Griffin clutched the jacket to her chest, reveling in a sweetness she had never felt before.

By the time Leopold returned, Griffin was truly asleep.

Cradled in her arms was Leopold's coat, her face adorned with the kind of smile unique to little girls who had just been gifted candy.

Leopold, arms laden with bags of groceries and takeout, stuffed Griffin's fridge until it was bursting at the seams.

He popped some ready meals in the microwave, leaving a note to remind Griffin to eat once she woke up.

After tucking her into bed and ensuring everything was perfect, he slipped away, leaving the jacket tightly clutched in Griffin's hands.

The next day.

Vivienne's phone was bombarded with a flurry of texts from Griffin, gushing like an overexcited puppy.

[Vivienne, for the first time, our fridge is chock-full!]

[He carried me to bed last night, oh my god, does that mean he cares about me?!]

[Vivienne, is this a crush, or is it love? Am I torturing myself?]

Vivienne massaged her temples as she read the relentless stream of messages.

She did not know if Griffin was crushing or if it was love, nor if Griffin was torturing herself.

What she did know was that Griffin was torturing her!

[Zip it.] She texted back.

[Hehe, morning Vivienne! What do I do next? I don't know how to act around him. He hasn't said he likes me, but why would he care otherwise? I'm worried I'm reading too much into this. It could just be him being nice.]

Vivienne finally came to her senses and typed swiftly: [Meet me at Silver Bar tonight, 8 pm sharp.]

Then she called Dawson.

up immediately, his voice oozing smugness, "My dear

regretted the

8 pm. Bring Leopold to Silver

Dawson paused, "Vivienne, is Griffin going

Vivienne

that blockhead. He's always talking about you or Griffin; I should've seen him

by Dawson's words, Vivienne

as long as

frowned,

to Larry's teachings... My heart

hung up, cutting

texted Larry, [Vivienne's giving

[Serves you

their entrance at

beauty paired with Vivienne's charm,

amidst the crowd, deflecting advances and invitations with an air of untouchable

and Dawson arrived

he's here!" Griffin grabbed Vivienne,

down, will you?" Vivienne

from Percival: [Everything's set, Vivienne.

eyes twinkled as she replied

couldn't help but comment, "You're just like

there's a fundamental

Griffin had no comeback.

from the ladies and

out of his skin, "Dawson, if you want to drown in booze and babes, leave me out of it!" Dawson clicked his tongue, "This is for you, buddy. It's about time you got into the dating game. Or

dating anyone else felt disloyal to Griffin. And the idea of someone else pining for him for fifteen years was downright terrifying. "Enough," Dawson said, pushing drinks toward

in, Leopold stood up, his gaze fixated on a booth

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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