The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

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

It felt like an unspokenpetition; 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 inparison.

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!" The others watched, more entertained than concerned, letting the brothers settle it among themselves.

Eventually, Maddox sought consolation from Vivienne.

"Vivienne, do you really think my gifts are that bad?" Trying to mediate, Vivienne 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 reaction.

"Hear that? Vivienne appreciates my gift. You're just jealous!" Yuri facepalmed, "Your logic could use swork. Vivienne was being polite. She means you might as well have given cash to save her the trouble of converting it." The room erupted in laughter, Maddox merely squinting in annoyance.

Then, from his jacket, Maddox produced a small, exquisitely wrapped gift box, handing it to Vivienne with care, “This is something Willa stitched for you-a blessing for you and your future husband, wishing you a lifelong happiness." Vivienne was touched by the delicate embroidery, "Please thank Willa for me. I absolutely love it." Seeing Maddox win this round, the other uncles, not to be outdone, presented their own carefully chosen gifts, each a potential heirloom.

Vivienne thanked them, just as Yorick and Jasper joined the gathering, with Arthur and Sasha by their sides.

"Grandpa, Granddad," she greeted, also acknowledging her parents.

Jasper, seeing his granddaughter, felt a surge of pride, "Our Vivienne is getting married." He admired her intelligence and independence, qualities that reminded him of a young Sasha.

Vivienne reassured her grandfather, "Even after I'm married, I'll always be your granddaughter. That won't change." Jasper beamed, "Exactly, you'll always be the Perez family's precious Calista." He then presented a vintage jade pendant, "This was with your grandmother andwhen we married. It's a symbol of good fortune." Sasha gasped at the sight, but no one dared to question Jasper's decision. Such matters were his to decide. With a glance, Yorick signaled Arthur not to intervene. This was a moment of joy, a family blessing for Vivienne. "Granddad?" "Just keep it safe," Jasper advised, hinting at the deeper significance of the gift.

Luke stepped up, "Accept it, Vivienne. It's not just a gift; it's a promise of safety and support from the Perez family." With the family's blessing, Vivienne gratefully accepted, "Thank you, Granddad. Thank you, Uncle Luke." As the evening drew on, the family bid their farewells, leaving behind a trail of laughter and fond memories. Vivienne, clutching a vintage locket, found Sasha lounging in the backyard under the soft glow of the moonlight.

With just a glance, Sasha seemed to grasp Vivienne's purpose, motioning for her to take a seat on the wicker chair beside her.

As Vivienne settled down, Sasha finally spoke, "Technically, this locket has little to do with the Perez family; it belonged to your grandmother!" "Grandmother?" Vivienne echoed, surprised.

It wasn't her fault for her astonishment, she only met her biological family at the age of twenty hot for her biological mother Vivienne might have spent her entire life believing she was an orphan. Sasha hummed in acknowledgment, "But over the years, your grandfather wore it so often that outsiders naturally started associating it with the Perez family crest. Seeing it, people would instantly recognize its significance!" Vivienne caught on to that point.

Sasha, turning to see the expression on Vivienne's face, chuckled, "What's there to worry about? The old warrior families don't strictly adhere to ancient customs anymore; things are changing." "Besides, you've seen what your Uncle Luke is capable of. Even without your grandfather stepping in, people respect Uncle Luke's skills. Plus, your grandfather has already passed on the reins of the family..." ñovels "This locket is merely a token that earns your grandfather srespect from those folks. For you, it's all benefits and no drawbacks."