The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 332

Dorian paused for a moment. His silence made the air heavy.

After a while, he began to speak, using a slow and steady tone. “Vivienne, on the way here, I had a lot of time to think. I might not be your biological father, but I've always considered you my own daughter. This situation made me realize that with your mother gone, it's my duty to protect you.”

Vivienne didn't respond. She waited for him to continue.

“I've been too weak before, but I want to grow stronger.” Dorian glanced at Vivienne and Percival, moistening his lips before he continued. “Your grandma has returned to the countryside, and I don't have any immediate family left in Havenwood. So, I've decided to move to Rivenwood and start my own business.”

As he ended, Dorian turned to Cordelia with an apologetic look on his face. “Cordelia, I'm sorry for making this decision without consulting you. You still have family in Havenwood, and it isn't fair for me to decide this on my own.”

Cordelia’s face showed signs of anger. “Do you see me as some sort of irrational woman?”

Dorian quickly retorted. “No, you've always been a wonderful wife and mother.”

“Then don't talk about what's fair or not! When I married you, I became your family. Whatever decisions you make, I'll support you. Besides, my parents have my siblings to take care of them. I trust them.”

After her outburst, Cordelia looked towards Vivienne. “Although I don't have any blood relation to Vivienne, she's always been there to protect us. She’s done so much for us behind the scenes. Now, it's our turn to protect her. I agree with moving to Rivenwood.”

“Thank you, Cordelia.” Dorian looked truly touched.

Vivienne watched them as a warm feeling flowed through her. After a moment, she spoke in the softest voice she could imagine. “Mom, Dad, you don't have to do anything for my sake. As long as you're happy, I'm happy.”

Dorian and Cordelia were taken aback. Their eyes widened in disbelief. “Vivienne, what did you just call us?”

Mom and Dad?

Had they misheard? Was this some sort of daydream?

Percival watched from the sidelines with a small smile playing on his lips.

These affectionate names wouldn't have come easily to the young girl if she didn't genuinely care for them. But Dorian and Cordelia deserved to be called mom and dad by Vivienne. They were more deserving than Scott ever was.

“Mom! Dad!” Vivienne spoke again. “I'm sorry for not calling you this sooner.”

“It's not too late!” Dorian's voice choked up as tears spilled from his eyes. “It's not too late at all!”

Only he knew how long he'd waited for Vivienne to call him dad.

But when Vivienne had decided to leave Havenwood, he'd thought she'd never change her mind. But now, after hearing her call him dad, he felt like he was living in a dream.

Cordelia was also teary-eyed. “Yes, it's not too late. It's just right!”

She wanted to say more, but her voice began to fail her, leaving only tears of joy.

Dorian suddenly burst out laughing. “Who cares if you're Scott's biological daughter? I got to hear you call me dad first! It was all worth it! Even getting kidnapped was worth it!”

He grabbed Cordelia's hand as he laughed. “Cordelia, should we go find those people and get kidnapped again? I feel like I'm dreaming; I don't want to wake up!”

Vivienne, Percival, and Cordelia all stared at him, unsure of how to respond.

After a moment of heartfelt emotion, Dorian made a decision. “Now that Vivienne has called me dad, I'm definitely going to stay in Rivenwood.”