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."

in agreement,

joined in

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

at home. If Leopold ever slacks off, just one call, and we'll sort him out without needing Master or Vivienne to

for assigning him all household duties even before

Leopold was the way he was. Percival, going

was much harsher than

was just a wedding, not a mission

they remembered he was the

meanwhile, found a new use for the tissues, not for

Master, Vivienne, and all my brothers-in-law. You might have heard of me; I'm straightforward. I genuinely love Leopold, and chasing him for twenty years

she downed her glass of strong spirits in

her in time, shocked at her

something

except for Vivienne and Percival, was

envious glares

for twenty years and was so understanding? Leopold must

Leopold was soon too drunk to hold

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

some of her favorites, "Mr.

you," Percival replied, accepting the food directly from her

party's focus, Leopold and Griffin were eventually called

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

sip of

of which, apprentice, I almost forgot something. Those photos you sent me a couple days ago, I

flickered slightly,

cultural heritage office couldn't pinpoint exactly