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?"

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

nodded in agreement, solidifying her

joined

our numbers in Leopold's phone. Any issues, just reach out. If Leopold

helper at home. If Leopold ever slacks

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

was. Percival, going a step further while serving Vivienne some food, casually

was much harsher than

wedding, not a mission to Fariana

made him wonder if they remembered he was the

a new use for the

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 virtues and work through his flaws together. I believe our future

downed her glass of strong

couldn't stop her in time, shocked at

strong spirits, not something one should

for Vivienne and Percival,

envious glares turned

and was so understanding? Leopold must have struck

continued, 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 upset her again.

nodded, offering him some of

the food directly from her hand,

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

support, he managed, a testament to the strong bonds formed within this