Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

After dinner, Matthew headed to the kitchen like a pro, leaving everything spotless in no time. Meanwhile, Aubree had finished her shower and stepped out with her hair cascading down her back, still dripping a bit. Matthew grabbed the hairdryer and gently dried her hair, giving her a little temple massage in the process. To Aubree, it felt like pure bliss.

Once her hair was dry, Matthew gave her a soft peck on the cheek. "I'm off to shower," he said, a shared understanding hanging in the air about what might come next.

When Matthew emerged from the shower, his tall, muscular frame was even more striking, making Aubree feel petite in his embrace. His broad shoulders radiated a comforting sense of security.

It was the first time Aubree had really taken in his physique. "You don't look eighteen at all," she remarked.

"Glad I didn't disappoint," he replied with a grin.

He lifted her effortlessly, not even bothering with the bed, holding her in a way that made her depend entirely on him. It was a testament to his renowned strength, both swift and fierce.

Aubree felt like a kite, soaring and dipping through the clouds, with Matthew firmly holding the string, guiding her through the storm of passion. They moved together until the first light of dawn.

Luckily, Aubree had the day off; otherwise, she wouldn't have let Matthew wear her out like that. Despite his intensity, he was careful not to leave any marks on her neck, knowing she had filming the next day.

She spent most of the morning asleep, exhausted and a bit hoarse. Meanwhile, Matthew was bustling around, tending to her needs and organizing the movers to clear out the house. What couldn't be moved immediately was left behind.

By early afternoon, their place was nearly emptied, everything that could be moved was gone. Without waking Aubree, Matthew gently carried her to the car parked outside.

Aubree woke up to find herself in a new bed, in a new house. Rubbing her eyes, she saw Matthew busy in the kitehen. He came over to kiss her cheek when he noticed she was awake. en

"Go freshen up," he said. "Max and Brielle should be here soon."

Not wanting to be caught off guard,

or quickly got ready and even

pretended to be busy in the

before their friends arrivednoveldrama

But as soon as the door opened, her flushed cheeks gave her away, and her eyes sparkled with more life than before.

Brielle peeked curiously into the kitchen and spotted a tall young man stepping out.

Aubree suddenly felt shy; it was her first time introducing a boyfriend to her best friend. Clearing her throat, she said, "Uh, Bri, Mr. Dorsey, this is my boyfriend, Matthew."

Matthew took off his gloves, putting on a serious face. "Nice to meet you."

Brielle, catching the aroma of breakfast, couldn't help but feel a little hungry. "Nice to meet you, I'm Brielle." Max, standing next to Brielle, nodded and shook Matthew's hand with the seriousness of a business meeting.

To ease any awkwardness, Aubree quickly invited everyone inside. "Bri, come on in, make yourself at home."

Brielle had her concerns about the seven-year age difference between them, but seeing the positive changes in Aubree put her mind at ease. Matthew's influence on Aubree was clearly a good one, and that was all that mattered.