"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.

trying to lighten the mood, "Dad, I was just trying to add a bit of humor... Please,

help but roll his

knew he had to treat Willa even better from now on, "Maddox, from today onwards,

me, I love Willa even

room into

isn't the same as stabbing our dad in

know you love Willa to the bone, but don't play favorites,

a word, but

finances were a family affair, and Maddox's ventures were small fry

upset, they wouldn't wait for Jasper to act; they'd resolve it themselves, ensuring the

their eyes, Willa could

Not so

from his eldest brother, Maddox turned, seeking assurance, "Dad,

sidelong glance, "Useless. I was managing the entire Perez empire at your age. Only because Willa doesn't mind, you should try to step up." Maddox felt a

comfort, "Honey, I'll work

wasn't in business. Touching his face, she assured him, "Sweetie, I'll take

at the helm of the Perez's vast network, supporting Maddox wouldn't be

Fredrick's smiles faltered, seeing something they couldn't

their perception of Maddox so different from Willa's?

concluded the ceremony, the spotlight

this moment, slid it onto Willa's finger. Looking up, he kissed her passionately, eliciting cheers from the crowd. Willa's face turned scarlet, extending

but indulge in a little too much

remembering the last

nudged Fredrick, hinting for him to intervene. Anything to avoid

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