The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne watched the kids engrossed in their homework, enjoying the peace of the moment, when her phone interrupted the silence. Glancing at the caller ID, she saw it was Griffin calling. "What's got you calling me out of the blue?" Griffin made a face, even though Vivienne couldn't see it. "What do you mean, Viv? I've been wanting to call you for ages, but Leopold mentioned you were tied up with things. I figured I'd wait a bit before reaching out. Didn't expect you to miss me this much!" "How's the pregnancy treating you?"

"Boring! It's unbearably boring!"

Griffin couldn't help but vent, "You have no idea. When you were pregnant, you weren't monitored this closely, right? My dad and Leopold act like I'll miscarry if I so much as step off the bed. It's really frustrating. I finally got a moment to myself to call and vent, or I swear I'd go stir-crazy."

Vivienne wasn't surprised. The Martinez family was protective, especially since Griffin was their only daughter.

Trying to offer some comfort, Vivienne said, "They're just looking out for you, you know. Pregnancy can be tough, and they don't want anything happening to you."

Griffin didn't quite see it that way, given how bored she was.

"Hey, Viv, are you busy? If not, fancy a stroll or something? I'm dying of boredom here, and you have no idea!"

Vivienne glanced at the diligently studying kids. There wasn't much keeping her home, so she decided to keep Griffin company and get some fresh air herself.

With that thought, she agreed and headed out, grabbing her things.

Driving to Griffin's place, Vivienne stopped by a mall to pick up some of Griffin's recent cravings-cupcakes from her favorite bakery.

Godfrey greeted Vivienne warmly when she arrived.

"Here to see Griffin? Thanks for making the trip," Godfrey Martinez said, offering Vivienne a warm smile. He had grown quite fond of her, appreciating her comforting presence.

lucky to have Vivienne's

Leopold, the rascal. But over the years, he'd seen the boy mature, becoming more responsible despite his usual antics. Griffin's happiness with him made it easier

claiming she's too tired to come out much," Godfrey explained as he led Vivienne to Griffin's room before

about to knock, Griffin's

entered, asking, "How did

have this unique fragrance, and my sense of smell is super sharp these days. I recognized it instantly," Griffin

found her heightened senses annoying, as every scent was amplified. But it had its perks, like detecting Leopold's surprises, much to his frustration. Vivienne, catching on to Griffin's playful mood, remarked,

the sight of cupcakes, fried chicken, and milk tea-foods she hadn't indulged in for

for me?" Griffin asked, her

help

enjoy most foods in moderation during pregnancy. It's all about keeping you, the mom-to-be, happy and stress-free. Just avoid anything the

for both Griffin's and the baby's benefit, with a caution to stop immediately if she felt unwell. Vivienne knew what Griffin needed to hear and went through the pregnancy dos and don'ts, much to Griffin's relief, who had grown

knowing this visit was part of a well-planned scheme, smugly acknowledging the camera Leopold was likely monitoring them through. Leopold, watching from afar, couldn't help but laugh at their interaction. He appreciated Vivienne's effort and planned to follow her advice,

Vivienne finished her strawberry cheesecake, leaving Griffin astonished at

found out if it's a

not sure yet, planning to

letting the doctor reveal the

like a magic trick, pulling out two

person could hide

though Griffin had marveled at it many times before, she couldn't help but give Vivienne a thumbs-up at that moment:

I'd just buy a bunch of these cute little