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.

also turned away, "Running

by mistake. But seeing as we're

the grace of a gracious

anyone squirm." Alyssa's face stiffened, her nails digging into her palms. She hadn't expected Arthur to highlight her age, given the

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

but what could she say? Even if she was younger than Karen, it wasn't by much. From the moment she walked in, Kate

the two women settled into the

composure, smiled sweetly at Arthur, "It's been a while, Arthur. You look even more dashing now. Your victories on the battlefield are the talk of the town." Arthur responded noncommittally, hardly impressed by a compliment he'd heard a

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

addressed Karen, "You might have some beauty, but Alyssa

meet you, Karen. I didn't mean to overlook you. It's just

so? And here I thought we were all just people,

Alyssa's pride clashing with Karen's simplicity, a stark reminder of the complex web of social standings and unspoken rules that governed their

Alyssa declared with unbridled