The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 868

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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 toas 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.

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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.

Percival declared, "We're already married." Arthur was livid. "Get out!" "Mom, I have to go now, but I'll find tto visit you tomorrow," Vivienne said softly, leaving the room with Percival. The room was left with Arthur and the still-comatose Karen.

Arthur, feeling dejected, leaned over Karen's legs. "Winnie, our little girl doesn't want to acknowledge me, and that Ellington boy has whisked her away. He doesn't even put in a good word for me. It's infuriating. When you wake up, we can't let them get married so soon. If there's to be a wedding, it should be ours first!" Arthur had always called Karen "Winnie," even after learning her real name.

Pulling out a journal from the drawer, Arthur's large hand held Karen's while his other hand flipped through the pages. The journal, with its unique brown leather cover and artistic design, looked like a spellbook.

"This is the journal I kept during the war. 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 tI saw you, your agile figure in contrast with your gentle appearance, your aura bold and spirited." "December 1st, the war intensifies, and the pressure is immense. Only in the daylight do I find a moment's respite, and it's then that I think of you, your determined gaze, your clear, bright eyes. I dream of the day we can celebrate our victory together." "Mid-December, the snow is three feet deep was injured, and in my dreams, see your smile, hear your laugh. It bringsimmense joy. I long for the ginger soup you make, its taste so potent and warming." "In early January, I reminisced about our first date how you stoodup. We were chatting during the gardenia blooming season, and you mentioned how lovely the scent was stole sof my father's prized gardenias for you, but you never came. I was so angry, I nearly buried the flowers in the ground." Arthur laughed as he read, his handsfeatures bright with amusement. He leaned down to kiss Karen's forehead softly. His once domineering presence had mellowed with age, replaced by a more gentle, rambling nature.

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Falling asleep by Karen's side, 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 cut fresh flowers for her.

Karen stirred slightly as Arthur left, her delicate fingers twitching.

Arthur, returning with fresh blooms, felt an odd premonition. Rushing back to Karen's room, he found her bed empty, his heart racing.

"Winnie!" he exclaimed in panic.

Karen emerged from the bathroom, her eyes misty and voice uncertain. "Arthur?" The unmistakable silhouette, a voice not heard for years, at that long-awaited moment, Arthur stared in disbelief at the person in front of him, his lips quivering, "Winnie..." He rushed to the figure before him, "You, you're awake?" He could hardly believe his eyes.

After all, Karen had been in a deep slumber for such a long time.

He had thought it wouldn't be so soon for her to wake up.

Karen smiled, her more than forty years shining through yet when she smiled, she was as radiant as in her youth, "Yes, I'm awake."

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The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

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