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.

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 your care. If I see her shed a single

looking earnest, turned to Willa, "Dad, believe me, I love Willa even more

remark sent the room into an uproar of

promises isn't the same as stabbing our dad

joined in, "Yeah, Maddox, we know you love Willa to the bone, but don't play favorites, or

and Fredrick didn't say a word, but

were small fry

Jasper to act; they'd resolve it themselves, ensuring the couple's "emotional

Willa could do

Maddox? Not so

warning look from his eldest brother, Maddox turned, seeking assurance, "Dad, you

a sidelong glance, "Useless. I was managing the entire Perez empire at your age. Only because Willa doesn't mind, you should try to step up."

seeking comfort, "Honey, I'll work hard to earn more.

business. Touching his face, she assured

the helm of the Perez's vast network,

seeing something they couldn't

of Maddox so different from Willa's? To her, Maddox's quirks

concluded the ceremony, the

Looking up, he kissed her passionately, eliciting cheers from the crowd. Willa's face turned

but

the last

to intervene. Anything to avoid a

his wine, glaring at Maddox

has prepared a room for you." Fredrick

him

her glass down, insisting, "Uncle Luke,

remembered her