Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Casey couldn't help but chuckle instead of stopping him right away. "You're supposed to head to Harvard next month, and you've got four more years to go before you graduate."

mature enough for a relationship, that someday I might be drawn to someone my own age."

"I could skip it. My friends and I have already started investing in a company that's probably going public next year. I don't really need the degree. If I go, by the time I graduate, Aubree will be twenty-nine, and I'll be twenty-two. I know what you're thinking. You think I'm not Casey nodded, picking up a newspaper from the table to skim through. "I'm glad you realize that. Nobody at eighteen can promise they'll never change their mind. Even married folks stray sometimes."

Matthew's eyes sparkled with determination. "Others might not dare, but I do. I'm head over heels for Aubree. Let her be the lead actress."

For years, Casey hadn't tried to dictate his son's life, but now he raised an eyebrow, giving him a second, more serious look. "Have you thought about the seven-year age gap? You might handle it, but Aubree might not."

"Who says I'm just messing around?"

Matthew was handsome in that refined way but without a hint of fragility. He was into strength training every week and often did outdoor activities, his physique both strong and graceful.

"Alright, I agree. Aubree will be the lead."

Casey, a director, had never thought to steer his son's life.

Matthew breathed a sigh of relief. Aubree, thinking there was still another round of auditions, was surprised to get a call early the next morning telling her she got the lead role. In this industry, many dreamed of starring in one of Casey's films, and she never thought she'd be that lucky.

Then she thought of Matthew, right as he texted her. "We start filming next month. How about we head to the American plains to watch lions? It's more breathtaking than the sunrise."

Aubree couldn't deny the appeal of his offer. She hesitated for a minute before replying, "When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow, by private jet, just the two of us. Mind that? Everyone else has already been."

The implication was clear: he wanted to take her alone. Aubree hesitated. She knew Matthew was a catch, exceptional by any standard. Faced with such a young, wealthy, handsome, and broad-minded man, any woman would be tempted, but Aubree felt apprehensive

"Aubree, trust me. He wouldn't make a move. Even if you refuse, let's part on good terms."

With those words, Aubree's hesitation vanished. "Okay, I'll pack a bit."

vel

She bent down, packing a small suitcase and grabbing her passport. The next morning, as she left, she bumped into workers moving furniture next door, caught off guard The villa was her first purchase, and then Andrew had bought the one opposite, but now, furniture was being moved out.

Aubree looked up, locking eyes with Andrew standing not far away. Seeing her small suitcase, Andrew knew she had plans, unsure when she'd return or if she would at all. He could only wait, but waiting only seemed to push her further away.

So, he decided to move to another villa, close enough yet distant, waiting. But now, as she was leaving, he felt the distance between them growing even more apparent. Aubree nodded at him slowly.

Lately, her spirits had been low,noveldrama

despite directors praising her natural

talent. Yet, after several movies and Oscar nominations, the Best Actress award remained elusive. Though no one said it outright, she knew something was missing in her

performances but couldn't pinpoint what. A change of scenery might do her good.

Without looking back, she left. Andrew stayed put, lacking even the courage to follow, merely clenching his hand in a futile gesture.