The Million-Dollar Heart

Vivienne had had enough of Arthur's antics. With a determined stride, she approached her mother Karen's bedside. Karen's gentle and beautiful face was at peace, even in her coma. Vivienne tenderly brushed her mother's hair aside and was about to tuck the strikingly pink quilt around her when she noticed the various high-tech monitors keeping vigil over Karen's health. Everything appeared normal, but the longing and worry in Vivienne's heart seemed to grow heavier with each passing moment.

"Instead of wasting your energy on me, you should focus on taking care of my mom. Put all your effort into her recovery," Vivienne said coldly.

Arthur nodded earnestly, as if pecking at grains like a hen, and promised with utmost seriousness, "Don't worry, your mom's life is as precious to me as my own. If anything were to happen to her, I'd lay down my life for her!"

Vivienne's eyes flickered briefly before she sat down to keep silent vigil by Karen's side.

For the first time, the three of them were together as a family, the sunlight casting a warm glow on Karen's serene face.

As dusk approached, Vivienne prepared to leave. She hugged Karen tightly and whispered, "Mom, I long for the day when we'll all be together again."

"Mom, rest assured, I'll take good care of Vivienne. Please wake up soon. I can't wait to marry her and start our life together," Percival said with a smile, his hand gently ruffling Vivienne's hair.

Arthur shot Percival a glare, his heart filled with frustration. He thought bitterly about how he hadn't had the chance to mend his relationship with his daughter, and here was Percival, eager to rush into marriage.

"We're

was livid.

but I'll find time to visit you tomorrow," Vivienne said softly,

with Arthur and

acknowledge me, and that Ellington boy has whisked her away. He doesn't even put in a

called Karen "Winnie," even after learning her real

Most of it isn't about the conflict but about the things I wanted to tell you," he said, his eyes filled with tenderness as he began to read aloud. "November 25th, I miss you dearly. It's snowing heavily in the north of Veridia. I remember the first time

I find a moment's respite, and it's then

I see your smile, hear your laugh. It brings

stood me up. We were chatting during the gardenia blooming season, and you mentioned how lovely the scent was stole some

features bright with amusement. He leaned down to kiss Karen's

presence had mellowed with age, replaced by a more gentle,

Arthur woke at dawn, his routine impeccable. He checked on Karen first thing, her peaceful face reassuring him. He then went to the garden to

with fresh blooms, felt an odd premonition. Rushing back to Karen's room, he found her bed