Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Andrew stood his ground, refusing to budge, especially with Julia lingering around like an unwanted shadow. "Mr. Clements, not heading out?" she nudged. Andrew's eyes narrowed. "Aubree, I've got nothing to do with this woman. I ran into her by sheer chance tonight. She's got the nerve of a telemarketer, just won't let go." Frustrated, he signaled his bodyguard to usher Julia away.

Finally, with that face out of sight, Aubree breathed a sigh of relief and pushed open a nearby door. Andrew, wary of overstepping, took his place by the door like a sentry. Feeling a pang of guilt because Andrew was, after all, a friend, Ricardo wolfed down his meal. What was supposed to be a leisurely hour-long dinner took him just ten minutes. "Aubree, I'm all set," he said.

Understanding his intentions, Aubree didn't press him. "All done? Let's get going, then."

"Aubree, maybe take some food to-go. You haven't eaten, and we don't want your stomach acting up again."

To be honest, Aubree wasn't hungry at all. Her eyes kept drifting to Andrew, who stood resolute by the door, looking a bit lost.

As they prepared to leave, Andrew trailed behind quietly.

Aubree finally found the courage to speak, "Andrew, I've decided to be with Matthew."

An audible silence followed, heavy and still.

Andrew flinched, his fingers clenching into a tight fist before slowly loosening.

Aubree bit her lip, avoiding his gaze. "I'm sorry, but I think it's time to move on. Life's pretty good for me right now."

Her words suggested that life would be even better without him, a cutting blow straight to Andrew's heart.

Speechless, all he wanted was a cigarette to soothe the itch in his throat.

After saying her piece, Aubree got into the car. Ricardo was behind the wheel.

Andrew remained rooted, watching as the con pulled away, feeling as

though it was taking Aubree out of

his life for good.

MSnoveldrama

He took a step forward in a futile gesture, then fumbled with a cigarette, his hands shaking uncontrollably. The biting wind chilled him to the bone.

In no state to drive, he thought of

calling Jaired. His vision blurred, likely from tears, and it took him about five minutes to al

Despite Jaired's past mockery, he was always there for Andrew when it mattered. Soon enough, Jaired showed up to take him home.

Having never truly loved someone, Jaired was startled to see Andrew crying by the car. "Man, stop crying. You look awful. I've got the drinks ready. We'll drown it out. Oh, and I texted Max. He's coming too

Max, despite his cool demeanor, was big on friendship.

Andrew stayed quiet during the ride, and they eventually pulled up to Jaired's place.

As he got out, Andrew stumbled, scraping his face.

Jaired's heart skipped a beat, and he rushed to help him up. "You good?"

Andrew shook his head, wanting to say he was okay, but words failed him.

Inside, the coffee table was already stocked with bottles of liquor.

Max arrived not long after, having told Brielle he was spending the night with Andrew.

Brielle, recalling her last chat with Aubree, understood that Aubree had finally made her decision. Maybe it was for the best.