Evan, you can ask your third brother, Kevin, for a reference.”

Evan replied, “…Grandma, I really didn’t want to escape. You’re only considering our brothers. How could I possibly escape? I’ve had this dream for a while now; every night, I find myself entangled with the girl in the painting.”

He swore to God that he was telling the truth.

Dreaming felt real.

It was true that he wished for his grandma to spare him.

Grandma May responded, “I stand by my earlier words. Before choosing a candidate, I conducted thorough research. She is suitable for you, and I will help you set a goal. You haven’t met her in person and don’t know her at all. How can you be sure she isn’t a good match for you? If you find the girl of your dreams, you can abandon the goal I set for you, and I won’t hold it against you.”

Evan sighed, “…In a sea of people, where can I possibly find her?”

He hoped to use this incident to persuade Grandma to withdraw his goal so he could live freely—marry if he wanted, or remain single for life if he preferred.

The York family was prosperous, and he wasn’t needed to continue the family line. With eight brothers available to marry and have children, the legacy of the York family was secure.

Grandma May replied, “Julian managed to find Kiera amidst the vast crowd. His path was more challenging, but you will meet your fate too. If it’s not meant to be, you won’t recognize her when she’s right in front of you.”

Evan was once again at a loss for words. After a long pause, he murmured, “Young Master Bucham received guidance, but I have none.”

Grandma May responded, “That’s what makes it challenging. If you knew everything in advance, where would the surprises be?”

Evan curled his lips in silence. It seemed that Grandma would not budge.

He would not allow him to be free, insisting that he fulfill the goals set by Grandma.

Grandma May said, “Your third brother will get engaged soon, Evan. You need to work hard. I’m getting older and living day by day. I hope to see all nine of you brothers married. That way, I can face your grandpa with pride.”

“The ones behind Rowan are still young,” Evan thought, now envious of Rowan more than ever.

Rowan was still a student, a minor, and Grandma wouldn’t impose any expectations on him.

Why do men have to marry when they grow up? Can’t they just live by themselves?

Evan struggled internally with the idea of pursuing a strange girl, but he knew escape was not an option. After all, Grandma was too shrewd when it came to their brother’s futures. Even the eldest brother found it challenging to meet Grandma’s standards; how could they, being younger, possibly succeed?

Grandma May remarked, “Are you jealous of the ninth brother? If you’re capable, go back to your childhood and be a few years younger. I promise not to set goals for you. It’s not impossible! You can establish your goals early and cultivate them.”

Evan replied, “Grandma, I’m only twenty-eight; can I not be considered old?”

Grandma May responded, “Many people are fathers of two children by the age of twenty-eight. Are you still going to call yourself old?”

Evan fell silent.