The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Night fell over the Brooks household.

Kala and Darren ambled into their home, exhausted from an evening event, too tired to even think about removing their makeup.

Ronald was lounging in the living room; upon seeing them, he greeted them with a grin. “You guys are back. There’s some goodies in the kitchen.”

Kala stretched languidly, about to respond, when a knock came at the door. “Who could that be at this hour?”

The door swung open to reveal a familiar figure, and Kala paused, blinking in disbelief.

Rubbing her eyes and looking again, she exclaimed, “Vivienne?”

She was utterly baffled!

Ever since the Brooks family had been rocked by the scandal involving Scott and Judith, Vivienne had become a stranger to their home.

Although Kala and Vivienne occasionally crossed paths, those instances were few and far between.

Vivienne was always so busy, hardly ever seen.

Kala recalled that the last time they had met was six months ago, a brief encounter en route to the office, nothing more than a hurried greeting before going separate ways.

But now, an uneasy premonition nagged at her – what could Vivienne’s unexpected visit signify?

Since their grandmother’s passing, Vivienne had moved out of the Brooks residence, and her last visit had been to confront Scott.

Without any apparent reason, Vivienne’s sudden arrival couldn’t help but stir fears of impending bad news.

Please, no more shocks – her fragile heart couldn’t take it!

the late visit, managed to say, “Vivienne, what brings you here all of a sudden? Is

slight smile gracing

Ronald was quick to usher her inside, chuckling. “We’re delighted to have you; of course, you’re welcome!

the couch, turning to Kala.

smiling face, which didn’t seem to portend trouble, Kala felt a

the fridge for Vivienne, saying cheerfully, “I’ve been great, actually. Just snagged an award for Best Actress, and in a few days, I’m off to shoot a movie directed by a renowned filmmaker. It’s a script I’m really excited

fantastic!

have things been for you? I saw

her, swearing she would marry him.

Until she had learned it was Percival, she didn’t even know what he looked like. Had he been single, she would have pursued him without hesitation. But now, she graciously stepped aside, wishing Percival

Vivienne replied with

to Ronald, her tone shifting.

blinked in surprise. “What happened to

she had been out of the

robot project and couldn’t go fetch

kid wakes up and doesn’t even tell

laughter faltered as his fingers twitched on

over his hand, the

chuckled awkwardly. “Vivienne, why are

upturn of her lips, her voice cool and steady, Vivienne said, “I’m curious to see the

stiffened. “What do you

a beat. “Vivienne, are

was Ronald’s

tragedy with their grandmother and uncle, she could understand Ronald not showing much grief – after all, their blood ties were somewhat distant. But Carl was different; he was Ronald’s biological

at Vivienne with hopeful eyes, waiting for her to say it was just a