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."

Vivienne gazed at him, her vision

touched her forehead and sighed, "I told you

captivating, "If I don't drink, how could I see you?" Percival smiled, his eyes softening in a way that could melt hearts. Vivienne truly believed she was

started to explain, "Vivienne, actually

on his lips, "Mr.

"I missed you."

left

swallowed hard, asking her, "How much did you

with words but with actions, following

next day, as the light filled the room, Vivienne looked at the empty space beside her, feeling the dream of last night was incredibly real. Unfortunately, it was just a

in

That was...

head still

outside, realizing that Vivienne was still feeling

I checked on the kids earlier. I was worried they'd be disturbed last night." Vivienne looked up, "Mr. Wolf, when did you wake

"I woke up

Vivienne blushed.

last night was...

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

month, but it felt like

had missed the

most important

moment he, as her husband, should never

that. As long as

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

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

pressed her lips together, suddenly feeling

who thought

her,

head, a thought crossing her mind, "Mr. Wolf,

an eyebrow, "I heard Dad calling the

squinted, "Are you

and Isaiah Ellington. How do

nursery with his father-in-law, who

sound with the Linklater family, a kindness he would

names were his

loved each other and hoped they would also support

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

it, then. We should head back home for lunch;

indeed needed to reassure

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