The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne nodded wearily.

At this point, she was running on fumes, her mind a blank slate with the sole desire to crash into bed and sleep for an eternity.

Percival wrapped an arm around her and guided her to the car, signaling to Thomas, "Let's hit the road." Thomas glanced back at the house, noticing Leopold still inside, "Percival, what about Leopold...?" He had been outside and was clueless about the happenings within.

Snuggled in Mr. Wolf's embrace, Vivienne closed her eyes and murmured, "No need to wait. He's probably over the moon with his lady love, lost in his own world by now." Thomas was speechless.

Ssay ignorance is bliss, and Leopold was living proof, blissfully unaware of his dumb luck.

With Vivienne and Finnian on their side, this plan was bound to succeed without the Sterling family lifting a finger.

Back at their place, Vivienne hurried through a shower, intending to hit the sack, but Percival had other plans. He dragged her to the dining table, "Hold up, eat something first. Your favorite strawberry cheesecake is waiting." Barely keeping her eyes open, Vivienne's protest died on her lips.

She let Mr. Wolf lead her to the table.

In the end, she was spoon-fed by Mr. Wolf himself, too drained to even lift a spoon.

She slept till the wee hours, waking only to quench her thirst and sift through a work email from Matthew before plunging back into sleep.

The next morning, Vivienne returned from her run, refreshed and energetic.

Upon entering, she heard Mr. Wolf from the kitchen, "Vivienne, you've got a call." She hummed in acknowledgment, having left her phone at hduring her run.

Checking her phone, she called back, "Cordelia, what's up? Is Thaddeus feeling alright?" Cordelia's voice cthrough, tinged with embarrassment, "Vivienne, Thaddeus is fine now. I was actually calling to see if you're free lately. I need your help with a medical issue." "Medical issue?" Vivienne paused, "Who's the patient?" She knew Cordelia wouldn't reach out unless it was someone close in need, but Dorian and Thaddeus were not critically ill. No need for her intervention.

Hearing no refusal, Cordelia felt even more indebted, "It's my sister's child!" "My sister has been living in the countryside for years, out of touch. She must be desperate to reach out. The local clinic has given up on the kid, and I had no one else to turn to but you, Vivienne." Without hesitation, Vivienne agreed, "Sure, pick a time, Cordelia." Cordelia was momentarily stunned, her gratitude deepening, "I'm free anytime, Vivienne. I know you're busy, so whenever suits you." After checking her schedule, Vivienne responded, "I'm free today, can make it by 2 PM." Cordelia was overjoyed, "Great, no rush. I'll be waiting at home." Hanging up, Vivienne headed to the kitchen.

She found Percival alone, effortlessly whipping up her favorite dish, donned in a floral apron, exuding a cozy, husbandly vibe. Touched, Vivienne hugged him from behind, "Mr. Wolf, have I been neglecting you these past days? You've been handling everything on your own, even cooking daily." Percival continued his task, unbothered by her embrace, "Only now you feel guilty?" Vivienne raised an eyebrow, "Didn't I please you the other night?" Percival hummed, glancing sideways, "Was it justwho was satisfied?" Blushing, Vivienne retorted, "Mr. Wolf, don't play the victim. We've only been married for three days. Are you planning to make up for the last thirty years all at once?" Percival patted her hand, "Who's playing the victim? Who told their mom I couldn't cut it?" Narrowing her eyes, Vivienne chose not to confess, "There are many ways to interpret words. Maybe you should reflect on whether your past actions led her to think that way." Caught off guard, Percival washed his hands, turned around, and lifted her onto the kitchen island, his gaze intense, "Feeling energized?" Vivienne bit her lip, suddenly finding the once domestic Mr. Wolf irresistibly seductive.

Trying to escape, "Mr. Wolf..." He leaned in for a kiss, leaving her dazed, whispering, "Aren't you going to wash up for dinner?" Vivienne was speechless.

Mr. Wolf had picked up stricks.

After a quick rinse, she saw Percival in the living room, phone in hand.

Approaching him as she dried her hair, "What's up?" Percival put the phone down, naturally taking the towel to dry her hair, "I've got to report to the office today, can't apany you." Vivienne nodded, "It's fine, I'll visit Cordelia myself." As they left, taking separate paths, Percival kissed her goodbye, "Say hi to Cordelia and Dorian for me. And remind that boy Thaddeus to lay off Isolde." Vivienne laughed, "Mr. Wolf, ever heard of reverse psychology? Be careful, or you might end up playing matchmaker." Percival shuddered at the thought.

If these two ended up together, would he regret his current stance years down the line? Vivienne caught on to his thoughts immediately and retorted, "Mr. Wolf, how can you be so sure that Thaddeus won't be good enough for Isolde when he's older?" Her brother Thaddeus might not have shown his full potential yet, but she was certain he wouldn't just turn out to be an average Joe.

Percival playfully tapped her on the nose, "You're so biased, my dear. Thaddeus is your brother, but doesn't Isolde feel like a sister to you?" Vivienne's smile was radiant, "That's exactly why I'm not against them being together." Percival was left speechless.

Vivienne always had a way of catching him off guard.

Outside, waiting, was Thomas, who could barely stand seeing Percival so reluctant to leave. It was clear as day that marriage had changed him.

And it was absolutely true.

As tticked by, Thomas, bored out of his mind, decided to text n Leopold, who was currently nursing an injury He teased him about whether his antics from the previous day had landed him back in the doctor's office for a reattachment surgery. Seconds later, Leopold replied with a close-up photo of someone feeding him, so close that his smiling face almost seemed to jump out at Thomas. The caption read, O "Fiancée's porridge tastes sweeter." ñovels Thomas was at a loss for words.

He really should have known better.

Everyone flaunting their relationships, their faces practically glowing with smugness. Were single folks meant to be tormented like this? "Maybe I should get a girlfriend too..." "What was that?" Percival suddenly appeared, startling Thomas so much he almost dropped his phone. "Percival, it's, uh, nothing, I'll start the car." As the car roared to life and Thomas made his getaway, Percival glanced in the rearview mirror at the departing Vivienne and said gravely, "You're not getting any younger Thomas. No one's stopping you from finding a girlfriend, as long as it doesn't affect your work, Bottling it up isn't good for your health." Thomas was at a loss for words.

That's not what he meant at all! Meanwhile, at a quaint rehab center nestled in the suburbs.

Room number one on the third floor.

The room was bathed in sunshine, facing a large bay window lined with countless books, their pages fluttering in the breeze.

The sound of the door roused Colin from his reading. Setting his book aside, he stood up to greet his visitor.

Spotting the familiar face, a faint smile broke through his pallor, "You're here."