The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

All of this felt like a dream to Vivienne.

She pondered if only in a harmonious household like the Perez's, such an event could unfold without rousing suspicion among the other members.

Uncle Luke indeed had a heart big enough to embrace the entire Perez family.

"Getting married tomorrow, feeling nervous?"

Sasha suddenly popped the question.

Vivienne calmly responded, "Not at all."

Sasha smirked, "Wasn't talking to you, but about the one who's been counting days on the phone."

Vivienne, "..."

Tradition kept her from seeing Mr. Wolf until the wedding day, adding to his anxiety, palpable even through their nightly phone calls.

Sighing, she stood up, "Mom, you really should stop eavesdropping."

Sasha muttered, "Wasn't eavesdropping. You were the one speaking so loudly..."

As Vivienne turned to leave, Sasha's tone grew serious, "Something's not right. Be prepared for a tough day tomorrow."

Vivienne paused, "My wedding will happen, no one can stop it."

"Oh, and..."

Vivienne suddenly turned back, "Remember to invite Winston from the Wright family tomorrow. We missed him at your and dad's wedding. He's held onto that; let's not forget this time." Sasha was taken aback, realizing she had indeed forgotten.

Back in her room, Vivienne received a call from Draven.

"Young master, we've located Hunter. He was seen near Jericho Isle with an unidentified woman."

Jericho Isle, a woman.

Vivienne's eyes narrowed with determination, and she instructed Draven, "Notify the Nine Mystics Society. Everyone's on standby tomorrow."

She was resolved to deal with unfinished business once and for all.

The wedding day dawned with a procession from the Ellington family arriving at the Linklater residence. Percival, in a bespoke suit, entered with his groomsmen, Leopold and Thomas, by his side. Meanwhile, upstairs.

fixed on the assortment of nuts and snacks beside her, popping them into

been woken up at 5 AM. After hours of makeup and dressing,

eat something soon, she joked to herself, she

the chatter downstairs, her bridesmaids, Charlotte and Griffin,

paced nervously, "What do we do, Vivienne?

saw Leopold. What if they really storm in? Do we stop them or not?"

missed Anna. That girl wouldn't have

them each

unison, "How can you still eat at a time

by

they think eating was

sound of footsteps

deep voice echoed, "Vivienne, I'm here

Mr. Wolf's voice, Vivienne promptly

Griffin scrambled behind the door, gesturing frantically, "He can't

Vivienne was speechless.

ones scared, they were

a profound misunderstanding

stick to

Griffin were debating how to demand

followed, "A million

Charlotte, "..."

Griffin, "..."

just show

opened to reveal Percival, his gaze fixed

his design, the diamonds painstakingly attached by him, but it was Vivienne's radiant smile that captured all his attention.

lit up brilliantly, while Percival, filled with happiness, took her hand tenderly, "Vivienne, come with me." "Of

oblivious to the others who hurriedly

procession made its way to

vently, as if

hand

wne

never wa let

reassured him, "Mr. Wolf,

softly, but his

"Boom!"

loud explosion sounded just