The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Karen chuckled softly, squeezing Vivienne’s hand before pushing open the grand oak gate of the Perez Mansion.

As the door swung open, Karen’s gaze fell upon an elderly figure leaning on a cane, clad in a smart tweed suit reminiscent of a bygone era. Tears brimmed in his eyes as he stood there, looking out as if in disbelief.

With the door now ajar, he stumbled forward a couple of steps, his body trembling, pausing as if unsure whether to believe this was all real.

It had been over thirty years. His little treasure, who had barely reached his waistline back then, was now a mother herself.

Karen stepped forward, stopping a yard away from Jasper, feeling the gulf of years between them – not a chasm of estrangement, but one of deep regret.

Thankfully, all was not lost; she had returned.

With a thud, Karen knelt on the ground, bowing her head deeply before Jasper.

“Dad, Sasha’s come back.”

Jasper could no longer contain himself. He hurried forward, his cane discarded, hunching over as he helped his daughter to her feet.

Slowly, his wrinkled hands reached out, caressing Karen’s face gently as if afraid of inflicting any pain upon his cherished daughter.

Every contour of her face, every familiar line and curve, he touched as if reacquainting himself with a long-lost treasure.

“Sasha, my Sasha, oh, my Sasha…”

With a choked sob, Jasper pulled Karen into a tight embrace. “My precious girl.”

Meanwhile, Zelda had already sought refuge in Yuri’s arms, sobbing uncontrollably, and even the usually nonchalant Maddox was crouched on the ground, wiping away tears.

Vivienne stood at the threshold, unwilling to intrude on the heartfelt reunion.

Jasper and Karen held each other for what seemed like an eternity before they finally composed themselves.

Karen, ever the comforter, gently reminded Jasper, “Dad, tomorrow is the ninth of the month. Let’s go inside. And remember, no leaving the house tomorrow.”

dawned on him that Vesper, who had once saved him, was

didn’t you reveal yourself sooner? You’ve been through so much hardship. Do you have any idea how worried

had watched the ordeal unfold through “Zelda’s” robotic surrogate

rallied a posse to storm over, but Maddox and Yuri had

the screen, but a timely

behind, tried

how could Jasper let her off the

less of a worry! Always

been ‘dead’ for so many years. If I hadn’t given her this little scare today,

wonder your master always speaks ill of you!” Karen shot back, though her eyes were

how on earth did

to a chair and began to recount her

the details, but when I came to, I was with another family. I met Finnian during school. He said I had a unique talent and wanted to take me on as an apprentice. I went along with it for fun and never officially took the pledge. Eventually,

you sent Vivienne to Emerald Mountain. You were leaving her in your master’s care as

as a token of apprenticeship. I was

about her being a lousy deal – she was traded for a bottle

a bottle of

her eyes at Maddox, replying, “Uncle Maddox, my mom has been with Aunt Willa,

had bitten his tongue. He quickly sidled up to Karen, the traces of tears still visible at

eating well? Has she lost weight? Is she sleeping okay? Does she dress

barrage of questions took Karen aback. Though she had been with Willa all

deep the connection between her brother and

who silently nodded

Mom, it’s as you suspect – your brother is

felt a chill run down his spine and turned to Vivienne, insisting.

moving closer to Karen.

clicked her tongue. “Maddox, did you scare

nodded sagely. “That sounds about

himself. “No way! It was Diana

code of silence regarding Diana. After all, Jasper had treasured her like his own daughter and had great hopes

towards Diana, Jasper was her steadfast protector,

Diana for being adopted would