The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chase originally had a face like he was heading to his own execution, but now he was desperately trying to smile, practically thrusting a few sheets of paper at Arthur with both hands, reminiscent of a medieval jester without the cap, holding out a jest for his lord's amusement. "Arthur, this is the result of days and nights of brainstorming, pouring our hearts and souls into figuring out a hundred ways to win back your daughter's heart. Please, take it as a token of our effort to mend fences with your precious girl." Arthur took the papers, and without a second glance, he playfully kicked Shane in the shin, "Quit dragging your feet on this!" He then turned his attention to the papers, flipping through them with utmost seriousness.

The first item read: "100 catchy rhymes to charm your kid, they'll love it more with each listen!" Arthur's face turned thunderous, and he twisted Chase's arms in mock anger, "What's this supposed to mean? My daughter's all grown up, and you givenursery rhymes? You must be joking!" "Arthur, hearout," Chase hurriedly explained, "You said you've missed out on Vivienne's childhood, right? She still holds that against you. It's about making up for lost tnow, showing her you're always there for her, even when you physically can't be." Arthur paused, considering, then asked skeptically, "And what does that have to do with these rhymes?" "Boss, just give one a try. These aren't your average nursery rhymes. You'll see the magic once you read through," Dante interjected, unable to watch Chase suffer any longer.

Arthur sighed deeply, giving them a look, then began, "My daughter, my pride, my joy, and my guide, missed your childhood, by my side, Vivienne, Vivienne, don't you fret, you're the treasure in my net. From battles to home, I've always roamed, earning riches to adorn your dome. Vivienne, Vivienne, you're my ace, in my heart, you've got a special place. Whoosh-whoosh-whoosh, whoosh- whoosh-whoosh, Vivienne, chome, let's push, soaring high like an eagle in flight, with you, my world is bright." Arthur felt odd reciting a rhyme, an unfamiliar territory indeed.

Chase was trying hard not to laugh, his face turning beetroot red. The original rhwas his brainchild, now humorously altered by Dante right before they presented it.

Dante shot Chase a warning glare, the message clear: keep it together, or face the consequences.

Chase managed a grateful look towards Dante, thankful that the original line about "turning into a big old hog, carrying Vivienne through the fog" was scrapped.

Arthur's gaze turned sharp, eyeing the two conspirators.

Dante, feeling the weight of Arthur's stare, coughed lightly, "Boss, it's not that bad, right?" Chase, still in Arthur's grip, pleaded, "Boss, girls love a sense of humor, and who wouldn't want a dad cool enough to recite rhymes? It's unique, something Vivienne might actually enjoy." Arthur's expression softened, a hint of uncertainty passing through his eyes before determination took over. "I didn't put much feeling into it just now. I'll practice it a bit more and find the right moment to share it with my little girl." "Then, boss, you might want to let go of my hand before it breaks. I'll record the best take, and we can send it to her," Chase begged, his arm at its limit.

When Vivienne and Percival walked in, Arthur was holding the sheets, while Chase and Dante stood by.

Arthur's eyes lit up with joy, following Vivienne closely, "My darling girl, if only you'd toldearlier, I'd have welcomed you at the door myself!" His gaze then shifted to Percival, narrowing slightly, annoyed at the young man always sticking close to Vivienne, leaving no room for father-daughter moments.

Percival, caught in Arthur's stare, could only think, "Is it my fault now?" Vivienne, indifferent, remarked, "I'm here for my mom, not you." Arthur's spirits dampened momentarily before rallying, "I know I've let you down, missed out on so much. It's my loss, not knowing about my own daughter. You have every right to be upset, but I won't give up trying to make amends." Sounding almost like a rehearsed speech, Arthur's resolve was palpable.

Vivienne, about to speak, was cut as Arthur eagerly interjected, "I've got a rhto share with you!&may have missed out before, but I'm here to make up for it now!" S Vivienne was speechless.

Arthur glanced at his friend for musical backup, "Hit the music!" Scrambling, his friend fiddled with his phone, looking for instrumental music, ending up with a sentimental track after a whispered consultation with Dante.

Arthur, ready to recite his heart out, was nearly at his wit's end with his friends' lack of urgency, especially in front of Vivienne.

As the music awkwardly set the scene, Percival raised an eyebrow, amused at the unfolding , while Vivienne tried to hide her astonishment.

Percival leaned in, whispering, "Might as well give it a listen, right?" Arthur cleared his throat, embarking on his heartfelt recitation, "Vivienne, prepare for a performance by your dad!" "Sweetie, my little girl, I might not have always been there when you were growing up, but, Vivienne, don't you frown. You're the apple of my eye, a true warrior at hand out in the world. I work hard just to spoil you rotten because, Vivienne, you're simply the best. Having you as my daughter fillswith pride. Humming along, la la la la~ la la la la~..." The instrumental backdrop was way too brief, shifting from a sentimental tune straight into a rousing military march that filled the hospital room with its robust sound.

Dante abruptly turned off the music, plunging the room into an eerie silence.

Chase, unable to bear the awkwardness, massaged his forehead, while Arthur's face turned as dark as a burnt skillet. Percival's lips twitched in disbelief. Who in the world thought this was a good idea? Must've been out of their mind.

"What, no more humming?" Vivienne's voice was icy, sweeping a glance over Arthur as if he had lost his senses.

Arthur's face flushed with embarrassment and a touch of indignation. "It was all their idea, sweetheart! Please, don't be mad at me. I'll kick them out right now!" If he couldn't cheer Vivienne up, at least he could play the sympathy card!