The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

"Willa, why the heck did you pinch me?" Maddox looked as innocent as a puppy caught chewing on a shoe.

Willa's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red as she glared at him. Her attempt at looking formidable, however, was undermined by an unmistakable hint of bashfulness. "Did you already forget the pep talk I gave you?" Maddox swallowed hard, nodding slightly.

That was all Willa needed to see to know they were in trouble.

Her own choice in a partner, what more could she do?

The two stood under the spotlight, basking in the warmth of everyone's well-wishes.

As the ceremony was drawing to its highlight, Jasper handed Willa a list, "Willa, this is what I gave your sister, Sasha, when she got engaged. I've prepared something similar for you. Let me know if there's anything missing." Being a father and a father-in-law, how could Jasper bear to short-change Willa?

Tears welled up in Willa's eyes as she took the list. Shaking her head, she managed, "Dad, I don't care about those things. I just want to stay by your side, always."

Jasper nodded, visibly moved, gripping Willa's hand, "You're my daughter. I'll treat you no differently. You won't miss out on anything."

Willa pressed her lips together, nodding in agreement.

Maddox, standing beside her, was so touched he was nearly in tears.

Jasper looked at him with mock disdain, "It's not your list, son. What are you crying for?"

Maddox took a deep breath, "Dad, I regret not being born your daughter. I haven't even seen half of these things."

Jasper was momentarily speechless. If it weren't for the solemnity of the occasion, he might have questioned Maddox's common sense.

Sensing Jasper's growing irritation, Maddox hastily wiped away his tear, trying to lighten the mood, "Dad, I was just trying to add a bit of humor... Please, continue."

Jasper couldn't help but roll his eyes.

Willa, so attentive and respectful, then back at Maddox, who was all smiles and no sense, Jasper sighed. He knew he had to treat Willa even better from now on, "Maddox, from today onwards, Willa is in

me, I love Willa even more than

the room into

family jester, teased, "Maddox, making promises isn't the

Willa to the bone, but don't play favorites,

and Fredrick didn't say a word,

were a family affair, and Maddox's ventures were small fry

be upset, they wouldn't wait for Jasper to act; they'd resolve it themselves, ensuring the couple's "emotional exchange"

their eyes, Willa could

Maddox? Not

eldest brother, Maddox turned, seeking assurance, "Dad, you wouldn't miss my little contribution,

at your age. Only because Willa doesn't mind, you should try to step up." Maddox felt a pang of injustice. Business just wasn't

seeking comfort, "Honey, I'll work hard to

wealth; she knew Maddox's heart wasn't in business. Touching his face, she assured him, "Sweetie, I'll

the helm of the Perez's vast network, supporting Maddox wouldn't be an

smiles faltered, seeing something they

different from Willa's? To her, Maddox's

the ceremony, the spotlight was on the

ring prepared for this moment, slid it onto Willa's finger. Looking up, he kissed her passionately, eliciting cheers from the crowd.

couldn't help but

the last time she

nudged Fredrick, hinting for him to intervene. Anything to avoid a repeat

nearly spilled his wine, glaring

Aunt Maria has prepared a room for you." Fredrick chimed in, "Yeah,

gave him a

set her glass down, insisting, "Uncle Luke, Uncle Fredrick, I'm

her last