Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Emma opened her mouth, then slowly closed it again, settling into a silence that lingered around the dinner table. The kids, blissfully unaware of the tension hanging in the air, continued to eat at their usual unhurried pace.

garden and barely spent more than three hours at home each day, excluding sleep.

After dinner, Dustin volunteered to do the dishes. Emma stood at the kitchen doorway, feeling a pang of inadequacy. For the past two weeks, Dustin had been the one cooking, cleaning, and looking after the kids. Meanwhile, she was caught up with managing the herbal Watching Dustin's back as he washed up, Emma felt the urge to speak. "Did you have trouble sleeping last night?" she asked.

Dustin stiffened slightly, still facing away, and simply nodded. "Yeah."

How could he have slept well? He had considered the possibility that Emma wouldn't leave with him, but facing that reality was a bitter pill to swallow.

Emma thought about suggesting he stay another night for safety's sake, but what would that solve? They'd both be avoiding the inevitable.

Her eyes welled up, and she turned away, saying, "Why don't you rest for a couple of hours before you go? Jaime's asleep, and I need to dry some herbs in the yard."

Dustin remained silent for a while before managing a quiet, "No need." After tidying up, he went to pack. His presence was troubling for her, so why drag it out?

In truth, he wasn't afraid of the heartache. This past year had been spent mostly reflecting and regretting his choices.

Dustin had always imagined marrying someone with whom he'd share a fiery, passionate love. But the woman he truly wanted to marry inspired feelings that were steady and calm, unlike the whirlwind romance he had envisioned. Unfortunately, time had played its cruel tricks.

He hadn't brought much with him, choosing to leave some of Heather's things behind. He buckled Jaime into the passenger seat, securing the seatbelt. Jaime, unaware of the finality of their departure, grinned up at him.

Taking one last glance at Emma, busy with the herbs in the yard, Dustin announced, "I'm leaving now."

Emma, still turned away, continued spreading the herbs, simply nodding. "Goodbye, Dustin."

Dustin considered giving her a hug but stopped himself, knowing it would only make her uncomfortable since she didn't love him.

He got into the car and drove away. Emma listened as the car engine faded into the distance, keeping her focus on the herbs. Soon, the sound was completely gone.

She felt like a part of her had

vanished too, staring at the spot where the car disappeared, watching the dust settle back onto the road. After awhile, she shook herself from her thoughts and went inside to

check on Heather.

Heather was still asleep, her cheeks rosy with warmth. Emma kissed her daughter's cheek, contemplating a quick nap for herself.noveldrama

But just half an hour later, as she finished her shower, someone burst in with urgency.

"It's bad, Emma! Mr. Lynch's car collided with a bus coming into town!"

Emma froze, mid-movement, and abandoned her shoes, sprinting barefoot toward the town. The stones underfoot cut into her skin, but she didn't register the pain.

It was like the night she carried her mother's ashes home, feeling nothing but sheer panic.

After what felt like an eternity, she reached the scene, seeing the smoking wreck and a crowd of onlookers.

Emma's world seemed to crumble as she pushed through the crowd to see the mangled car, her mind buzzing with dread. Then she heard a voice call her name.

"Emma?"

It was Dustin, holding Jaime, whose eyelashes were still wet with tears.

That voice brought Emma back to reality. She turned, almost in disbelief, to see him standing there his clothes disheveled, likely from shielding Jaime. Dustin had some blood on his sleeve, but Jaime was unharmed.

Emma, trembling, approached him, checking his sleeve and him for injuries. When she was sure he was mostly okay, she collapsed into tears.