The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

"You're finally awake, finally," he exclaimed, his voice a mixture of relief and joy as he held Karen tightly in his arms. "All these years, I've been searching for you, Karen. Only now have I come to know your true name."

Tears streaked down his handsome face, emotions overwhelming him as he embraced Karen, wishing he could meld her into his very being.

"I was burdened with a mission back then, surrounded by danger at every turn. I didn't know you were the War God. I feared that revealing my true identity might endanger you, perhaps even bring disaster upon you. But deep down, I always knew we'd meet again. I've never forgotten our vows," Karen said, her voice filled with a mix of joy and determination, holding him close.

Arthur caressed her hair tenderly, "Yes, we've both been fighting for a common goal these years. I know you've suffered a lot for me. From now on, I'll be by your side, protecting you from any harm." Karen tightened her grip around his waist, leaning further into his embrace, "There's something else. We have a daughter; I believe you've met her."

Arthur nodded, his gaze softening even more as he looked at her, "Yes, I've seen our daughter. She looks so much like you, almost like a spitting image. It's thanks to you that we have such a wonderful and beautiful daughter."

A proud flush swept over Karen's cheeks as she smiled, "Frost is our only daughter. She has never let me down. It was Frost who handed me over to you, wasn't it? Otherwise, you would never have been able to take me back."

Arthur smiled, though it was tinged with bitterness, "Yes, it was her. She knows how much you love me and how I've been searching for you. That's why I was able to bring you back to personally take care of you. But, she's hesitant to acknowledge me."

A flicker of surprise and understanding passed through Karen's eyes, "Frost has had a hard time following me all these years. She's not like other children. I even sent her to the Emerald Monastery. Accepting you will naturally be hard for her. But now that our family is finally reunited, I won't let us be separated again."

She tiptoed to kiss Arthur on the lips, soothing him, "Don't worry. With me here, Frost will come around."

Like a child seeking reassurance, Arthur nodded and buried his head in her neck, "Now that you're awake, I better let her know. Otherwise, she'll hold this against me!"

Arthur pulled out his phone and dialed a number, but after a moment, he frowned and shook his head in disappointment, "Line's busy, couldn't get through."

Karen reassured him, "She might be busy with something. Try calling her again later."

indeed was on another call. She answered nonchalantly,

Can we meet?" came the voice

raised an

in the upstairs room of a quaint diner filled with the charm of old Americana, its wooden tables illuminated by warm, yellow lights, and the walls adorned with vintage bird

shadow over her brow, her mind racing through memories as she

coffee gently, then setting

you want?" Vivienne asked, noticing the cup of coffee prepared

Ramona, now extending an olive

facing Vivienne, and bowed slightly, "Vivienne, I'm sorry. I coveted Percival and opposed you at

sip of the coffee, "Did Oliver

question caught Ramona

she hadn't

this.

to apologize. After the Grimshaw family fell, I visited him in prison. He worries you won't letme off easily, given my past

advised heri she wished to live well, she mustn't provoke

with Percival

was for his daughter to live on, not to

I'll let you off. Oliver once did my mother a favor. I'll repay that by sparing you today." With that, Vivienne finished her coffee and left, leaving Ramona watching her departing figure, understanding perhaps why Percival saw

Vivienne checked her phone, noticing several missed