The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Gillian bit her lower lip hard. It took a moment before she could regain her composure.

She had heard rumors that Percival was not interested in women, and she figured he might just be a bit of a straightforward guy. That did not bother her.

“Mr. Ellington, since you’re here, let’s take a few laps in the pool. Mara is probably going to take her sweet time getting ready. She’s always dragging her feet when it comes to dressing up,” Gillian said as she stood up and walked over to Percival.

Without even lifting his head, Percival could see the two long, pale legs before him.

Percival stood up, towering over the 5’5″ Gillian, making her look even more petite and endearing.

Gillian took a few deep breaths, looked at Percival’s imposing figure, blushed, and said, “Mr. Ellington, shall we swim together?”

Inside the changing room, Vivienne watched as Mara obsessively scrolled through photos on her phone, all the paintings she wanted to discuss.

Vivienne raised an eyebrow and smirked slightly at Mara.

Checking the time, Vivienne stood up and covered Mara’s phone with her hand. “Let’s head to the pool.”

Feeling it was about time, Mara nodded. “Alright, let’s go.”

“Ha, Vivienne, just wait until you see Gillian swimming with my brother. You’ll be green with envy!” She thought.

As they exited the changing room, they were startled by a loud splash from the VIP pool!

A woman had fallen into the VIP pool, and a shimmering silk shawl fluttered in the air above her.

Mara gasped, recognizing Gillian’s shawl.

What on earth had happened?

Vivienne chuckled softly and whispered into Mara’s ear, “Satisfied?”

With that, she walked towards Percival.

Mara stood rooted to the spot, shivering as she recalled yesterday’s dreadful scene at the Boyd Mansion. Her fear deepened.

This Vivienne… She could really be something else…

Terrifying.

the pool, her makeup smeared

marred her face, and her eyes

neatly pinned-up hair was now a

curious kid came over, saw Gillian’s state, and burst into laughter on

princess; that’s a

of laughter that rippled through

to ask Percival why he had pushed her, causing her to slip and fall into the

to present her

Gillian regained her footing, she saw Percival walking

in the pool followed

Heavens!

goddess if there ever

was that other woman by

the most ordinary and common swimsuit, with her hair

seemed

finally understood why Percival had

like Vivienne by his side, how

mocked Gillian exclaimed, “Now that’s a fairy princess! She’s so beautiful! Can I marry you when I grow up? I

took Vivienne’s hand and turned to the boy with a warning look. “Dream

to whimper, “Mommy, the mean man

bride!” Percival declared

sighed, “Mr. Wolf, he’s just a

arm around Vivienne’s shoulders and draped

Vivienne, off-limits to all!” He

to say, “ How do you handle a jealous husband? Need advice,

happens again, I will no longer acknowledge you as

word, Percival

come swimming was

perverts

from Percival. Panicked, she

lip, her resentment towards Vivienne

brother; why else would he disown

drive you away from my brother’s side and make sure you