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?"

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, ensuring

nodded in agreement, solidifying her

joined in

If Leopold dares to cross you, he'll have

Mountain should be a gentleman at heart and a helper at home. If Leopold ever slacks

thanking them for assigning him all

harmonious family dynamic for the first time, understanding why Leopold was the way he was. Percival, going

much harsher

not a

they remembered he was the vulnerable one in

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

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

downed her glass of strong spirits in one

stop her in

spirits, not something one should

for Vivienne

glares turned toward

twenty years and was so understanding? Leopold must

was soon

and conversations. Percival, ever attentive to Vivienne, sampled dishes, ensuring nothing upset her again. Once Vivienne indicated she was full, Percival helped

offering him some of her favorites,

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

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

testament to the strong bonds formed within this unique