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?"

he ever gives you trouble, don't hold back. A good scolding or a visit from Vivienne and me will set him straight, ensuring he treats you with the respect

in agreement, solidifying

joined in

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

Leopold ever slacks off,

silently thanking them for assigning him all

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

much

just a wedding, not a mission to

him wonder if they remembered he

new use for the tissues, not

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

her glass

couldn't stop her in

not something one should simply gulp

table, except for Vivienne and Percival, was

glares turned

for twenty years and was so

was soon too drunk to hold

loved ones, a happiness 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 upset her again. Once Vivienne

him some of her favorites, "Mr. Wolf,

Percival replied, accepting the food directly from her hand, sharing

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

a testament to the strong bonds formed within this unique