Chapter 131: Wedding (5)

Ethan looked at him for a moment, his amusement giving way to a more serious expression. "I’m going to tell you something, and I want you to remember it. Marriage isn’t just about loving someone when everything is going well. Anyone can be affectionate when life is easy, when money is coming in, and when there’s nothing to worry about. The real test comes when things don’t go according to plan."

Albert’s expression settled as he listened.

"You’re ambitious, and I know you have plans for your future. You’ll want to build something meaningful, make money, earn respect, and leave something behind that people can associate with your name. There’s nothing wrong with that. But don’t become so focused on building your legacy that you forget the person standing beside you while you’re building it."

Ethan glanced briefly at Yasmine before returning his attention to his cousin.

"Your wife isn’t just someone who’s supposed to be waiting at home while you chase your goals. She’s your partner. Treat her like one. Listen to her opinions, respect her ambitions, and let her share in the decisions that shape your future. There will be times when you’ll be tired, frustrated, or uncertain about what to do next. When those days come, she should be someone you can turn to without feeling that you have to pretend you’re invincible."

Albert nodded slowly, his earlier playfulness fading as he considered the words.

"And remember this," Ethan continued. "A strong man doesn’t become weaker because he leans on his wife. If anything, having someone who understands you, challenges you when you’re wrong, and stands with you when things get difficult gives you a better chance of succeeding. If you want to build a legacy worth leaving behind, build a good life with her first. The achievements will mean a lot less if you come home one day and realize you’ve neglected the person who helped you get there."

For a moment, Albert said nothing. Then he let out a quiet breath and smiled.

"You’ve been keeping these words ready for my wedding, haven’t you?"

Ethan’s serious expression immediately cracked. "Of course. I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to lecture you since we were ten."

Albert laughed and punched his shoulder lightly. "I knew it. You couldn’t resist."

"Just take the advice, bro." Ethan smiled.

"I will," Albert replied, his smile becoming more sincere. "I promise."

Ethan nodded and gave him a firm pat on the shoulder. "Good. Now go and make your wife happy before she realizes she married an idiot."

"You’re the idiot!" Albert retorted with a snort.

Rolling his eyes, Ethan said, "And yet I’m the one giving you marriage advice."

Albert opened his mouth to respond, then seemed to decide that arguing would only make things worse. He shook his head, still smiling, and turned toward Yasmine.

Throughout the exchange, Yasmine had remained quiet, allowing the cousins to speak without interrupting. She had expected Albert’s relatives to congratulate them, perhaps offer the usual wishes for a happy marriage, but Ethan’s words had been different. He hadn’t simply told Albert to provide for her or protect her. He had spoken about partnership, mutual respect, and the importance of remembering the person beside him while pursuing success.

More than the advice itself, she noticed how naturally Ethan had delivered it. There had been no attempt to impress anyone, and he had returned to teasing Albert immediately afterward as though the serious conversation had been the most ordinary thing in the world.

She glanced at Albert, who was now smiling at her with an expression that suggested he had already forgotten half the lecture.

"Your cousin really likes talking," She observed softly.

Albert chuckled. "You have no idea. This is actually him being reasonable."

Yasmine laughed under her breath and looked back at Ethan. He was now asking Evelyn whether she wanted something to drink, his attention shifting naturally toward his wife. The small gesture caught Yasmine’s attention more than she expected. Ethan had just offered Albert advice about marriage, and he seemed to live by the same principles himself.

Perhaps that explained why Albert was so comfortable around him.

........

A little later, Evelyn and Nora went with Jason and Maria to greet some relatives who had arrived after the ceremony. Nora had initially insisted that she was perfectly comfortable staying beside her parents, but the moment Maria mentioned that some of the younger guests were gathering near the refreshments, she had become considerably more interested in accompanying them.

Ethan watched them leave with an amused smile before turning toward the hall’s open side entrance. He wanted a few minutes away from the noise, and the quieter area offered a pleasant view of the gardens surrounding the venue.

He had barely settled beside a decorative pillar when Karim El Mansouri approached him.

"Ethan, isn’t it?" Karim asked politely.

Ethan turned and nodded. "Yes. Mr. El Mansouri, I believe?"

"Karim is fine." The older man extended his hand, and Ethan shook it. "I hope you’re enjoying the wedding."

"I am. Albert seems happy, and that’s what matters."

Karim smiled faintly. "He’s a good young man. A little impulsive sometimes, but I suppose that is part of his charm."

"That sounds about right," Ethan replied, earning a quiet laugh from the older man. ℯℓ.

Karim stood beside him, looking toward the gardens for a moment before continuing. "You’ve known Albert for a long time, haven’t you?"

"Since we were children. We’ve spent a good part of our lives getting into trouble together."

"Then you must have seen many sides of him." Karim mused.

"More than I’d like to admit." Ethan chuckled. "But he’s a good person. He has his flaws, naturally, though I believe he’ll make a good husband if he remembers to listen as much as he talks."

Karim glanced at him with mild amusement. "You sound as though you’ve already given him a lecture."

"I did. Someone had to make sure he understood what he was getting into."

The two men shared a brief laugh, and Karim’s posture relaxed slightly. He had been curious about Ethan since their earlier introduction. The younger man carried himself with a composure that was easy to overlook amid the bustle of a family wedding, but the more they spoke, the more Karim noticed how carefully he chose his words. Ethan didn’t rush to fill every silence, nor did he seem eager to impress him by talking about money or accomplishments.

Karim had met countless ambitious men over the years. Some spoke endlessly about their plans, while others measured every conversation by what they might gain from it. Ethan seemed content to talk about his cousin and the people he cared about.

"What do you think makes a successful life?" Karim asked after a brief pause. "You’ve probably thought about it yourself."