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?"

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 or a visit from Vivienne and me will set him straight,

nodded in agreement,

joined in the

Leopold's phone. Any issues, just reach out. If Leopold dares

a helper at home. If Leopold ever slacks off, just one call, and we'll sort him out without needing

swallowed hard, silently thanking them for assigning him all household duties

going a step further while serving Vivienne some food, casually mentioned,

much harsher than

was just a wedding, not a

wonder if they remembered he was the vulnerable one in this

new use for the tissues, not

You might have heard of me; I'm straightforward. I genuinely love Leopold,

that, she downed her glass of strong spirits in one

stop her in time, shocked at

something

except for Vivienne and

envious glares turned toward

years and was so understanding? Leopold must have struck

Leopold was soon too drunk to hold his

worth savoring. The others, seeing Leopold's state, eased off, focusing on their own drinks and conversations. Percival, ever attentive to Vivienne, sampled dishes, ensuring nothing

him some of her favorites,

her hand, sharing a tender moment amidst the oblivious

focus, Leopold and Griffin were eventually called away,

managed, a testament to the strong