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

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 a seat. There are two chairs right over

gesture was effortless, embodying the grace of

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

by the mention of a long-standing relationship, thought, "Where's all this coming from? My life's been on the battlefield. What years-long

moment she walked

settled into the armchairs

at Arthur, "It's been a while, Arthur. You look even more dashing now. Your victories on the battlefield are the talk of

their childhood connection. Arthur, however, showed little interest, his thoughts wandering off to sleep. Karen, on the other hand, listened with amusement, snuggled comfortably in Arthur's

but Alyssa here is a Wright from Rivenwood-a significant step above anything the Linklater

a smile of feigned 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 background,

"Oh, is that so? And here I thought we

thickened with tension, Alyssa's pride clashing with Karen's simplicity, a stark reminder of the

Alyssa declared with unbridled