Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Rumors were buzzing through Beaconsfield about Aubree and Matthew's budding romance, painted with such vivid detail that even attempts to throw a wrench in the works couldn't stop the local gossip mill. For the past year, Andrew's interest in Aubree had been an open secret, so much so that whispers of an unusual sibling connection were already flying around. Now, with talk of Aubree seeing a younger guy, eyebrows were definitely raised. Wasn't she into older men?

Yet Andrew, upon hearing the news, kept his mouth shut. Sitting in his office at Clements Corporation, he was hit by a wave of cold dread. He had seen this coming, but the reality of Aubree being with someone else, and so openly, left him reeling. He knew why he had never owned up to his feelings for Aubree. Turning a sibling bond into something romantic was a scandal he couldn't handle, not to mention the rumors of some old-fashioned setup. Plus, he figured Tessa was a good match, prioritizing the role of Clements family heir over his feelings for Aubree.

He had tricked himself into believing his interest was a passing phase, just a crush that would eventually fade. But now, after hearing the news, he craved a smoke but was left with only bitterness. His eyes reddened as the cigarette burned down to his fingers, leaving a blister behind.

His assistant brought in papers that needed his attention, but Andrew, clearly miles away, waved them off until tomorrow. He picked up his coat, ready to leave, his assistant wisely giving him space, knowing his recent mood swings.

After a lot of hesitation, Andrew found himself at Aubree's villa. He hadn't planned on bothering her, but he couldn't help himself; the drive felt ingrained in him. But when he rang the doorbell, the place was empty.

After talking to the property management, he found out Aubree had moved out with some young guy, maybe her brother.

"Got it," Andrew mumbled, managing a weak smile. He didn't have the right to cause a scene.

Sitting in his car, he gazed into the distance, not ready to move. He watched the familiar neighborhood until late into the night, smoking one cigarette after another before finally gripping the steering wheel and driving off, with no clue where he was headed. noveldrama

Home felt wrong; too empty, too unsettling.

He drove around without a destination until he ended up outside the house he and Aubree once shared, now alive with lights and new occupants. He sat there, tears quietly streaming down his face, until dawn began to break.

Marissa's call snapped him back, asking where he'd been. After roaming all night, his eyes were sore, but with his family, he had to pretend everything was fine.

Raised among the elite and

groomed to lead, Andrew was the Clements family heir, not someone who could just go off the rails. The weight of the family legacy was

Ret

heavy burden to bear. When he e

voiced his doubts about his role,

Marissa's slap was instant. He had enjoyed the privileges of his position all his life; now it was time to return the favor. Going against the grain wasn't an option, leaving him feeling trapped and hopeless.