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?"

gives you trouble, don't hold back.

nodded in agreement, solidifying

joined in

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

should be a gentleman at heart and a helper at home. If Leopold ever slacks off, just one call, and we'll

silently thanking them for assigning him all household duties even

the first time, understanding why Leopold was the way he was. Percival, going a step further while serving Vivienne some food, casually mentioned, "Step out

much

just a wedding, not a

remembered he was the vulnerable

meanwhile, found a new use for the tissues, not for Leopold

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

that, she downed her glass of strong spirits

stop her in time,

was strong spirits, not something one should simply gulp

table, except for Vivienne and Percival, was

glares

years and

the drinking continued, Leopold was soon too

own drinks and conversations. Percival, ever attentive to Vivienne, sampled dishes, ensuring nothing upset her again. Once Vivienne indicated she was full, Percival helped clean up, asking softly, "Feeling

him some of

the food directly from her hand, sharing a tender moment amidst the oblivious

were eventually called away, leaving Leopold regretting not finishing his sobering

a testament to the strong bonds formed within