Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Every corner was explored, every sensation heightened from skin to soul. Aubree turned to spot a wolf, somehow perched on the dense railings, pacing before leaping off again. The thrill of the wild and the thrill from another person made her heart race.

Matthew was in remarkable shape, his energy seemingly endless. That night, he didn't stop. Initially calling her Aubree, his whispers soon shifted to "Lynn," signaling his growing desire. Aubree found herself more uninhibited than ever, but by morning, exhaustion hit hard. He carried her back to bed, gently cleaning her with a towel before letting her rest. Then he dressed and went out to start the car.

Watching the world through the car window, Aubree still couldn't fathom why she had allowed Matthew into her life. The previous night had been a whirlwind, the kind that could charm any woman into the arms of such a captivating young man. From Matthew, she'd picked up a new mantra: "Seize the day."

Returning to Beaconsfield, they arrived just in time for Desiree Clements' birthday bash. As a Clements family member, Aubree was expected to attend. She also received a call from Casey about a shoot starting next week, urging her to be ready.

After her time away, everyone noticed a change in Aubree. Especially Brielle, who thought she looked more beautiful than ever, as if a light shone from within. Indeed, a simple change in demeanor can amplify one's beauty. Already striking, Aubree now seemed capable of turning heads anywhere.

"Aubree, where've you been?" someone asked.

Aubree raised an eyebrow. "Just a little getaway. Really opened my mind."

But the memory of her night with Matthew still sent shivers down her spine. Three days had passed, yet the marks hadn't completely faded. At the Clements' dinner, she wore a dress that represented the family well, struggling to conceal the marks. After standing for two hours, she finally stole a moment to retouch her makeup, only to see Andrew's reflection in the mirror.

His eyes, red-rimmed, focused intently on her as he flicked away a cigarette. Aubree tensed but continued applying her lipstick calmly. Andrew discarded the cigarette and approached, tugging at her collar to reveal the marks. His heart clenched painfully. "What's this?" he demanded coldly.

Aubree finished with her lipstick and stashed it in her bag. "Can't you see? Love bites," she replied coolly, lowering her lashes.

Andrew's emotions surged-anger, pain-nearly overwhelming him. "Aubree! You slept with him?!"noveldrama

He almost lost control, his hands instinctively reaching for her throat. Aubree felt a wave of shame, as if being with Matthew had tarnished her somehow. But wasn't she single? She had every right to choose whom to be with.

As his grip tightened, her eyes welled up. Seeing her tears, Andrew let go abruptly, his lips trembling. "How could you?"

His voice cracked with disbelief as

tears spilled down his face. He

dragged her to the sink, trying to scrub away the marks, his fingers rough against her skin. Aubree winced. "Stop it," she pleaded attempting to push him away, but he wouldn't budge.

"Andrew, I'm sorry," she whispered, closing her eyes.

Andrew froze, torn between rage and heartache. Why was she apologizing? They'd never had a real relationship. Even when they'd been close, he'd always warned her not to aspire to Tessa's place. He'd never acknowledged being with Aubree, and she had always been single. She owed him no apology.

Andrew's grip slackened. "Are you going to marry him?" His words barely audible.

Aubree was about to respond when she noticed Desiree Clements in the hallway. The family had assumed she and Andrew would marry, but Aubree had been visiting less and less. Aside from holidays, she seldom came around, each visit weighed down by the pressure to marry Andrew. Yet she had never envisioned a life with him, especially since he never acknowledged their relationship.

"Slap!"

A sudden slap struck Aubree's cheek, drawing blood to her lip. Andrew, stunned that his grandmother had hit Aubree, quickly embraced her. "Grandma, what are you doing?!" Desiree, leaning on her cane, glared fiercely. "After being with Andrew, you went and shamed yourself. You're meant to be the Clements family's bride! Now you've tainted yourself!" The older generation's traditional views were clear, having overheard about Aubree's other man and seeing the evidence. To them, she had dishonored herself.