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.

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

the Thompson family and should always put their interests first. But

like a ray of sunshine piercing through the gloom, encouraging her, "Willa, do what you

the first time in front of everyone, Willa spoke her mind, "Dad, big bro, second bro, and little bro, I chose to be with Max willingly.

moon,

huge relief visible as he smiled, "Willa, as long as you're happy, that's all that matters. But if this kid ever makes you upset, just

Maddox gulped, nervous.

"That's my

some news with Jasper, "Dad, I've got

Arthur was stunned, "Wife..."

gave him a sharp look before turning to his daughter with a smile, "That's wonderful. Percival is a fine young man.

you're making

were getting over Willa and Maddox's decade-long

and aunts

under the table, smiled warmly

was beaming, "So, Vivienne's getting married! Have you decided on a date? Do you want a traditional or a modern wedding? Where's

added, "Sis, these things should be the groom's worry. Our Vivienne just needs to be the beautiful bride and

nodded, "As her family, we'll bring out our best treasures as wedding gifts. Your uncles have already

slighted, "Weren't we just saying we had nothing

but Mr. Wolf and

do. Your mother's wedding was rushed, and we insisted

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

if her

If the Ellingtons couldn't afford it, the Thompsons would foot the bill. The uncles were adamant that Vivienne would have the wedding of

nothing was impossible

remained silent, giving Arthur a cold stare to

to his wife

"Frost, your dad and uncles just want your wedding to be perfect. We can take more time to prepare. You and Percival aren't in a hurry." Vivienne was silent, her

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