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.”

him that Vesper, who had

rascal, why didn’t you reveal yourself sooner? You’ve been through so much hardship. Do

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

to storm over, but Maddox and Yuri

cliff side explosion had nearly sent him through the screen, but a timely signal from Percival had assured

behind, tried

let her

of a worry! Always giving your

She’s been ‘dead’ for so many years. If I hadn’t given her

ill of you!” Karen shot back, though

Finnian, Jasper suddenly remembered. “Sasha, how on earth did you end up with

helped Jasper to a chair and began to recount

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

sent Vivienne to Emerald Mountain. You

token of apprenticeship. I was too stingy, so I promised him my future child instead. Had no

No wonder Finnian always joked about her being a lousy deal – she was

you’re not even worth a bottle of whiskey! Come and stay with your uncle.

didn’t take offense. Instead, she narrowed her eyes at Maddox, replying, “Uncle Maddox, my

to Karen, the traces of tears still visible at the corners of

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

questions took Karen aback. Though she had been with Willa

how deep the connection between her brother

glanced at Vivienne, who silently nodded

as you suspect – your brother is hopelessly in

felt a chill run down his spine and turned to

to Karen. “Sasha, Maddox has

you scare Willa away? Is that why

“That sounds

to defend himself. “No way! It

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

entire Perez family harbored animosity towards Diana, Jasper was her steadfast protector, ensuring she never

Diana for being adopted would find Jasper on their doorstep, ready to confront