Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

"Babe, the doc said I'm pregnant."

Brielle had been over at Aubree's, trying to enjoy a meal when she first felt that something was off and suspected the news. Now, her face was a bit paler.

Max was quick to wrap her in warmth and concern, even offering to give her a piggyback ride out of the hospital. But Brielle just walked past him without a word. Max knew she was upset and quickly texted Isaac.

"Dude, your mom's expecting, but she's worried you might be bummed, so she's kinda freaking out."

Isaac read the message, his hand instinctively reaching for Little Noir, his stuffed toy. Two more Little Noirs sat in front of him. Why would he be upset about a baby? It'd mean a little buddy to play with, right?

He didn't have to wait long before Brielle and Max walked in. Brielle looked like she was carrying the weight of the world, while Max followed her like a guilty puppy.

Isaac felt a twinge of humility. If he ever got a girlfriend, he couldn't let himself be like this. He had to be the man of the house!

Isaac quickly made his way into the living room. Max was slicing up some fruit while Brielle sulked on the couch. She thought back to that night, tipsy and unable to resist. But Max had been sober, and he didn't use protection. Max brought over the fruit, showing a video on his phone. It showed her with a wine-flushed face and his voice in the background.

"Can we have another baby?"

Her hazy eyes met his. "Mhm, yeah, okay."

"Then no getting mad."

"I wouldn't dream of it."

Brielle was taken aback by the video and glanced at calm and collected Max. He had planned this all along!

Max finally spoke up. "We agreed, no anger."

Brielle found herself both annoyed and amused. His voice in the video was strained, yet he had the presence of mind to record it! Such a strategist.

She rubbed her temples. "I was worried about Isaac."

Before she could finish, Isaac had already joined them. "Dad said we're getting a little brother, happy."

Isaac's emotions were always a bit off, even now he spoke in bits and pieces, much like Max as a kid. But the sparkle in his eyes was genuine; he truly wanted a sibling.

Brielle's lips curved into a smile as she patted his head. Isaac blushed and then looked at Brielle's belly. "Mom, you okay?"

Brielle felt warmth spread through her. How did she end up with such a thoughtful son? "I'm fine, love. Just don't pick up your dad's habits."

Max, knowing he was in the

doghouse, started massaging her legs, then moved to her shoulders. Brielle relaxed under his care, letting the matter slide with a playful huff. noveldrama

Isaac watched their interaction, silently vowing never to be henpecked.

Meanwhile, Aubree had been in a daze since Brielle left, taking forever to pick up Casey's call about the

upcoming shoot and script memorization. Something about her night with Matthew made facing Casey unsettling.

She cleared her throat, "Got the script down."

Casey nodded, "This role's a stretch, with the personality switch and all, but you've got this. Anything unclear, we'll hash it out on set."

After exchanging pleasantries,

Aubree hung up and headed to

Stellar Stage Entertainment to

discuss Ker schedule with her agent. Driving there, she ran into Julia the woman from the audition, who looked eerily like Tessa and was a thorn in Aubree's side.