The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Hunter ended the call, his movements swift as he approached the bookshelf in his dimly lit study. With a practiced ease, he slid open a secretpartment, retrieving a half-mask that he promptly secured over his face. His other hand found the familiar weight of a black cloak, which he draped over his shoulders before stepping out into the night.

The Castle, the dungeon.

Alyssa felt as though she had spent an entire century beneath the earth. Her wounds, neglected and festering, itched and burned with a ferocity that matched her fever, which cand went in relentless waves. Hope of the door opening had long since faded; the last morsels of food and medicine her brother had brought were consumed on the very first day.

Desperation drove her to consthe scraps left by rodents and drink the murky water seeping through the cracks in the corner of her cell. Thad lost all meaning to her, save for the recurring bouts of fever every four hours, though she dared not consmore medicine than her brother had advised-unless she wished to lose her grip on reality entirely.

Amidst her delirium, visions of Arthur's wedding haunted her. She couldn't accept it. After waiting for him for so many years, loving only him, it was inconceivable that he would marry another. Sasha, that wretched woman, must have used svile trickery to ensnare him. That was the only explanation for their hastened union and the child they now shared.

"Alyssa!" Arthur's voice cut through her haze, a sign her mind was once again slipping from her grasp. He would never know of her years of waiting, of her love that had twisted into an obsession.

As Alyssa lay delirious, Robbie frowned at her pallor, prying open her mouth to administer the medicine.

Twenty minutes later, Alyssa's eyes fluttered open to the sight of her brother and the sliver of light from the outside world. Clarity returned to her eyes as she grasped Robbie's hand with a desperation akin to a drowning person clinging to a lifeline. "Bro, you finally came! What did Grandpa say? Has he iven me? When can I leave..." Robbie's lips pressed into a thin line. “Grandpa said you cannot leave until the seven days are up." "Seven days..." The light in Alyssa's eyes extinguished. “No, Grandpa wouldn't letdie here. Bro, please, plead with him for me. I am the Wright family's heiress; I can't die like this.....” " Robbie's gaze darkened, his hand tightening around hers. "You are my only sister. Even if he allows it, I won't let you die." Alyssa's heart clenched. "Bro, has Grandpa moved against your position in thepany?" Shaking his head, Robbie replied, "Grandpa relented. He said you could return if you secured the Linklater family's iveness." Alyssa bit her pale lips.

She knew well the extent of their grandfather's ruthlessness. Failing to meet his demand would only result in harsher punishment. Yet, this was the only path available to her.

Robbie produced a package of food from his coat, handing it to Alyssa. "After this, I'll ask Grandpa to arrange a better match for you. Leave the Linklater family be. The second son has already started making moves. We must act swiftly; the Wright family's legacy can only belong to us." Seeing the food, Alyssa momentarily ot years of decorum, devouring it greedily.

Robbie watched, a mix of darkness and obsession flickering in his eyes, even as his hand gently patted Alyssa's scarred back. “Eat slowly. Just survive these next few days, and I'll take you out of here." Alyssa knew Robbie would never abandon her. But more than reclaiming the Wright family's legacy, she desired Arthur above all else. She had to have him.

The next morning, Vivienne and Arthur descended the stairs together, only to be met with concerned glances from the household staff, noting the redness in someone's eyes and an overall air of gloom.

Vivienne couldn't help but blurt out, "You alright?" It was the first tArthur heard such concern from his daughter, and while touched, he quickly masked his expression. “Just allergies..." Vivienne rolled her eyes, knowing better.

Arthur, noticing Vivienne's ready-to-leave attire, hesitated before speaking. "Um, Vivienne, your Grandpa Perez has invited us over today for a post-wedding family dinner. Even though your mom and I had a small ceremony, we can't skip the traditions..." "What's for breakfast?" After a brief pause, Arthur, slightly taken aback by his daughter's impatience, replied, “Darling, you still want to eat my cooking? I thought you..." "You've got ten minutes." "I'll get right on it!" Following her father downstairs with a sigh, Vivienne couldn't help but wonder how someone so talkative managed to earn the title of War God.

Watching from the staircase, Sasha couldn't suppress a smile at the sight of her excited husband and their somewhat exasperated daughter.

The Perez family.

Upon their arrival, Jasper and his sons were already awaiting them. Vivienne, stepping out of the car, was immediately greeted by her cousins Natalia and Yasmine, who clamored for her attention.

Sasha, feigning jealousy as Arthur assisted her, playfully chided, "What, no love for your aunt?" In unison, Natalia and Yasmine declared, "We love both!" The warmth of family laughter filled the air as Vivienne, holding a cousin in each arm, joined her family in greeting Jasper and the others.

Inside, as everyone settled, Arthur's attempt at greeting was amusingly overlooked amidst the happy chaos of family reunion, a small oversight in a day filled with love and laughter.

In the spacious living room, Zelda greeted us with a warm smile, eager to take over the babysitting duties for Vivienne, "Natalia and Yasmine,e on down, don't tire your Auntie out." However, faced with their mother's outstretched arms, the two little munchkins clung even tighter to Vivienne, clearly not ready to part ways.

Zelda couldn't help but show a look of exasperation, "It's all my fault for spoiling them rotten. Now they won't even listen to me." Vivienne, ever the gracious guest, just chuckled and hoisted the toddlers up a bit higher in her arms "It's totally fine, Auntie Zelda. You go ahead with your chat. I'll take Natalia and Yasmine out to the batalia garden for a bit." With that, she led the two children out towards the garden, casting a glance back at the living room on e2 her way out. There, she noticed the Perez family gathered around Sasha, showering him with concernand questions. Arthur sat somewhat isolated, his gaze fixed on his wife as she was whisked away by others, looking utterly helpless and unable to join the conversation.

For a brief moment, Vivienne couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for him. It was a curious feeling, seeing him so out of place.

No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than she shook it off. She felt sympathy for him, but who was there to sympathize with her? mmMwWLlilOfiflO&1 mmMwWLlilOfiflO&1 mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliI0fifl0&1 mmMwWLlilOfiflO&1