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?"

ever gives you trouble, don't hold back. A good scolding or a

agreement, solidifying her

other mentors joined in the

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

gentleman at heart and a helper at home. If Leopold ever slacks off, just one call, and we'll sort him out without needing Master or Vivienne to

for assigning him all household duties even before

going a step further while serving Vivienne some food, casually mentioned, "Step out of line, and

much

not

they remembered he was the vulnerable one

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

of me; I'm straightforward. I genuinely love Leopold, and chasing him for twenty years

she downed her glass

stop her in time, shocked

not something

for Vivienne and Percival, was

envious glares turned

and was so understanding? Leopold must

Leopold was soon too drunk to hold

on their own drinks and conversations. Percival, ever attentive to Vivienne, sampled dishes, ensuring nothing upset

him some of her favorites, "Mr.

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

and Griffin were eventually called away, leaving Leopold regretting not finishing his

with Griffin's support, he managed, a testament to the strong bonds formed