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.

think

most practical. I mean, if I ever need money, gold is as good

Vivienne appreciates my

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

room erupted in laughter, Maddox merely

wrapped gift box, handing it to Vivienne with care, "This is something Willa stitched for you-a blessing for you and your future husband, wishing

delicate embroidery, "Please thank Willa for me. I

round, the other uncles, not to be outdone,

as Yorick and Jasper joined the

Granddad," she greeted, also

seeing his granddaughter, felt a surge of pride, "Our Vivienne is getting

independence, qualities that reminded him of

grandfather, "Even after I'm married, I'll always

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

then presented a vintage jade pendant, "This was with your grandmother

sight, but no one dared to question Jasper's decision. Such matters

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

hinting at the deeper

stepped up, "Accept it, Vivienne. It's not just a gift; it's a promise of safety and support from

the evening drew on, the family bid their farewells, leaving behind a trail

lounging in

purpose, motioning for her to take