Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Her eyes sparkled with excitement, like she was back in her carefree teenage years. Andrew stayed quiet, feeling a tickle in his throat and craving a cigarette.

When they pulled up in the neighborhood, Matthew was busy giving Aubree some last-minute advice. "Make sure to get some shut-eye early tonight, or you'll be dragging tomorrow. I've got everything else covered. See you at the crack of dawn." Aubree nodded, and Matthew drove off, leaving just her and Andrew. "Get some rest," she told him. "You heard the doc-keep away from water."

Andrew's voice was hoarse, struggling to form words. He opened his mouth but settled for a simple nod and a muttered "Hmm."

Aubree was eager to try hiking up the mountain to catch the sunrise, so she hit the hay by eight. By one in the morning, Matthew's car was ready and waiting outside. Aubree, dressed in her athletic gear, headed out after his call. Just then, her phone buzzed with a message from Andrew:

"I think I have a fever."

Aubree saw the text and immediately called the Clements family's private doctor to check on him. "I've called the Clements family's doctor. He should be there soon."

Andrew didn't reply. He stood at the living room window, watching Aubree leave, looking sporty and youthful in her sneakers and ponytail, reminiscent of her school days. He watched until she disappeared from view, reluctantly tearing his gaze away.

Half an hour later, the private doctor arrived, but Andrew sent him away. He indeed had a fever, brought on by taking cold showers all night, a self-inflicted ailment. Without Aubree, he felt a wave of despair, almost wishing the fever would consume him. It felt like no one would care. noveldrama

He looked at the bandaged wound on his hand, coughly tore off the dressing, and yanked the stitches out, making the wound worse. Blood flowed freely from his palm. Worried about infection, he rinsed it under the tap before collapsing back onto the couch. The original five-stitch wound now needed ten.

Most people would be howling in pain, but Andrew stayed silent, the emotional hurt far outweighing the physical. Tears welled up in his eyes, confused about how things with Aubree had reached this point. If she chose Matthew, what could he do? He felt powerless to win her back. Meanwhile, Aubree had reached the foot of the mountain with Matthew. As promised, there were several young people, all in their twenties. They lit up at the sight of her. "Aubree, wow! Matthew's always raving about you to us."

"Yeah, he buys everything you endorse and shares it with us. Talk about a super fan!"

Matthew, with a backpack slung over his shoulder, wasn't embarrassed. Instead, he shot them a stern look. "Cut it out. It's Aubree's first time here. Show some respect."

Everyone had their packs, filled with food, water, and tents. Matthew had prepared a lighter pack for Aubree, carrying the heavier stuff himself. The group, buzzing with excitement, started their climb up the trail.

Hiking in the early hours was a new adventure for Aubree. Walking beside her, Matthew said, "There's a bungee jumping spot up top. Are you afraid of heights? If not, you should try it. It'll clear your mind of all worries."

Aubree realized she had never

bungee jumped before. There were so many things she hadn't done. Meanwhite, Matthew, just eighteen seemed to have lived a full life, with the exception of falling in love, and starting a family. His life was thrilling and rich with experiences, Despite the arrogance that often comes with wealth, he was genuinely likable.