The Million-Dollar Heart

Arthur and Karen, feeling out of place at the bustling garden party filled with high society's finest, decided to slip away for some air in the quieter parts of his vast family estate.

"You just got back, and you can't even give me a hug before ditching me?" Arthur feigned hurt, his deep voice laced with mock indignation.

Karen couldn't help but chuckle, comforting her man with a heart full of affection, "How can I resist when I love you so much? I'll have to endure."

As she gently ruffled Arthur's hair, it felt like petting a big, friendly dog.

Arthur, cheered by her words, suggested with a softer tone, "If it's too hot out here, how about we cool off with a swim? I've just had a pool added behind the house. What do you think?"

Karen blinked, sensing a hint of mischief in his suggestion, her lips parting slightly to respond...

"Arthur!" Alyssa called out elegantly as she approached, with Kate following in a flowing violet dress. Karen hadn't even opened her mouth when Alyssa intercepted, a flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks as she faced Arthur, "I just stepped out of the ballroom for some fresh air and, turning the corner, was so thrilled to see you here. With our history, I just forgot to greet you properly... How awkward of me."

Clutching the hem of her white dress, Alyssa's discomfort was palpable.

The reality was, Alyssa and Kate had almost scoured the entire Linklater property before finding Arthur, arriving with a sheen of perspiration from their search.

"Running into this situation

curling in a gentle smile, "I thought some young lady had wandered in by mistake. But seeing as we're about the same age, there's no need for awkwardness. Since you know my husband, please, take

gesture was effortless, embodying the

furrowed, slightly annoyed that their peaceful moment was disturbed, "What's there to be awkward about? We're all adults here. A little display of affection shouldn't make anyone squirm." Alyssa's face stiffened, her nails digging into her palms. She hadn't expected Arthur to highlight her age, given the lengths she went to maintain her youth with premium skincare and regular visits to the best beauty clinics. Her, old? Karen's few words had effortlessly sown discord in

"Where's all this coming from? My life's been on the battlefield. What years-long relationship are

too, was irked but what could she say? Even if she was younger than Karen, it wasn't by much. From the moment she walked in, Kate had scrutinized Karen, finding her even more beautiful

the two women settled into the armchairs

victories on the battlefield

hinting at their childhood connection. Arthur, however, showed little interest, his thoughts wandering off to sleep. Karen, on the

might have some beauty, but Alyssa here is a Wright from

modesty, added with a hint of provocation, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Karen. I didn't mean to overlook you. It's just that, with my

smile, "Oh, is that so? And here I thought we were all just people,

with Karen's simplicity, a stark reminder of the

Alyssa declared with unbridled