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 callingout 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. | figured I'd wait a bit before reaching out. Didn't expect you to missthis

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 | so much as step off the bed. It's really frustrating. | finally got a moment to myself to call and vent,

or | 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 somefort, 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 Griffinpany and

get sfresh 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 sof 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 herforting presence.

Griffin was lucky to have Vivienne's support.

Initially, Godfrey wasn't too fond of Leopold, the rascal. But over the years, he'd seen the boy mature, bing more responsible

despite his usual antics. Griffin's happiness with him made it easier for Godfrey to accept Leopold into the family.

"Griffin's been mostly staying in her room, claiming she's too tired toe out much," Godfrey explained as he led Vivienne to

Griffin's room before excusing himself.

As soon as Vivienne was about to knock, Griffin's voice called out from inside, e in, Viv!"

Surprised, Vivienne entered, asking, "How did you know it was me?"

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

a hint of pride in her voice.

Initially, 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, "You two are quite the match—one blissfully unaware and the other too

clever by half. Perfect balance."

"When did you start feeling this way?" Vivienne asked, setting down the treats she brought.

Griffin's eyes lit up at the sight of cupcakes, fried chicken, and milk tea—foods she hadn't indulged in for a long tdue to her

pregnancy.

"Viv, are these all for me?" Griffin asked, her eyes sparkling with hope.

Vivienne couldn't help but smile, sensing Griffin would be heartbroken if she said no. "Yes, they're for you," she confirmed, handing

Griffin a cupcake. "You can still 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 doctor specifically advises against."

Vivienne then moved on to the topic of going out, suggesting short, frequent walks 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

tired of constant health supplements.

Griffin was touched by Vivienne's thoughtful gesture, 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, prioritizing Griffin's well-being.

As they talked, Vivienne finished her strawberry cheesecake, leaving Griffin astonished at how quickly it disappeared.

Vivienne, changing the subject, asked, "So, have you guys found out if it's a boy or a girl yet?"

"I'm not sure yet, planning to wait until the baby is born to find out if it's a boy or a girl," Griffin had firmly decided against letting

the doctor reveal the gender early on. To her, the gender didn't matter; this was her child, and there was no reason not to love

them unconditionally.

Upon hearing this, Vivienne performed what seemed like a magic trick, pulling out two large bags from behind her back, leaving

Griffin utterly astonished.

It was hard to believe such a petite person could hide those two huge bags behind her.

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

Vivienne truly lived up to her reputation!

Vivienne laughed it off, "Oh, it's nothing really!"

"I figured since we don't know if it's a boy or a girl, I'd just buy a bunch of these cute little clothes for you. Make sure to snap lots of

adorable photos forwhen the baby wears them."

As Griffin opened the bags and saw the cute designs, she felt a wave of love enveloping the little one even before their arrival,

surely, they would be over the moon.

"Thank you, Vivienne, I'm sure the baby will love these."

"How could they not? | had these made overnight especially for you."

Both shared a hearty laugh over it.

Leopold, too, was delighted, noticing Griffin's genuine happiness was a rare sight these days. If possible, he wished Vivienne could

visit every day.

Vivienne jokingly asked, "Am | also a part of your relationship now?"

Leopold, with a hint of sarcasm, replied, "As if I'd dare."

Percival chimed in, "You'd never dare."

During a dinner at the Martinez household, Vivienne's phone rang with Juliette calling just as she was about to join them. Griffin

watched as Vivienne answered the call, only for Juliette's enlarged face to suddenly fill the screen.

Juliette's half-visible face and glaring eye radiated dissatisfaction towards Vivienne, who remained silent, simply staring back.

Vivienne, puzzled by the sudden call, asked, "What's up? Did you have another argument with your brother?"

"No, it's with you, mom!"