The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

secret all these years... because of this..."

Time hadn't etched its usual marks on Daphne's face; she still carried herself with an unwavering grace, her eyes sparkling with the same vibrancy.

Only her once neatly tied ponytail had given way to shoulder-length waves.

She glanced down slightly, "Hello, I'm Daphne. And you are?"

Vivienne met her gaze, though it felt as if Daphne's eyes were looking through her, searching for someone else, "I've heard from little birdies, Vivienne, that you carry the spirit of the captain. How is she?" Vivienne bit her lip before responding, "My mom's doing well, but she's not in Rivenwood at the moment. She and my dad are on a second honeymoon abroad."

"She'd be thrilled to know you're back."

At this, Daphne paused, "And your father is?"

Vivienne didn't hesitate, "Arthur."

Hearing the name, a flicker of surprise crossed Daphne's face, and she shook her head in disbelief, "I never would've guessed. The captain's heart belonged to him. No wonder she kept his name a Vivienne felt a strange twinge inside her but quickly shook it off.

The person before her couldn't possibly be her.

Others might, but not Daphne.

Realizing her own train of thoughts, Daphne suddenly clapped her hands together, "Look at me, getting all caught up in memories. Please, have a seat."

She moved to pour some water, only to find the kettle empty. Turning to them, she said, "You two chat, I'll go fill it up."

Anna nodded. Seeing Daphne with the kettle, she cautioned, "Mom, be careful. Don't burn yourself."

Daphne smiled reassuringly, asking her to keep Vivienne company while she was gone.

Left in the room, Vivienne and Anna were alone.

Vivienne glanced at Anna, motioning her to extend her arm, "Let me see that injury."

Anna hesitated but obliged under Vivienne's firm gaze.

Vivienne gently lifted her fingers from Anna's arm after a moment, understanding the situation. She pulled out a bottle, handing Anna a Miracle Cure pill. Anna knew of the pill's extraordinary healing properties, but was too embarrassed to accept, "Vivienne, it'll heal in a few days. Don't waste it on me..."

"I need you in top shape these coming days. You wouldn't want to be a burden to the team."

reason left Anna with no room to

pain, but she would never drag her

Vivienne finally asked, "Why keep

up, "I'm sorry, Vivienne. It was against the rules. I'll accept any punishment from the team." Vivienne patted her, signaling she didn't

to know

eyes dropped slightly, "I had no choice but to use this strategy... My

reason but was still

felt slightly embarrassed under Vivienne's gaze, "Honestly, I couldn't believe my mom came back. I didn't tell anyone and just

remembered the disbelief and then the overwhelming joy of finding her own mother. Yet, some truths demanded a rational

immediate,

"Don't worry. I just want to ensure no

Anna caught on.

she mistake her own mother? Vivienne respected her feelings,

thinking, "It was about a

ago?"

them quickly, thinking it was a hitman. But then, I saw her again the next day." "That's when you realized

but she resembled my memories too closely. So, I started investigating on my

didn't Daphne acknowledge you

expression darkened, "Mom didn't know about Noah's passing. She feared endangering me by appearing. She's been avoiding me, bearing

heart ached

faked her

of a potion,

was for a long time until

doubt. The side effects of such a potion were well known. Without timely antidote, a life-saving potion could turn

on Project Destruction listed Deputy Captain Daphne's cause

not

with the kettle, now also

went

pouring two glasses of water, "There's nothing in this hospital room. I brought some fruit for you

as gentle as

thanked her, taking the

had altered Daphne's image, or maybe

over. "Here, Vivienne, have some fruit. Why are you staring

Hearing this, Vivienne's gaze

she replied

heard stories about you from my hom. It just seems