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."

the effects of the alcohol surge, Vivienne gazed

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

believe this was a dream, her hands 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 softening in a way that could melt hearts. Vivienne truly believed she was dreaming of

started to explain, "Vivienne, actually

placed a finger on his

"I missed you."

left

her, "How much did

answer with words but with actions, following her

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

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

That was...

your head

attire, entered from outside, realizing that Vivienne was still feeling

checked on the kids earlier. I was

leaned in for a soft kiss, "I woke up when you came to

Vivienne blushed.

night was...

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

been a month, but it felt like

missed

the most important moment

as her husband, should

long as

snuggled into his embrace, inhaling his familiar scent, and looked

met with them. My master is aware

her lips together, suddenly feeling the urge

only one who thought seeing Mr. Wolf last night was

down at her, whispering

her mind, "Mr.

raised an eyebrow, "I heard Dad calling the kids by

"Are

agreement, "Juliette Ellington and Isaiah Ellington. How do

told, he had spent the morning in the nursery with his father-in-law, who had insisted on those names for

been safe and sound with the

middle names were

their parents loved each other and hoped

the names, narrowed her eyes but didn't object since Mr. Wolf had

back home for

needed to reassure

At noon.

in the sun with the kids in the living room when Percival and