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.

you really think my gifts

Maddox, out of all the gifts, yours are actually the most practical. I mean, if I ever need

my gift. You're

polite. She means you might as well have given cash to save her the trouble of

room erupted in laughter, Maddox merely

exquisitely wrapped gift box, handing it to Vivienne with care, "This

embroidery, "Please thank Willa for

to be outdone, presented

them, just as Yorick and Jasper joined the gathering, with Arthur and

she greeted, also

a surge

independence, qualities that reminded

her grandfather, "Even after I'm married, I'll always be your granddaughter.

beamed, "Exactly, you'll always be the

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

one dared to question Jasper's decision. Such matters were his

signaled Arthur not to intervene. This was a moment of joy,

advised, hinting at

just a gift; it's a promise of safety and support

the family bid their farewells, leaving behind

locket, found Sasha lounging in the backyard under the

to grasp Vivienne's purpose, motioning for her to take a seat on the