Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

In front of Andrew, Aubree felt a shiver run down her spine. She had come to terms with the fact she had kissed Matthew a few minutes ago, but she hadn't expected him to be so open about it. And now, he was cheekily asking how she'd make it up to him. "Aubree, how about a movie date today? Think of it as payback for stealing my first kiss," Matthew suggested with a grin.

Aubree stayed quiet, so Matthew turned to Andrew with a confident smile. "Aubree's big brother would agree, right? She's twenty-five; it's about time she started dating."

He made no secret of his intentions, taking Aubree's hand as if it was the most natural thing in the world. "And if movies aren't your thing, I've got plenty of other fun stuff planned."

Just as he finished speaking, they heard the crash of a vase hitting the floor, scattering roses everywhere. Andrew bent down to pick up the pieces and accidentally cut his finger.

Aubree hurried to find a broom but realized she didn't know where anything was, not even the first aid kit. Andrew stood up, his voice a bit rough. "No big deal. If you want to go out, just go."

Blood dripped from his finger onto the floor and the shattered porcelain. There was no way Aubree could just leave him like that. Without a first aid kit, she used a clean strip of cloth to wrap his wound. "I'll take you to the hospital."

The cut was deep and kept bleeding, looking like it might need stitches. As Andrew passed Matthew, he heard him say, "Wow, bro, didn't think you'd be so hard on yourself."

Andrew paused but didn't reply. A moment later, Matthew caught up with Aubree, still beaming. "I'll drive you guys."

Having an extra hand wasn't a bad idea. Aubree nodded, and the three of them piled into the same car. Aubree and Matthew sat up front, chatting away about the script, leaving Andrew in the back, feeling sidelined.

Andrew looked at his injured hand, almost wishing the cut was worse so Aubree couldn't ignore him. Aubree chuckled during her chat with Matthew. "You're only eighteen and already know so much."

Matthew glanced in the rearview mirror, locking eyes with Andrew. "Age is just a number," he said, leaving it unclear if he was addressing Aubree or Andrew.

At the hospital, Andrew got out alone, while Aubree and Matthew continued their lively conversation. Matthew always knew how to make Aubree laugh. She remarked, "It's hard to believe you're only eighteen; you seem more experienced than me." Matthew smiled at her. "You're just wound too tight. You should hang out with us younger folks more; maybe you'll start seeing things differently."

Andrew, walking just a bit ahead,

heard every word. Jealousy gnawed at him as he looked at his hand, eyes burning red. The doctor stitched fim up with five stitches while Matthew kept Aubree entertained with tales of his hiking adventures.

"Aubree, if movies aren't your thing, how about a hike tomorrow? A bunch of us young folks are going. We start at two in the morning to catch the sunrise at the peak."noveldrama

Andrew knew Aubree well; he could

see she was intrigued by Matthew's offer. It was something new and exciting compared to staying by his side. In that moment, Andrew couldn't stand Matthew, wishing he'd never shown up.

Once he was patched up, Aubree asked the doctor, "Anything we should watch out for?"

"Keep it dry to avoid infection, and remember to apply the ointment."

Aubree nodded and turned to Andrew. "Let's get you back home."

Andrew remained silent. He was swamped with work at Clements Corporation, which was expanding rapidly, leaving him with barely any time to relax. Meanwhile, Matthew, with his youth, had all the time and energy in the world.

Andrew had to sacrifice his rest just to spend some time with Aubree. In that, he had lost. And another thing, he wasn't as young as Matthew. Matthew, with his fearless and straightforward nature, had nothing to lose. And because of his youth, he had everything to gain. This was the prime of his life.

Andrew felt a wave of panic. On the way back, he clearly heard Aubree agree to Matthew's hiking plan, even asking eagerly, "What should I prepare? I've never been, so I'm not sure."

"I'll sort it all out for you. I'll have a car pick you up early in the morning," Matthew promised.

Aubree laughed, "Sounds great."