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.”

mind clicked – it dawned on him that Vesper,

little rascal, why didn’t you reveal yourself sooner? You’ve been through so much hardship. Do you have any idea how worried I was when I saw the explosion

ordeal unfold through “Zelda’s”

a posse to

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

trailing behind, tried to

could Jasper let

you, young lady, you’re no less of a worry! Always

mom. She’s been ‘dead’ for so many years. If I hadn’t given her this little scare today, she’d still be

always speaks ill of you!” Karen shot back, though her eyes were devoid of

“Sasha, how on earth did

chair and began to recount her

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

sent Vivienne to Emerald Mountain. You were leaving her

“Not quite. He insisted I bring a bottle of whiskey as a token of apprenticeship. I was too stingy, so I promised him

wonder Finnian always joked about her being a lousy deal

of whiskey! Come and stay with your uncle. Your mom isn’t

her eyes at Maddox, replying, “Uncle Maddox, my mom

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

were you really with Willa? How is she? Is she eating well? Has she lost weight? Is she sleeping okay? Does she

been with Willa all this

the connection between her brother and

at Vivienne, who silently nodded

Mom, it’s as you suspect – your brother

felt a chill run down his spine and turned

moving closer to Karen. “Sasha, Maddox has been pining over

did you scare Willa away? Is that

nodded sagely. “That

to defend himself. “No way! It

realizing the family code of silence regarding Diana. After all, Jasper had treasured

Perez family harbored animosity towards Diana, Jasper

mock Diana for being adopted would find Jasper on