The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Maddox was nodding so much it looked like his head might fall off.

Everyone else just stared in disbelief.

Vivienne couldn't help but mock, "How can Uncle Max shamelessly cling to Aunt Willa like that?"

Arthur chimed in, "Exactly! What kind of man hides behind his wife? It's embarrassing."

Vivienne retorted, "Like you're one to talk."

Arthur was left speechless.

The three Thompson brothers looked at Maddox with a mix of complexity and disdain.

Luke could barely eat, "Willa, we don't need this guy. I'll find someone better for you, someone smart who won't hold you back."

Fredrick, with the finesse of a magician, flicked a piece of fruit from the table, hitting Maddox squarely, "Stop sticking to Willa like glue. You're annoying."

Maddox's face was a mess of fruit juice.

He turned to Willa, playing the victim, "Willa, Fred is bullying me."

Fredrick rolled his eyes, hating snitches the most.

Jasper shot Maddox a warning look, "Cut it out. Don't you dare hurt Willa."

Seeing Maddox's pathetic state only made them feel more pity for Willa.

They thought anyone off the street would be better than him for their precious Willa.

Willa, feeling the love and care from her big brother, second brother, and youngest brother, felt warm inside. She knew her place in the family was no secret, but they never treated her differently. Instead, they cherished her as their own sister.

in childhood memories until Sasha returned, showing her that it was possible to live

and should always put their interests first. But this time, she

a look that felt like a ray of sunshine piercing through the gloom, encouraging her,

front of everyone, Willa spoke her mind, "Dad, big bro, second bro, and little bro,

over the moon, vigorously

ever makes you upset, just tell me, and I'll teach him a lesson!" Willa nodded, "No need, Dad. If he ever mistreats me, I'll

Maddox gulped, nervous.

boasted, "That's my

with Jasper, "Dad, I've got some great news. The Ellingtons are coming to ask for

Arthur was stunned, "Wife..."

to his daughter with a smile, "That's wonderful. Percival is a fine young man. I

felt left out, "Father-in-law, you're making this hard for

and Maddox's decade-long love saga,

and aunts were

with Maddox under the table, smiled warmly

married! Have you decided on a date? Do you want a traditional or a modern wedding? Where's it going to

worry. Our Vivienne just needs

her family, we'll bring out our best treasures as wedding gifts. Your

"Weren't we just saying

Mr. Wolf and I agreed on a

wedding was rushed, and we insisted on perfection. Your wedding has to be

and slammed his hand on the table, "Exactly! Sasha and I have only one daughter. We want a grand, dignified wedding for her.

if her wishes

the wedding had to be grand and magnificent. If the Ellingtons couldn't afford it, the

nothing

silent, giving Arthur a cold stare to

guilty, looked to

reassured, "Frost, your dad and uncles just want your wedding to be perfect. We can take more

Sasha exclaimed, half-joking, half-serious. "You've got a husband, and you still don't need your