The Million-Dollar Heart

After the photo shoot, Vivienne was left speechless.

Out of the dozen people, she and her mentor, Dawson, stuck out like sore thumbs.

And of course, they had been placed right in the middle.

Like two overly festive "clowns" in a sea of subtlety.

The rest of the group, however, lit up at the sight of the photo, eagerly asking for copies.

Dawson, ever the eccentric, and Vivienne, not much for frivolities, made this gathering a first for their group, Emerald Mountain. This photo was, in a way, their "family portrait." Dawson glanced at the photo now set as his screensaver, nodding in approval, "Leopold, well done, lad. Much appreciated!"

"I'll have to get this printed and hung by my bed. Leopold, you've outdone yourself this time."

Leopold beamed with pride.

Seeing the leftover tear streaks on Leopold's face from the ceremony, Griffin's heart softened. She passed him a tissue under the table, "Here, wipe it off before the others start teasing." Finnian, overhearing, let out a hearty laugh, "Oh, come on, we all know Leopold's strengths. Nothing we haven't seen before."

Leopold's cheeks flushed, "Master, could you not bring up my past blunders today, especially not in front of Griffin!"

Finnian laughed even harder, "Alright, alright."

A student grows, and pride must be preserved.

But as a mentor, Finnian felt certain responsibilities, especially with Leopold being the first among them to get married. He had to share some wisdom.

"Leopold's partner..."

Griffin straightened up, ready to listen, "Yes, Master?"

nodded in approval, "Don't hesitate to call me if you need. Of all my students, Leopold is the most guileless-naive, to put it bluntly. If he ever gives you trouble, don't hold back. A good scolding

nodded in agreement, solidifying

joined

Any issues, just reach out. If Leopold dares to cross you, he'll have us to answer

a man from Emerald Mountain should be a gentleman at heart and a helper at home. If Leopold ever slacks off, just one call, and

for assigning him all household

way he was. Percival, going a step further while serving Vivienne some food, casually mentioned, "Step out of line, and it's demotion." Leopold was

was much

not a

wonder if they remembered he was the vulnerable

for the tissues, not for Leopold

"Thank you, Master, Vivienne, and all my brothers-in-law. You might have heard of me; I'm straightforward. I genuinely love Leopold, and chasing him for twenty years proves it." "I'll treasure his virtues and work through

downed her glass

her in time, shocked

strong spirits, not something one should simply gulp

table, except for Vivienne and

envious glares turned toward

him for twenty years and was so

Leopold was soon too

happiness worth savoring. The others, seeing Leopold's state, eased off, focusing on their own drinks and conversations. Percival, ever attentive to Vivienne,

nodded, offering him some of her favorites, "Mr.

Percival replied, accepting the food directly from her hand, sharing a tender moment amidst the

eventually called away, leaving

to the strong bonds formed