The Million-Dollar Heart

In the Littleton household, a rare moment of stillness had enveloped the family room, where they all gathered around Tyler, who sat in his wheelchair. The tension hung thick in the air, so palpable that even young Amelia's eyes shimmered with a mixture of hope and nerves.

Only Vivienne and Percival, standing off to the side, seemed to maintain their composure.

"Tyler," Vivienne encouraged with a calm voice, "try to stand up by leaning on the wheelchair."

Tyler's breath hitched. He looked into Vivienne's eyes, filled with a quiet confidence that seemed to say she knew the outcome before it even happened. Her slight smile brought a sense of calm over Tyler, and he clenched his fists, taking a deep breath.

Kaitlyn stood with her back straight, her words held back, but her tightly clasped hands behind her betrayed her anxiety. Her in-laws were on the brink of tears, their bodies shaking with emotion. Amelia stepped forward and leaned against Tyler. "Daddy, you can do it."

With a solemn nod, Tyler gently pushed Amelia away and placed his hands on either side of the wheelchair, slowly beginning to bear his weight on them.

"Oh my God!" Kaitlyn gasped, her hands covering her mouth as tears fell freely. She had never dared to hope for this moment-the man who, unless carried to bed, was resigned to his wheelchair was now struggling to stand before her, not even when they came across Vivienne!

Now, however, he was standing! Though he still wobbled, it was already more than she could've ever dreamed of!

even more overwhelmed. "Am I

boy is standing! This is wonderful!" Sadie's wrinkled face

was equally emotional, his voice breaking, "I see it! I do! Thank you, Ms. Hawthorn. Without you, we'd still be lost. You're a godsend to our family. I need to thank you

kneel, Vivienne quickly steadied him. "Please, Julian, there's no need for that. Kaitlyn has been a great help to me; this is the

to

Vivienne," Kaitlyn finally managed to say, pulling her parents-in-law back to their feet and attempting to kneel herself. Vivienne, exasperated yet gentle, stopped her. "Kaitlyn,

life?"

didn't mean to..."

expertise. Besides, you've given me something of immeasurable value in return." Kaitlyn, wanting to express more gratitude but respecting Vivienne's wishes, conceded. "Alright then, no more formalities. If there's ever anything I can do for you, you

from muscle atrophy due to the long period of inactivity. Standing is just the

added, "The upcoming medicine will need assistance. Kaitlyn, you have your job, and the elders might find it tough. Let me find a trustworthy nutritionist to help ease your mind." Kaitlyn shook her head. "No need, Ms. Hawthorn. You've done so much already. I can

as if struck by a thought, she asked, "I heard from Cordelia that you

I've been so focused on Tyler's treatment that I forgot to thank you and your family properly. Now that Tyler can stand, it calls for a celebration. I'd like to invite you and the

She had always thought highly of the couple, and now more than ever, given how well they raised Vivienne. Vivienne replied, "I've been quite busy lately and might not make it to dinner. But Dorian and Cordelia should be