The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

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?"

Finnian 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, ensuring he treats you with the respect you deserve."

nodded in agreement, solidifying her

other mentors joined

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

from Emerald Mountain should be a gentleman at heart and a helper at home. If Leopold ever slacks off, just one

thanking them for assigning him all household duties even before his

for the first time, understanding why Leopold was the way he was. Percival, going a step further while serving Vivienne some food,

was much

not a mission to

made him wonder if they remembered he

use for the tissues,

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

that, she downed her glass of strong spirits in

her in time,

was strong spirits, not something one should

table, except for Vivienne

envious glares turned toward

wife that pursued him for twenty years and

drinking 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. Once Vivienne indicated she was full, Percival helped

some of

from her hand, sharing a

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

managed, a testament to the strong

a sip of

off in his head, "Oh, speaking of which, apprentice, I almost forgot something. Those photos you sent me a couple days ago, I swear

eyes flickered

the cultural heritage office couldn't pinpoint exactly who had used those