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..."

me explain. You have to believe in yourself; your

took the blame, "It's not the master's fault. I accidentally made too much and wanted the master to give it a taste."

and I'll cook it for her. You, mind your

make aren't exactly to

stated, "They're

you saying you're better

smiled, not contradicting

it slide. Not in front of his

have a

interjected, aware of her husband's

gets out, people will say you're bullying

thought, precisely because of all the practice, she couldn't bear

want to compete? Just

spurred on, cut him off, "Enough talk, let's do

the rules first then," Percival said, clearly stating his intent, if I win, I expect you to agree to proceed with my wedding to Vivienne next

you lose, let's push the wedding to next year." Vivienne:

want to wait till

in front of the kitchen, Arthur and

"What's

at Vivienne,

was confidently, and a

smile

across his face, "Since

make her

Arthur snorted.

this specific skill from the Dorian

was sure

Sasha and Vivienne

massaged her forehead, already anticipating

returned to her book, "Mom, instead of worrying here, we might as well think of how to

shot her a look, "No more bringing people home to

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

contestants presented their covered

a mystery