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

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

too much, the

hold her liquor well. Best

catching on to their protective stance, laughed, "Alright, alright, no drinking then. We'll substitute with tea. But what's this

in the span of one drink, had formed a united

they were worried she'd make a scene

her tea cup to

"Indeed, family."

nodded, satisfied with

eagerly discussing their next chess match, "We must play again soon. I refuse to believe I'll lose again..."

met anyone who played chess so

Cecilia pulled

some

and

them,

appreciated Cecilia's thoughtfulness, nodding in agreement. Percival watched from a distance, his gaze never leaving Vivienne. Their eyes

family car drove away, Yorick turned to leave, but Vivienne

decisively said, "Do what you must. I can't protect him

slowly, his steps

watched him go, her eyes

her from behind, "Everything's under control.

turned, surprised by Arthur's

her shoulder, "You might doubt your dad's cooking, but never his

a man

"Why isn't it here?"

be here, damn it. Where

cut through