The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Sasha was about to add more to the conversation when Vivienne's gaze landed on the cake in her hand.

She hadn't tried this flavor before, and though she was sure it wouldn't beat a slice of good old apple pie, being picky at a moment like this seemed downright immature. Sasha quickly hid it behind her back.

She'd already had her share, why was she still eyeing hers?

Seeing Arthur wouldn't be out of the kitchen anytime soon, Sasha shot Percival a look, silently assigning him a critical mission.

To keep watch.

As the two of them were enjoying their sneaky treat, Arthur emerged from the kitchen, a tray in hand, his voice booming excitedly from afar, "Honey, darling, breakfast is served! Today we've got beef stew with homemade biscuits..."

Sasha nearly choked.

Vivienne decisively swallowed her last bite.

Percival calmly stepped forward to greet Arthur, cleverly blocking his view.

"Who let you in?"

Arthur frowned, clearly displeased, "And keep it down. My daughter isn't married to you yet; don't get too cozy."

Arthur took a step towards Sasha and Vivienne's direction.

Percival tried to intervene again, but Sasha had already come forward, crumbs still lingering at the corner of her mouth.

Arthur noticed immediately and leaned in, curious, "Honey, what did you eat?"

Caught off guard, Sasha pursed her lips, trying to sound casual, "...I was just really hungry, had a biscuit."

Arthur was filled with guilt, blaming his slow pace for leaving his wife famished.

"Honey, breakfast is ready, let's go eat."

Then, the cake box Sasha had been hiding fell from behind the chair, rolling to Arthur's feet.

Vivienne: It wasn't on purpose!

Arthur froze, looking at Sasha with a mix of hurt and betrayal, "Honey, you..."

before soothing Arthur, "Hubby, let me explain. You have to believe in yourself; your cooking is truly a

accidentally made too much and wanted

my wife likes, and I'll cook it for her. You, mind

casual remark stopped them in their tracks, "No offense, but perhaps, the dishes you make aren't exactly to the master's and Vivienne's taste." Arthur paused, turning with a cold

sincerely stated,

"Are you saying you're better

just smiled, not contradicting the

provoked, Arthur couldn't let it slide. Not in front of his wife

have a

aware of her husband's culinary skills-or lack

hers alone to give, "Let's not, dear. Percival is my apprentice; if word gets out, people will say you're bullying the younger generation." Arthur patted Sasha's hand, reassuring her. He had

all the practice, she

raised an eyebrow, "You sure you want to

off, "Enough

clearly stating his intent, if I win,

the same. If you lose,

didn't want to wait till next

kitchen,

"What's

at

was confidently, and a

smile

across his face, "Since

let's make her

Arthur snorted.

specific skill from the Dorian

sure of his

leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside as the judges, exchanging worried

massaged her forehead,

to her book, "Mom, instead of worrying here,

a look, "No more bringing people home to

your husband who started it. Why shouldn't I defend Mr. Wolf?

both contestants presented their covered bowls

a mystery