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

a mix of hurt and betrayal,

have to believe in yourself; your cooking is truly a gift. I was

I accidentally made too much and wanted the master to give it a taste." Arthur's annoyance immediately

You, mind your own business.

remark stopped them in their tracks, "No offense, but perhaps, the dishes you make aren't exactly to the master's and Vivienne's taste."

stated, "They're

darkened, "Are you saying

not

it slide. Not in front of

let's have a

quickly interjected, aware of her husband's culinary skills-or

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

precisely because of all the practice, she couldn't bear to

an eyebrow, "You sure you want

him off, "Enough talk, let's do

stating his intent, if I win, I expect you

same. If you lose, let's push the wedding to

to wait till next

of the kitchen, Arthur

asked, "What's

glanced at Vivienne, who was confidently, and a smile across his face, "Since Vivienne loves pasta,

Arthur snorted.

from

sure of

entered the kitchen, leaving Sasha and Vivienne outside as the judges,

her forehead, already

here, we might as well

a look, "No more bringing people home

lips curled up, "It was your husband who started it. Why shouldn't I defend

an hour later, both contestants

was a mystery what lay