The Million-Dollar Heart

Sasha sighed deeply, "Your Uncle Maddox had to put off his engagement because of the whole Perez family scandal. Now that the dust has settled and your grandfather is almost back to his old self, it's time to start planning the wedding." "They want to have it at the old family estate, followed by a grand reception back here in Rivenwood."

Vivienne smiled slightly, "So, Uncle Maddox is finally feeling the heat?"

After all, the engagement was already set in stone. Any more hitches and Uncle Maddox would be beside himself with frustration.

Sasha chuckled, "Exactly. Your Uncle Maddox has been in love with Willa for a lifetime. He just wants to get the wedding over with and live happily ever after. But, who knew there would be so many obstacles..."

"Now, he's just worried that Willa might change her mind and call the whole thing off. That would really put him in a tight spot."

Vivienne shook her head, "Nah, Willa still shows a lot of respect for Uncle Maddox in public."

But who knows how much she has him wrapped around her finger in private?

For the next few days, Vivienne stayed home to recuperate.

She spent her days watching her children grow, noticing something new about them every day.

Arthur, ever the doting husband, took it upon himself to learn from the family chef and prepare various postpartum meals to help Vivienne regain her strength.

He was determined to fatten her up just like their little ones.

Which is why Vivienne instinctively wanted to hide every time she saw Arthur approaching with a tray.

It wasn't the food that was the problem; it was the quantity.

It felt like she was expected to eat for three.

Arthur came over with a big bowl of soup, all smiles, "Darling, today's special is pork rib soup. Make sure you have it while it's hot."

who was busy responding to an email from Matthew, looked up at the "bowl" of soup

it there. I'll have it once I'm

lost a lot of strength recently; it's the perfect time to build

rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. She would've preferred a scolding

it,

his attention to the

the children sensed their grandfather's presence, gazing up at him with wide, sparkling eyes and flailing their little arms in greeting.

have such bright, adorable grandchildren, and

we pick some nicknames for these two? Their official naming ceremony isn't until next month, but it feels odd not having anything to call them by." Vivienne looked up,

you have

this through, "How about Juliette and Isaiah? Aren't

hide her surprise. Those names were likely her mother's suggestion,

use those until

like the names Grandpa picked? They sound so

were a bit too grandiose, like they belonged to characters from an ancient saga rather than her babies. But they were just nicknames,

a long few weeks, Vivienne finally stepped out

were settled before heading

finishing up, "Percival's been showing good signs of recovery. He should be waking up any

will you? Otherwise, I

back, "You can doubt

back, "I learned everything from you. Doubting you is like doubting

yesterday looking for you. Your dad convinced him to come back another day." Vivienne

best to have Leopold come back later."

Vivienne sat with Percival for a while before stepping

"Leopold, what's up?"