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

agreement,

mentors joined in the

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

and a helper at home. If Leopold ever slacks off, just

thanking them for assigning him all household duties even before his

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

much harsher

wedding, not a

they remembered he was the vulnerable one in

meanwhile, found a new use for

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

downed her glass of strong spirits

her in time, shocked at her

something one should simply gulp

Vivienne

envious glares

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

drinking continued, Leopold was soon too drunk to hold

and conversations.

him some of her favorites, "Mr.

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

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

with Griffin's support, he managed, a testament to the strong bonds formed within this unique