The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The online audience was going wild, nearly breaking their keyboards in excitement.

"Drones, drones, we demand a close-up drone shot!" "Wedding of the century! Thank you, War God, for streaming this. Got my sugar fix for the day!" "I wanna see the size of that rock! Is it really as big as a pigeon's egg?" "Get that drone up close!" "Totally swooning over here, wish I could have a ceremony like Sasha's!" "Dream on, buddy!" Arthur pulled out a ring that sparkled brilliantly, a 15-carat diamond set in an exquisite design that showcased perfect craftsmanship and undeniable elegance.

He slipped it onto Sasha's slender finger with utmost sincerity, unable to resist kissing the back of her hand.

The drone zoomed in on the ring on Sasha's hand, humorously claiming it was blinded by the shimmer, "What did I just see?! Is that ring seriously as big as a pigeon's egg?!" "Sasha's so lucky, any girl would be jealous!" "That diamond ring blinded me, it's so lavish!" "This is the most romantic wedding I've ever seen!" e on,e on, I want to see them kiss!" Sasha then placed a diamond-studded ring on Arthur's finger, its sparkle adding to the magical moment.

As they exchanged rings, Arthur pulled Sasha close, dipping her for a deep, heartfelt kiss.

"Ah, it's a major PDA fest, and War God isn't letting go!" "How long is War God gonna kiss her? Release her already!" "We're being tortured with all this singlehood here!" "So sweet, I'll toast to their happiness!" "Here's to War God and Sasha, may they have eternal happiness!" Finally, Arthur released Sasha, his Adam's apple bobbing, clearly longing for more as he planted soft kisses on the corner of her mouth.

The drone then released a burst of red petals in the air, showering Arthur and Sasha in a dreamlike cascade as they stood enveloped in the romantic ambiance.

During the feast, Arthur and Sasha went from table to table, toasting their elders as everyone joyfully indulged in the feast, basking in the happiness of the moment. Meanwhile, in a dark cabin, only illuminated by the glow of aputer screen showing the wedding, Alyssa's face was streaked with tears, her eyes red with fury as she watched Arthur and Sasha's blissful moments, wishing she could tear through the screen and mar Sasha's smiling face.

Desperate and on the verge of collapse, she'd rather face the scorn of a millionizens than witness the day's events.

Suddenly, the door was kicked open, and Alyssa's eyes sparked with a fleeting hope as she staggered to her feet, only to collapse back in fear.

Hunter, wearing a half-mask and draped in a black cloak, his gaze dark and unfathomable, stood with his bodyguard by his side. Alyssa, trembling, knelt before Hunter, begging for iveness for her reckless attempts to sabotage Sasha, bringing shupon their family.

Hunter looked at her with disdain and kicked her aside, "You're a disgrace. I never opposed you fighting for what you want, but you've failed tand again!" At the Linklater family wedding.

Percival and Vivienne were enjoying their meal, with Percival carefully peeling shrimp for Vivienne, showing a tender side amidst the grandeur of the celebration. The Ellington family, including Cecilia Boyd and Isolde Ellington, Nathan Ellington, and even Holly Ellington, were present, adding to the illustrious gathering.

Holly, however, seemed lost in thought, her gaze occasionally drifting away, hinting at hidden concerns beyond the wedding's joy. After a moment, Holly stood up, "Percival, Vivienne, could you look after dad for a bit? I need to step out." Vivienne nodded, her attention briefly turning to Richard Ellington who, having indulged a bit too much, was now a picture of drunken contentment.

As Holly left, Vivienne turned to Cecilia, "Mom, could you watch grandpa for me? I need to check on something." Cecilia, ever supportive, encouraged Percival to apany Vivienne, hoping to foster a closer bond between them. With Percival's arm around her, they followed Holly's trail, Vivienne confiding, "I think Aunt Holly has been watching dad." Though Vivienne had accepted Arthur as her father, she seldom called him "dad," a term that still felt new on her lips. Meeting Dorian Hawthorn was nothing like she expected.

She knew Dorian wasn't his biological father, so she instinctively referred to him as Mr. Hawthorn.

And Arthur, her real father, had a different, more intimate moniker in private.

Percival furrowed his brow slightly, "Does Aunt Holly still have ties with the War God? I've never heard about that." With a slight upturn of her lips and a mischievous sparkle in her eyes, Vivienne suggested, "Let's find out." Vivienne moved silently, even with Arthur trailing behind, they went unnoticed.

Holly was clad in a white summer dress, the island breeze lifting the hem, her long hair flowing over her shoulders, her silhouette graceful.

Her steps were brisk, yet she frequently glanced back, wary of being followed, showcasing strong counter-surveillance instincts.

Vivienne instinctively glanced back at Percival, whose deep gaze et reflected his confusion. He shook his head slightly, indicating he was also unaware of why their aunt's counter-surveillance instincts were so sharp. Holly reached a secluded side of the island, standing tall and alone, her demeanor shifted from the usual gentle elegance to something more formidable.

She watched the tumultuous waves. crash against the rocks, turning into foam only to rise and crash again, a restless turmoil mirrored in the depth of her dark eyes. mmMwWLlilOfiflO&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1 mmMwWLlilOfiflO&1 mmMwWLliI0fifl0&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1