The Million-Dollar Heart

Sasha was about to add more to the conversation when Vivienne's gaze landed on the cake in her hand.

She hadn't tried this flavor before, and though she was sure it wouldn't beat a slice of good old apple pie, being picky at a moment like this seemed downright immature. Sasha quickly hid it behind her back.

She'd already had her share, why was she still eyeing hers?

Seeing Arthur wouldn't be out of the kitchen anytime soon, Sasha shot Percival a look, silently assigning him a critical mission.

To keep watch.

As the two of them were enjoying their sneaky treat, Arthur emerged from the kitchen, a tray in hand, his voice booming excitedly from afar, "Honey, darling, breakfast is served! Today we've got beef stew with homemade biscuits..."

Sasha nearly choked.

Vivienne decisively swallowed her last bite.

Percival calmly stepped forward to greet Arthur, cleverly blocking his view.

"Who let you in?"

Arthur frowned, clearly displeased, "And keep it down. My daughter isn't married to you yet; don't get too cozy."

Arthur took a step towards Sasha and Vivienne's direction.

Percival tried to intervene again, but Sasha had already come forward, crumbs still lingering at the corner of her mouth.

Arthur noticed immediately and leaned in, curious, "Honey, what did you eat?"

Caught off guard, Sasha pursed her lips, trying to sound casual, "...I was just really hungry, had a biscuit."

Arthur was filled with guilt, blaming his slow pace for leaving his wife famished.

"Honey, breakfast is ready, let's go eat."

Then, the cake box Sasha had been hiding fell from behind the chair, rolling to Arthur's feet.

wasn't

looking at Sasha with a mix of hurt

a glare before soothing Arthur, "Hubby, let me explain. You have to believe

the blame, "It's not the master's fault. I accidentally made too much and wanted

what my wife likes, and I'll cook it for her. You, mind

aren't exactly to the master's and Vivienne's taste." Arthur paused, turning with a cold expression,

stated,

you saying you're better

just smiled, not contradicting the

being provoked, Arthur couldn't let it slide. Not in front of his wife and

let's have

aware of her husband's

to give, "Let's not, dear. Percival is my apprentice; if word gets out, people will say you're bullying

practice, she couldn't bear to tell

want to compete? Just

off, "Enough

clearly stating his intent, if I win, I expect you to agree to proceed with my wedding

If you

want to wait till next

in front of the kitchen, Arthur and

"What's the

at Vivienne, who was confidently, and a smile across his face, "Since Vivienne loves pasta, let's make her

Arthur snorted.

learned this specific skill from the Dorian

sure

men entered the kitchen, leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside as the judges, exchanging worried

massaged her forehead,

here, we might as well think of how

her a look, "No more

it. Why shouldn't I

an hour later, both contestants presented

was a mystery what lay