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 on

at Sasha with a mix of

Vivienne a glare before soothing Arthur, "Hubby, let me explain. You have to believe in yourself; your cooking is truly a gift.

too much and wanted the master to give it a taste." Arthur's

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

casual 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."

sincerely stated, "They're not

"Are you saying you're better

smiled, not contradicting the

was being provoked, Arthur couldn't let it slide. Not in

have a

aware of her

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

because of all the practice, she couldn't bear

want to

cut him off, "Enough talk,

his intent, if I win, I expect you to agree

scoffed, "Funny, I was thinking the same. If you lose, let's push the wedding to next year." Vivienne:

to wait till

front of the kitchen,

"What's

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

Arthur snorted.

learned this specific skill from the Dorian

sure of

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

massaged her forehead,

worrying here, we might as well think of how to console

a look, "No more bringing people home to

was your husband who started it. Why

later, both contestants presented their

a mystery