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?"

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

nodded in agreement, solidifying

mentors joined in the

our numbers in Leopold's phone. Any issues, just reach out. If Leopold dares to cross you, he'll have

helper at home. If Leopold ever slacks off, just

thanking them for assigning him

Leopold was the way he was. Percival, going a step further

much harsher than

a wedding, not

made him wonder if they remembered he was the vulnerable

a new use for the tissues, not for

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

her glass of strong spirits in one

couldn't stop her in time, shocked

something one should

except for Vivienne and Percival,

envious glares turned

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

the drinking continued, Leopold was soon too

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

some of her favorites, "Mr.

from her hand, sharing a tender moment amidst the oblivious

party's focus, Leopold and Griffin were eventually called away, leaving Leopold

to the strong bonds formed within this unique