The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Arthur choked on his words, momentarily unsure of where to throw his support.

Percival stepped in to clear the air, "Dad, Vivienne and I will be back by evening."

Vivienne glanced at him, a hint of surprise in her eyes.

Mr. Wolf had awakened and was staying here?

Percival explained, "The house is still a mess, and we haven't got around to getting all the baby stuff. A baby shower after a month isn't too late." Arthur's face lit up, "Right, right, the baby shower! I'll have the invitations sent out immediately. I'll draft them tonight."

His resentment towards Percival dissipated.

He had regrets about his daughter's wedding.

This time, at his grandchildren's baby shower, he was determined to make it right.

The Ellington family.

As Percival and Vivienne entered the living room with the kids, Richard's teacup crashed to the floor.

Despite decades of hardship, his eyes reddened at that moment.

Percival knelt before Richard, his expression somber, "Grandpa, I'm sorry for worrying you."

Vivienne, holding the twins, had a reserved look in her eyes.

Was she overthinking it?

Mr. Wolf seemed different since waking up.

Nathan and Cecilia came down the stairs upon hearing the commotion, tears of joy streaming down their faces at the sight of Percival.

Richard helped him up, sighing, "What's all this? It's good you're awake."

"Your concern should be for Vivienne. She's taken on too much for you."

Percival nodded, looking towards Vivienne with a mix of deep affection and guilt.

But above all, her love for him was undeniable.

Vivienne responded with a smile.

Mr. Wolf was still her Mr. Wolf, unchanged.

Percival looked around and then at Cecilia, "Mom, where's Isolde?"

then back with worry, "Isolde's upstairs. She said she didn't

tightened as he glanced towards

Vivienne nodded.

and Mr. Wolf

could untie the

Isolde stood by the door, listening to the noises below, her lips

have been downstairs with her

lacked the courage and didn't know how to face her brother after what had

outside

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

knocking or

out casually, yet earnestly, "Let's

lip, unsure how

"Brother, I don't want to come

tone sharpened slightly, "Is it that you don't want to, or are

behind the

Issues need to be addressed. Avoidance only makes

color. Percival's words frightened

was referring to the

month, the family tiptoed around the subject, especially in front of her, never

tried to forget, but

in her mind, haunting her nightly with that voice praising her, "Well

a shadow clinging

nerve, "How have I taught you, to act without owning

hitched, and she flung open the door separating her from

help but burst

one who added

confessed, "I've never denied it, but I truly don't understand what came over me. I know you all might still

by the commotion, were stopped by Vivienne from

"Vivienne?"

Dad, Mr. Wolf

watched silently as Isolde vented until she collapsed on the

extending his

up, guiding her into the room

pour her a glass of water and place it before

up a chair across from her, waiting for her to

his gaze, Isolde felt uneasy, but her outburst had drained her of energy,

she took a deep breath, "Brother, do you