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

nodded in agreement, solidifying her

mentors joined in

out. If Leopold dares to cross you, he'll have us to answer to," they

helper at home. If Leopold ever slacks off, just one call, and we'll sort

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

witnessing this harmonious family dynamic for the first time, understanding why Leopold was the way he was. Percival, going a step further while serving Vivienne some

much

wedding, not a

360-degree warning made him wonder if they remembered he was the vulnerable

for the tissues, not for

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

downed her glass of strong spirits in

stop her in

spirits, not something

for Vivienne

envious glares turned

for twenty years and was so understanding? Leopold

was soon too drunk to hold his

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

some of her favorites, "Mr.

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

were eventually called away, leaving Leopold regretting

managed, a testament to the strong bonds