The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

While the uncles settled their friendly wagers, the aunties had already encircled Vivienne in lively conversation.

“Sweetie, | heard you were back in town and didn’t have tto rustle up anything fancy. So, I've got these few properties for you. Prreal estate, all of them. Should you not fancy any, we'll shop around for others.” How could they be anything but prime? Situated in the heart of major cities, Vivienne would never lack a place to call hwherever she went! “Darling, since she has gifted you homes, how about | throw in swheels? | heard you have a taste for motorcycles, sports cars, and off-roaders. They're all parked in the garage for you, ready to be picked up. If they don’t suit your fancy, we'll get you something else.” Each vehicle was a limited edition, the kind Vivienne had only seen in Percival’s private collection.

“And Vivienne, | still love getting you dresses. I've bought heaps, complete with matching jewelry, all tucked away in those closets. Just a start, we'll hit the shops for more!” Just a start? Zelda's dress collection for Vivienne was so extensive she could change every hour and not run out of options! Karen chuckled and handed Vivienne a bracelet.

“Willa handcrafted this; she askedto give it to you.” Karen slipped the bracelet onto Vivienne’s wrist.

Ever since Willa learned Vivienne was Karen's daughter, she had started crafting this bracelet, meticulously carving each bead with patience uncharacteristic of her usual self.

“Thank you all, Aunties. And Mom, please extend my gratitude to Auntie Willa, too.” Vivienne’s heart swelled with emotion, filling a void she did not realize she had.

From then on, she was no longer alone in this world.

She had a mother, a grandfather, loving uncles and auntEl.

And, of course, her beloved Mr. Wolf! Vivienne's gaze met Percival’s, her eyes brimming with joy.

From their first encounter, it was her radiant eyes that had captivated him.

Now, finally, he could see the happiness shimmering in those seyes.

A happiness he, as a lover, could never provide.

Percival was grateful to witness the most joyous moments of Vivienne's life.

Grateful that he could be there to accompany her in her happiness every single day.

“In-law!” A voice, aged yet excited, called from beyond the door. Percival went to greet them.

It was unmistakably his grandfather! Only a member of the Perez family could greet with such familial warmth.

“Grandpa.” Percival helped Richard inside, followed by the heavily laden Nathan Ellington and Cecilia Boyd.

Cecilia instantly recognized Karen as Vivienne’s mother. She approached, gripping Karen’s hands with fervor, “I'm Percival’s mother. It’s finally a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for raising such a wonderful daughter.” Karen was already acquainted with Cecilia, having met her while mentoring Percival, although Cecilia was none the wiser.

“Thank you as well for looking after Vivienne when | couldn't. You've been a blessing,” Karen responded warmly.

Cecilia, still holding Karen’s hands, added, “We have others eager to meet you, but they're a bit shy about coming in.” Karen knew it must be the Hawthorn family.

“Vivienne, would you bring your father and mother in?” With a nod, Vivienne stepped outside. Dorian and Cordelia, moved by Karen's invitation, felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Entering the room, Dorian and Cordelia were flooded with emotion upon seeing Karen after so many years.

To Dorian, Karen was more than a savior; she was a cherished friend, their bond beyond the confines of romance.

“Dorian, Cordelia, it's been too long.” Karen opened her arms and embraced them warmly.

Cordelia met Karen for the first time, yet they connected as if they were long-lost companions.

“It’s been too long indeed.” With tears in their eyes and hearts full of words, both Dorian and Cordelia found themselves speechless at the moment.

The reunion was bustling with joy, and even guests like Melissa and Vance felt right at home.

Everyone there was family.

But to Vivienne's surprise, she and Percival becthe unintended stars of the event.

Jasper and Richard sat with stern faces, scrutinizing Vivienne and Percival.

Vivienne hesitated with her strawberry cheesecake, unsure whether to eat or not under the intense gazes of the two patriarchs.

Percival, shielding her slightly, spoke up, “Grandpa Jasper and Richard, whatever you want to say, just say it.

Don’t stare at Vivienne like that. She’s timid.” The Nine Mystics Society members were taken aback: It's news to us that our young master is timid. What a revelation! Richard scoffed. “Now you're protective of Vivienne, huh? After all this ttogether, and you still haven't given her a proper status. The Ellington family didn’t raise you to be such an ingrate!”Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

Jasper chimed in, “What's going on, Percival? Our granddaughter isn’t good enough for you? Is that why you're dragging your feet on making it official?” “Not at all. The moment Vivienne agrees, we'll go get that marriage license,” Percival declared, gripping Vivienne’s hand with unwavering certainty.

He was probably the most eager man in the world to get hitched! Finally, both Jasper and Richard cracked a smile. “Well, Vivienne, what do you think?” Vivienne took her tsavoring the last bite of her strawberry cheesecake before answering slowly, “I'm not in a rush.” Richard, concerned, leaned in. “Vivienne, is it because that rascal Percival isn’t treating you right? Don’t worry, I'll set him straight!” Jasper did not think Percival was the issue. He had seen with his own eyes how well Percival had treated Vivienne over the past year.

“Yeah, Vivienne, why don’t you want to get married? You guys have been together for a good three years now.” Elders always hope to see their kin settled down sooner rather than later; it gives them peace of mind.

Vivienne shook her head gently, “Mr. Wolf is wonderful. He's the one I've chosen to walk through life with, to stand by through thick and thin. In my heart, no other man could ever take his place. | want to marry him, to have children with him, to grow old together.” She looked deeply into Percival’s eyes, her own bright with love, reflecting the face of the man she adored.

Percival’s eyes crinkled with a smile. He had never imagined that it would be in such a setting that he would hear Vivienne speak words that would etch themselves into his memory.

“However, we can’t get married just yet. There's too much unsettled, too many loose ends. | want our wedding to be a serene and peaceful affair, not fraught with the perils that seem to surround us now.”