The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)

"I'm off to get some remedies."

Hearing Sasha's words, Percival couldn't help but let out a chuckle that he tried in vain to suppress!

Vivienne then turned her puzzled gaze towards her mother, "Mom, what's this mysterious talk between you and Mr. Wolf all about? I'm fine, why the need for medicine?"

Sasha looked at her daughter, a mix of sympathy and exasperation in her eyes, "Have you forgotten all the medical knowledge I've taught you?"

Vivienne, "..."

Wasn't she well aware of her own body's condition?

Seeing Vivienne's expression, Sasha realized she hadn't considered that aspect at all and gave her a hint, "Haven't your cycles been off this month?"

Vivienne was taken aback.

Then, quickly placing her right fingertips on her left wrist, she felt her pulse. It was smooth, with tiny bubbles moving slowly through her veins - a subtle but unmistaken sign of a slippery pulse. Vivienne, "..."

Was she pregnant?

She hadn't noticed herself.

Seeing her reaction, Sasha spoke out somewhat helplessly, "Your irregular lifestyle and, well, your husband's enthusiasm, I understand you're young, but you should take it easy, especially during these first three months."

Vivienne found herself speechless.

The couple, newlywed, indeed had been indulgent.

Thinking back, it must have been that night, a month ago, during her parents' grand anniversary celebration.

No wonder Mr. Wolf had such a big reaction at the hospital; not even she had considered this possibility.

Nor had she thought she'd be expecting at such a crucial time.

As someone who's been through it all, Sasha couldn't help but snort, "Shocked, or is it the marvel of a new life inside you that's so bewildering?"

When she had found out about her own pregnancy, the reaction was similar.

On a mission, she couldn't believe that the body, which a second ago was focused on combat, was now harboring a tiny life, a beautiful result of her love.

The surprise and shock had almost brought her to tears.

Hearing this, Vivienne knew her mother was projecting her own experiences onto her, wanting to laugh yet feeling it inappropriate, she simply sighed, "Mom, I'm not you. I'm married, am I not supposed to have this basic understanding?"

This was her and Mr. Wolf's child.

A gift from above, sooner or later.

She had been mentally prepared, just not so soon.

She and Mr. Wolf had just celebrated their marriage, their time as just the two of them had barely begun.

Sasha, "..."

A daughter raised is indeed for someone else's family.

"By the way, mom, I had a nightmare last night and couldn't calm my racing heart for a long time. Is it related?"

As a doctor, she could diagnose patients with precision, often knowing their conditions better than they did themselves.

But when it came to pregnancy, she felt like a novice.

After all, everyone's body reacts differently.

Hearing this, Sasha paused, then checked Vivienne's pulse again, frowning slightly, "Hormonal changes during pregnancy and their impact on emotions are normal, but if it affects your physical health, it's concerning."

Withdrawing her hand, Sasha couldn't immediately pinpoint the cause, resorting to elimination, "When you get home, remove any strongly scented items from the room, and keep your lotions and perfumes at a distance too."

Vivienne nodded.

Even if she forgot, Mr. Wolf wouldn't let it slide.

His reaction earlier was enough to show how taken aback Mr. Wolf was.

Becoming a parent in one's thirties should be common, yet for Mr. Wolf, it seemed like a miraculous blessing.

Stepping outside, Arthur paced back and forth anxiously. Seeing Vivienne emerge, he rushed over, "My dear, how are you feeling? Is there any discomfort?"

Vivienne, unsure how to break the news, simply replied, "I'm fine, dad. There's no need to worry."

Arthur's anxiety deepened, looking towards Sasha for answers, his eyes betraying his concern, "Honey..."

Sasha, unable to bear his worry, reassured him with a look, "Relax, Vivienne's fine. You're going to be a grandfather."

Arthur was about to sigh in relief when the news made him freeze.

"I'm going to be a grandfather?"

Caught off-guard by his loud exclamation, Vivienne decided to leave the explanations to her mother and sought refuge outside.

In the living room, Yorick sat in an oak chair, sipping tea. Seeing Vivienne approach, he smiled warmly, inviting her to join him.

With Mr. Wolf still away, and waiting

being inevitable, Vivienne sat down, about to lift the teacup in front of her when Yorick stopped her, "That tea is invigorating; you shouldn't drink

it.

Signaling to the butler, he ordered, "Bring a warm glass of milk for her."

Vivienne, "..."

"Grandpa, tea won't affect me."

After a moment's thought, she added, "Nor the baby."

Yorick, swift to act, took the tea away, adamant, "Still, we can't take any chances. This is the Linklater family's first grandchild; it's better to be cautious."

Finding herself without a drink, Vivienne couldn't help but ask, curious, "Grandpa, how did you figure it out when even my dad didn't notice?"

Yorick raised an eyebrow, "I may not know medicine, but I understand people."

"When that Ellington boy came over, he was anxious but his happiness was unmistakable. Only a joyful surprise could make such a composed man show his feelings so openly." "Grandpa, your experience truly shows."

Vivienne marveled at her grandfather's insight. She had noticed Mr. Wolf's nervousness but hadn't considered this perspective.

Yorick waved it off with a laugh, "It's nothing special. I've been through this phase myself, recognized it immediately."

Reflecting on the past, Yorick

sighed, "When you were born, your

father wasn't by your side. He's

carried that guilt, so his

over-concern now isNôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

vel.net

understandable. Give him time, he'll adjust."

Vivienne understood the underlying message.

People always protect their own children first, extending their care to their offspring's children later.

The saying "love me, love my dog" seemed apt.

Following Grandpa's gaze, Vivienne sighed, "As long as he doesn't treat me like a zoo animal, we'll maintain a normal father-daughter relationship." Yorick paused, a chuckle escaping him as he swallowed his tea, "I can't speak for others, but your dad, he might just be capable of that!" Vivienne just shook her head, speechless.

At that moment, the butler came over with a steaming cup of hot milk, thoughtfully accompanied by a selection of delicate pastries.

Placing it in front of Vivienne, he cheerfully warned her to be careful not to burn herself.

Glancing at the "pregnancy special" laid out before her, then at Yorick savoring his fine Oolong tea, Vivienne could already envision what her life would be like in the coming months.

Yorick set down his teacup,

suddenly remembering something, and asked in a serious tone, "I heard some rumors a few days ago about some disturbances in the west side of town-was that his doing?"

Vivienne knew exactly whom Grandpa was referring to and nodded slightly in confirmation.

But beyond that, she wasn't at liberty to share more details.