Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Aubree collapsed onto the bed, her mind buzzing with thoughts, partly because of the familiar face she'd seen earlier that day. Just as she was about to drift into sleep, she heard him say, "If you're feeling worn out, take a break. Don't push yourself too hard for the movie." "That's not it," she murmured, still lost in her thoughts. "Mr. Casey's new script has award written all over it."

Andrew got up and headed to the bathroom, coming back with a clean washcloth, a basin of warm water, and makeup remover wipes. At first, he was clueless about all the beauty products that were part of her routine. But when Aubree started coming home late and crashing with her makeup still on, he took it upon himself to learn.

He gently soaked a wipe in makeup remover, carefully wiping away the day from her face. Then he washed her face with a bit of facial cleanser. In these moments, Aubree was exceptionally cooperative, lying still and serene.noveldrama

He remembered her saying how not removing makeup properly could cause skin issues, something he took to heart, ensuring her skin was thoroughly cleansed. Afterward, he'd often massage her temples, a trick he learned from a local wellness coach who mixed traditional methods with modern relaxation techniques to ease headaches and fatigue.

During these massages, Aubree would sometimes rest her head on his lap, eyes closed, occasionally letting out a satisfied sigh. These quiet moments were precious to Andrew, a stark contrast to the rest of their time when Aubree was hardly around due to her busy schedule.

Even though he longed to be with

her, his obligations with the Clements family business kept him tied to Beaconsfield, leaving him to snatch brief moments with Aubree whenever he could. He devoted all his personal time chasing her from city to city, only for her to move

again with the film crew before he

could even catch up.

He came to a bittersweet realization that all he could do was wait for her return, haunted by the possibility that one day, she might not come back. The thought of her finding someone else, announcing her engagement, filled him with fear. The roles had reversed; Aubree, who once centered her life around him, now explored the world beyond their small beginnings, leaving Andrew to grapple with his insecurities.

It was only in these quiet moments of care, as he gently massaged her temples, that Andrew felt truly needed. His eyes welled up, realizing the precious moments he'd taken for granted and regretting how he had wronged her.

Meanwhile, Aubree slipped into a

dream, back to her teenage years, a

time of vulnerability and innocent passion. Despite the discomfort of their first intimacy, she found joy in their closeness, a long-held yearning fulfilled. But the next morning, Andrew's coldness and scorn left her feeling ashamed and speechless against his harsh words.

In her dream, she cried, burdened by her past mistakes. Yet even asleep, she felt a tender touch wiping away her tears, a bittersweet reminder of their complicated bond.

Waking with a sore throat, a physical

sign of her emotional struggle, Aubree found herself back in her home. The familiar sounds from the kitchen didn't surprise her anymore. But seeing her swollen lips in the bathroom mirror did. Had Andrew kissed her? The thought lingered, bringing a mix of confusion and a faint glimmer of hope.