The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The day after the grand announcement, the Perez family came over to deliver their wedding gifts.

It felt like an unspoken competition; Uncle Luke brought two boxes of exquisite jewelry, Uncle Fredrick doubled down with four, and Uncle Maddox went all out, gifting a full set of gold jewelry that filled six whole boxes.

Opening those boxes was like staring into the sun-blindingly bright and overwhelmingly lavish.

Vivienne felt a weight on her shoulders just looking at them, imagining wearing all that gold was enough to give her a sore neck.

The elder Perez brothers, Luke and Fredrick, couldn't help but smirk at the sight. At least Maddox had set the bar for extravagance, making their gifts seem almost modest in comparison.

But Yuri, the youngest, couldn't resist a jab, "Maddox, really? That's a bit lackluster for Vivienne's wedding, don't you think? People might start thinking the Perez family is running low on treasures." Maddox's face turned as red as a beet, "Yuri, stop poking fun. What did you bring, then? Show us."

Raising an eyebrow, Yuri warned, "You might want to brace yourself for this."

With that, he opened his box to reveal a masterfully crafted jade sculpture, a rarity that could easily rival the tea set he gave at Sasha's wedding.

Maddox was gobsmacked, "Where did you even find that? You said you were just going to pick something randomly from the storage!"

Yuri shrugged, "And you believed that?"

Fuming, Maddox accused, "You're playing dirty!"

The others watched, more entertained than concerned, letting the brothers settle it among themselves.

Eventually, Maddox sought consolation from Vivienne.

really think my

out of all the gifts, yours are actually the most practical. I mean, if I ever need money, gold is as

my gift.

"Your logic could use some work. Vivienne was being polite. She means you might as well have given cash to save her the trouble

in laughter, Maddox merely squinting in

Maddox produced a small, exquisitely wrapped gift box, handing it to Vivienne with care, "This is something Willa stitched for you-a

delicate embroidery, "Please thank Willa

this round, the other uncles, not to be outdone, presented their own carefully chosen gifts, each

just as Yorick and Jasper joined

greeted, also acknowledging her

his granddaughter, felt a surge of pride, "Our Vivienne

her intelligence and independence, qualities that reminded

"Even after I'm married,

beamed, "Exactly, you'll always be the Perez family's

presented a vintage jade pendant, "This was with your grandmother and me when we

no one dared to question Jasper's decision.

This was a moment of joy, a family

advised, hinting at the deeper

just a gift; it's a promise of safety and support from the Perez family." With the family's blessing, Vivienne gratefully accepted, "Thank you, Granddad.

the family bid their farewells, leaving behind

Sasha lounging in the

just a glance, Sasha seemed to grasp Vivienne's purpose, motioning for her to take a seat on the wicker