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."

effects of the alcohol surge, Vivienne gazed at him, her vision slightly

touched her forehead and sighed, "I told you not to drink too

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

to explain,

placed a finger on his lips, "Mr. Wolf, don't

"I missed you."

left

swallowed hard, asking her, "How much did you

didn't answer with words but with actions,

the light filled the room, Vivienne looked at the empty space beside her, feeling the dream of last night was incredibly real.

but stopped dead in her tracks when she saw a silhouette by the window.

That was...

your head

dressed in casual black attire, entered from outside, realizing that Vivienne was still feeling

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, "Mr. Wolf, when did you wake

kiss, "I woke up when you came to

Vivienne blushed.

last night was...

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

been a month, but it felt like an eternity for

had missed the

important

he, as her

any of that. As long as

inhaling his familiar scent,

aware of my condition and knows I've been

pressed her lips together, suddenly feeling the

thought seeing Mr. Wolf last night

Vivienne's laughter, Percival looked down at her, whispering

thought crossing her mind, "Mr. Wolf, we need to decide on the

an eyebrow, "I heard Dad calling the kids by their names.

"Are you

hummed in agreement, "Juliette Ellington and Isaiah

with his father-in-law, who had insisted on those

kids had been safe and sound with the Linklater family,

middle names were his

the children to know their parents loved each other and hoped they would also support and care for each other in the

narrowed her eyes but didn't object since Mr. Wolf had chosen

should head back home for lunch; Grandfather is waiting for

needed to reassure everyone at

At noon.

and son, were basking in the sun with the kids in