The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The shadow of the F-Poison conspiracy loomed large, and there was simply no time for Percival and Vivienne to entertain thoughts of wedding bells just yet.

Percival got it. He really did.

Sure, the GTO’s weapon manufacturing plants and virus research facilities were obliterated. But he was under no illusion that this was the end.

As long as F-Poison was out there, peace of mind was but a pipe dream.

“Grandpa Jasper and Richard,” Percival declared with reassuring confidence, “trust me, I will give Vivienne the most romantic, the grandest wedding the world has ever seen!”

Given the certainty in his voice, the two old men had no objections to offer.

They shared a silent moment before their gaze shifted to Karen, seated quietly to one side.

As Vivienne’s mother, she naturally had a say in her daughter’s nuptials.

Karen was lost in a hefty turkey sandwich when she felt her father’s eyes on her. Hastily swallowing, she chimed in.

“Vivienne’s right, and besides, there’s still someone missing if we were to have the wedding now.”

The room paused, puzzled. Zelda, curious as ever, asked, “Sasha, who are we missing here? Isn’t Willa with you?”

Zelda mistakenly thought Karen meant Willa.

But Karen shook her head, nodding subtly toward Vivienne. “Her dad!”

Everyone’s confusion cleared. They had never dared to ask Karen outright about Vivienne’s biological father’s whereabouts.

held back, fearing that Vivienne’s father was no longer alive and that bringing it up might stir up painful memories

their surprise, Karen

curiosity any longer, Zelda pressed, “Sasha, where in

know yet, but when I find him,

response, they saw the happiness in Karen’s smile and wisely chose not to probe

…

That night.

and Karen lay in bed, taking the chance to really talk for the

events had weighed on

told, she, too, was eager to know who her father

nor Scott was her birth

her daughter’s nose, breaking the silence. “Are you wondering where your

her mother. “Mom, you didn’t get abandoned

the one doing the abandoning! He never had

did you two split? You used to say I was too young to understand, but I’m grown up now. You

her eyes sparkled with a

if Percival had to leave you one day because he had an important mission to fulfill, would you be angry? Would you feel like

If he gave up his duty and responsibility for me, I’d eventually become the one abandoned. That’s

for your dad because he stood by his honor. I wasn’t abandoned, and he would never abandon me. Even though we’re worlds apart now, we’re both working towards the same goal. When the world finds peace,

that everyone has

and even the common folk

their own glories to pursue and their own battles

forehead, caressing her cheek tenderly, “Don’t worry. Your father will be back before you know

let out a soft acknowledgment, dropping the subject of her elusive

did you see that photo Noah took back

darkened, a hint of ferocity flickering in

any memory of