"Willa, why the heck did you pinch me?" Maddox looked as innocent as a puppy caught chewing on a shoe.

Willa's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red as she glared at him. Her attempt at looking formidable, however, was undermined by an unmistakable hint of bashfulness. "Did you already forget the pep talk I gave you?" Maddox swallowed hard, nodding slightly.

That was all Willa needed to see to know they were in trouble.

Her own choice in a partner, what more could she do?

The two stood under the spotlight, basking in the warmth of everyone's well-wishes.

As the ceremony was drawing to its highlight, Jasper handed Willa a list, "Willa, this is what I gave your sister, Sasha, when she got engaged. I've prepared something similar for you. Let me know if there's anything missing." Being a father and a father-in-law, how could Jasper bear to short-change Willa?

Tears welled up in Willa's eyes as she took the list. Shaking her head, she managed, "Dad, I don't care about those things. I just want to stay by your side, always."

Jasper nodded, visibly moved, gripping Willa's hand, "You're my daughter. I'll treat you no differently. You won't miss out on anything."

Willa pressed her lips together, nodding in agreement.

Maddox, standing beside her, was so touched he was nearly in tears.

Jasper looked at him with mock disdain, "It's not your list, son. What are you crying for?"

Maddox took a deep breath, "Dad, I regret not being born your daughter. I haven't even seen half of these things."

Jasper was momentarily speechless. If it weren't for the solemnity of the occasion, he might have questioned Maddox's common sense.

away his tear, trying to lighten the mood, "Dad, I was just

couldn't help but

was all smiles and no sense, Jasper sighed. He knew he had to treat Willa even

believe me, I love Willa even more than I love

remark sent the room

the family jester, teased, "Maddox, making promises isn't the same as stabbing our dad in the

Willa to the

a word, but

family affair, and Maddox's ventures were small

they wouldn't wait for Jasper to act; they'd resolve

Willa

Not so

warning look from his eldest brother, Maddox turned, seeking assurance, "Dad, you wouldn't miss

your age. Only because Willa doesn't mind, you should try to step up." Maddox felt a pang of injustice.

comfort, "Honey, I'll work hard to earn more. Trust

wasn't concerned about wealth; she knew Maddox's heart wasn't in business. Touching his face, she assured him, "Sweetie, I'll take

her at the helm of the Perez's vast network, supporting Maddox

seeing something they couldn't

perception of Maddox so different from Willa's? To her,

the spotlight was on the

prepared for this moment, slid it onto Willa's finger. Looking up, he kissed her passionately,

help but indulge in

the last time she drank

intervene. Anything to

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