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."

Anna with

could bear her own pain, but she would

pill, Vivienne finally asked, "Why

was upset about her leaving the team without notice. She straightened up, "I'm sorry, Vivienne. It was against the rules. I'll

to

never kept secrets. Her eyes dropped slightly, "I had no choice but to use this strategy... My mom refused to acknowledge

guessed the reason but was still

couldn't believe my

the disbelief and then the overwhelming joy of finding her own mother. Yet, some

reaction was immediate, her

no overlaps in our stories. No one

Anna caught on.

fooling her. But how could she mistake her own

shook her head, thinking, "It

ago?"

I left the lab. I lost them quickly, thinking it was a hitman. But then,

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

you then?"

darkened, "Mom didn't know about Noah's passing. She feared

heart ached

"She faked her

of a

her brain nerves. She forgot who she was for a long time until recently,

effects of such a potion were well known. Without timely antidote,

Destruction listed Deputy

chose not to delve

returned with the

went out?"

down smoothly, pouring two glasses of water, "There's nothing in this hospital room. I brought some

voice was as gentle as

her, taking

altered Daphne's image, or maybe

it over. "Here, Vivienne, have some fruit.

Hearing this, Vivienne's gaze

she replied with

about you from my hom. It just seems