The Million-Dollar Heart

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."

Vivienne's reason left Anna with no room to argue.

bear her own pain, but she would never drag

pill, Vivienne finally asked, "Why

her leaving the team without notice. She straightened up, "I'm sorry, Vivienne. It was against the rules. I'll accept any punishment from the team." Vivienne patted her, signaling she

just wanted to

Anna never kept secrets. Her eyes dropped slightly, "I had no choice but

guessed the reason but was still taken aback by Anna's

"Honestly, I couldn't believe my mom came back. I didn't tell

finding her own mother. Yet, some truths demanded a rational approach despite disbelief. "When did you first

was immediate,

no overlaps in our stories. No one will question

Anna caught on.

be impersonating Daphne, fooling her. But how could she mistake her own mother? Vivienne respected her

her head, thinking, "It was about a

ago?"

last Friday afternoon. I noticed someone trailing me as I left the lab. I lost them quickly, thinking it was a hitman. But then, I saw her

bit her lip, "I wasn't sure at first, but she resembled my

acknowledge you

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

ached

"She faked her death with

of a potion,

long

no reason to doubt. The side effects of such a potion were well known. Without timely antidote,

on Project Destruction listed Deputy Captain

not

with the kettle, now

you went out?"

water, "There's nothing in this hospital room.

as gentle as

thanked her,

or maybe the stories had painted a different