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, solidifying her

joined

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

home. If Leopold

for assigning him all household

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

was much harsher

a wedding, not a

remembered he was the vulnerable one

meanwhile, found a new use for

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.

glass of strong

stop her in time, shocked

spirits, not something one should simply gulp

table, except for Vivienne and Percival,

glares turned

him for twenty years and was

soon too drunk

on their own drinks and conversations. Percival, ever

offering him some of her favorites, "Mr. Wolf,

from her hand, sharing a

Griffin were eventually called away, leaving

with Griffin's support, he managed, a testament to the strong

sip of his beer,

of which, apprentice, I almost forgot something. Those photos

flickered

heritage office couldn't pinpoint