The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

As the words fell, Arthur lifted a glass of wine, clinking it against Percival's, "Kid, I admit you're impressive. My daughter marrying you, I reckon she'll find happiness. And don't hold it against me for blocking you two initially. It wasn't until mid-life that I found my true love and discovered I had a daughter. To this day, my emotions have been a rollercoaster."

Arthur downed his drink in one go, "It's hard for me to let her go, wanting to keep her by my side a few more years. But this girl, her heart's already with you."

He looked solemnly at Percival, "Percival, I'm stepping back now. My daughter's in your hands. If you let her suffer even the slightest, I'll never forgive you."

"Don't worry, I'm not one for pretty words. Just watch me. If I ever make Vivienne shed a tear, you won't need to come after me; I'll come to you, ready to face the consequences," Percival declared, finishing his drink. This was his promise to Arthur, and to Vivienne.

He understood Arthur, just as he understood the future version of himself.

If one day he and Vivienne had a daughter and she got a boyfriend, he'd probably go even beyond what Arthur had done.

Percival refilled both his and Arthur's glasses, "This one's to you!"

Without any unnecessary words, his toast encapsulated everything he wanted to say.

At that point, Arthur, finding no words to add, simply downed the drink Percival offered, accepting this future son-in-law.

Percival then sat back down.

Midway through the meal, Dracon suddenly stood up, "Dad, I've got something pressing to deal with. Need to step out." Yorick's expression darkened for a moment, but given the context, he coldly asked, "Does it have to be now?"

"Yes!" Arthur didn't hesitate.

Yorick opened his mouth to protest but eventually nodded, "Go then."

Dracon left in a hurry, not even bothering to say goodbye to the Ellington family.

Vivienne watched him leave, a flicker of thought in her eyes.

After a brief silence, Richard chimed in, breaking the awkwardness, "Vivienne, on such a joyous day, won't you have a drink with your granddad?" "Of course, Granddad."

glass, a

interjected, "Richard, I'll drink this one for Vivienne. She's still young, let's not have

too much, the aftermath

her liquor well.

alright, no drinking then. We'll substitute with tea. But what's this about you drinking

her forehead - these two, in the span of one drink, had formed a united

a

protest, merely lifting her tea cup to Richard, "To you, Granddad.

"Indeed, family."

satisfied with the

clung to Yorick, eagerly discussing their next chess match, "We must play again soon. I refuse to believe I'll lose again..." Yorick's lips twitched, but for the sake of family

anyone who played chess so

Cecilia pulled

for some

and

soon. You might not need them, but

a distance, his gaze never leaving Vivienne. Their eyes met across

turned to leave,

figure seeming to age suddenly, then decisively said, "Do what you must. I can't protect him

away slowly, his steps heavy

her

her from behind, "Everything's under control.

surprised by

might doubt your dad's

the master bedroom, a man in black frantically searched

"Why isn't it here?"

be here, damn it. Where did that old man

Vivienne's voice cut through the silence, holding