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?"

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

in agreement, solidifying

mentors joined

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

assigning him all household duties even before his

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

much harsher

just a wedding, not a

him wonder if they remembered he was the vulnerable one

for the tissues, not for Leopold

glass to everyone at the table, she said, "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

downed her glass of strong spirits

in time,

spirits, not something one should simply gulp

table, except for Vivienne and Percival,

envious glares

pursued him for twenty years and was so understanding? Leopold must have struck

soon too drunk to

others, seeing Leopold's state, eased off, focusing on their own drinks and conversations. Percival, ever

him some of her

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

were eventually called

to