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?"

nodded in approval, "Don't 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 back. A good scolding or a visit from Vivienne and me will set him straight,

agreement,

joined in

Leopold's phone. Any issues, just reach out. If Leopold dares to cross you, he'll have us to answer to," they

should be a gentleman at heart and a helper at home. If Leopold ever slacks off, just one call, and we'll

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

way he was. Percival, going a step further while serving

was much

a wedding, not a mission to

made him wonder if they remembered he was the vulnerable one

use for the tissues, not for Leopold but

Vivienne, and all my brothers-in-law. You might have heard of me; I'm straightforward. I genuinely love

downed her glass of strong spirits in

in time,

something one should simply gulp

table, except for Vivienne and Percival, was

envious glares turned

for twenty years and was so

the drinking continued, Leopold was soon too drunk to

he was surrounded by 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 indicated she was full, Percival helped clean up, asking softly,

of her favorites, "Mr.

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

called away, leaving Leopold regretting not

he managed, a testament to the strong