The Million-Dollar Heart

The day after the grand announcement, the Perez family came over to deliver their wedding gifts.

It felt like an unspoken competition; Uncle Luke brought two boxes of exquisite jewelry, Uncle Fredrick doubled down with four, and Uncle Maddox went all out, gifting a full set of gold jewelry that filled six whole boxes.

Opening those boxes was like staring into the sun-blindingly bright and overwhelmingly lavish.

Vivienne felt a weight on her shoulders just looking at them, imagining wearing all that gold was enough to give her a sore neck.

The elder Perez brothers, Luke and Fredrick, couldn't help but smirk at the sight. At least Maddox had set the bar for extravagance, making their gifts seem almost modest in comparison.

But Yuri, the youngest, couldn't resist a jab, "Maddox, really? That's a bit lackluster for Vivienne's wedding, don't you think? People might start thinking the Perez family is running low on treasures." Maddox's face turned as red as a beet, "Yuri, stop poking fun. What did you bring, then? Show us."

Raising an eyebrow, Yuri warned, "You might want to brace yourself for this."

With that, he opened his box to reveal a masterfully crafted jade sculpture, a rarity that could easily rival the tea set he gave at Sasha's wedding.

Maddox was gobsmacked, "Where did you even find that? You said you were just going to pick something randomly from the storage!"

Yuri shrugged, "And you believed that?"

Fuming, Maddox accused, "You're playing dirty!"

watched, more entertained than concerned, letting the brothers settle

Maddox sought consolation

you really think my

reassured, "Uncle Maddox, out of all the gifts, yours are actually the most practical. I mean, if I ever need money, gold is as good as cash. You did great." Maddox beamed, his pride restored, especially when he caught Yuri's

that? Vivienne appreciates my gift.

was being polite. She means you might as well have given cash to save her the trouble of

laughter, Maddox merely squinting

Vivienne with care, "This is something Willa stitched for you-a

embroidery, "Please thank Willa for me.

not to be outdone, presented their own carefully chosen gifts,

as Yorick and Jasper joined the gathering, with Arthur and Sasha

she greeted, also acknowledging her

seeing his granddaughter, felt a surge of pride, "Our Vivienne is

admired her intelligence and independence, qualities that reminded him of

grandfather, "Even after I'm married, I'll always be

you'll always be the Perez family's

jade pendant, "This was with your grandmother and me when we married. It's a

one dared to question Jasper's decision. Such

to intervene. This was a moment of joy, a family blessing for Vivienne.

hinting at the deeper