The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne had had enough of Arthur's antics. With a determined stride, she approached her mother Karen's bedside. Karen's gentle and beautiful face was at peace, even in her coma. Vivienne tenderly brushed her mother's hair aside and was about to tuck the strikingly pink quilt around her when she noticed the various high-tech monitors keeping vigil over Karen's health. Everything appeared normal, but the longing and worry in Vivienne's heart seemed to grow heavier with each passing moment.

"Instead of wasting your energy on me, you should focus on taking care of my mom. Put all your effort into her recovery," Vivienne said coldly.

Arthur nodded earnestly, as if pecking at grains like a hen, and promised with utmost seriousness, "Don't worry, your mom's life is as precious to me as my own. If anything were to happen to her, I'd lay down my life for her!"

Vivienne's eyes flickered briefly before she sat down to keep silent vigil by Karen's side.

For the first time, the three of them were together as a family, the sunlight casting a warm glow on Karen's serene face.

As dusk approached, Vivienne prepared to leave. She hugged Karen tightly and whispered, "Mom, I long for the day when we'll all be together again."

"Mom, rest assured, I'll take good care of Vivienne. Please wake up soon. I can't wait to marry her and start our life together," Percival said with a smile, his hand gently ruffling Vivienne's hair.

Arthur shot Percival a glare, his heart filled with frustration. He thought bitterly about how he hadn't had the chance to mend his relationship with his daughter, and here was Percival, eager to rush into marriage.

Percival declared, "We're already married."

was livid. "Get

now, but I'll find time to visit you tomorrow," Vivienne said softly, leaving the

left with Arthur and the

He doesn't even put in a good word for me. It's

had always called Karen "Winnie," even after learning her

is the journal I kept during the war. Most of it isn't about the conflict but about the things I wanted to tell you," he said, his eyes filled with tenderness as he began to read aloud. "November 25th, I miss you dearly. It's snowing heavily in the north of Veridia. I remember the first time I saw you, your agile figure

the daylight do I find a moment's respite, and it's then that I think of you, your determined gaze, your clear, bright eyes. I dream of the day we can

smile, hear your laugh. It brings me

the gardenia blooming season, and you mentioned how lovely the scent was stole some of my father's prized

I was so

flowers

bright with amusement.

presence had mellowed with age, replaced by a more gentle,

first thing, her peaceful face reassuring him. He then went to the garden to cut fresh

premonition. Rushing back to Karen's