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.

It wasn't on

a mix of

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

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

for her. You, mind

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

sincerely stated, "They're

you saying you're better than

not contradicting

couldn't let it slide. Not

have

interjected, aware of her husband's culinary

praises were hers alone to give, "Let's not, dear. Percival is my apprentice; if word gets out, people will say you're bullying the younger generation." Arthur patted Sasha's hand, reassuring her. He

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

eyebrow, "You sure you want to compete? Just think if

him off, "Enough

Percival said, clearly stating his intent, if I win, I expect you to agree to

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

didn't want to

kitchen,

"What's

Vivienne, who was confidently, and a smile across his face,

Arthur snorted.

skill from the

sure of

Sasha and Vivienne outside as

massaged her forehead, already

calmly returned to her book, "Mom, instead of worrying here, we might as well think of how

look, "No more bringing people

"It was your husband who started it. Why shouldn't

hour later, both contestants presented their covered bowls

was a mystery what lay