The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

At the dinner, everyone couldn't help but chuckle and shake their heads. With Willa around, Maddox was definitely under her thumb.

By the time they got back to the Linklater household, night had already fallen.

Sasha made a cup of honey lemon tea and placed it beside Vivienne's bed.

After checking her forehead to ensure she didn't have a fever, Sasha left the room.

Outside, Arthur was visibly uneasy, "Is our daughter really okay? She didn't just drink alcohol, did she?"

Sasha reassured him, "Our girl is all grown up, we can't keep treating her like a child."

Arthur hesitated, wanting to say more but held back since his wife had spoken.

He had no choice but to quell his worries.

Vivienne hadn't fallen asleep yet.

She could hear the voices of the two outside her room.

Strangely, although her head felt a bit woozy, her mind was surprisingly clear.

Clearer than it had ever been.

After the two left, she slowly sat up, drank some water, and went to check on the kids in their room.

She didn't get too close, mindful of the alcohol scent on her.

Seeing the kids holding hands even in their sleep softened something deep within her.

If Mr. Wolf saw this, would he be more moved than she was?

His heart had always been set on Natalia's kids, and now they were right here before him.

With the moon high in the sky, Vivienne sat in the next room for a few minutes before returning to her own.

Just as she was about to sleep, the door suddenly opened, and a shadow quietly entered.

The moment Vivienne sensed the presence, her body reacted faster than her mind, her hand lifting a silver letter opener in defense. But she froze upon recognizing the figure.

Moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating the person.

So familiar.

Her body tensed slightly, "Mr. Wolf!"

Percival's eyes were clear and bright, "Vivienne, it's me."

alcohol surge, Vivienne

as he touched her forehead and sighed, "I told you not

hands naturally wrapping around his neck. Her eyes conveyed deep emotions, captivating, "If I don't drink, how could I see you?" Percival

to explain,

his lips,

"I missed you."

words left

asking her, "How much did

answer with words but with actions, following her

space beside her, feeling the dream of last night was incredibly real. Unfortunately, it

ready to leave the room, but stopped dead in her tracks when she saw a silhouette by the

That was...

your head still

casual black attire, entered from outside, realizing that Vivienne was

water on the bedside table, "You were asleep when I checked on the kids earlier. I was worried they'd be disturbed last night." Vivienne looked up,

in for a soft kiss, "I woke up

Vivienne blushed.

night was...

face, "What's there to be afraid of? We're married, and besides, I like

month, but it felt like an eternity for

had missed the

important moment in Vivienne's

he, as her husband, should never

any of that. As long as

his embrace, inhaling his familiar scent, and looked up at him, "Do my parents

nodded, "I've met with them. My master is aware of my condition and knows I've been waking up

suddenly feeling the

only one who thought

her, whispering in her

thought crossing her mind, "Mr. Wolf, we

calling

"Are you

Ellington and Isaiah

with his father-in-law, who had insisted on those names for a good ten minutes before

the Linklater family, a kindness he

names were his

the children to know their parents loved each other and hoped they would

the names, narrowed her eyes but didn't

then. We should head back home for lunch; Grandfather is waiting for news." Percival

to reassure everyone

At noon.

the Linklater family, father and son, were basking in the sun with the kids in the living room when Percival and Vivienne appeared together, smiles spreading