Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Brielle’s nerves were jittery as the car slid smoothly through the suburban streets, en route to see Martha. She wished she had taken a moment to pick up a little something. “Should I have bought a gift or something?”

“It’s alright. The care home provides everything,” Max reassured her, his voice laced with a tinge of regret. “Brielle, I’m really sorry, but I can’t introduce you as my girlfriend. In my mother’s eyes, Alivia is the ideal daughter–in–law. For the sake of her health, I can’t reveal the truth just yet. Her new medication is only in the trial phase, and I don’t want to risk upsetting her. Am I being too unfair?”

Max was torn for the first time, wondering if it was a mistake to bring her along.

Brielle felt a pang of sadness, but this was the grim reality between her and Max–one they would have to face sooner or later.

If Alivia could win Martha’s affection, maybe with some effort, she could, too. A surge of confidence washed over her. “It’s not unfair, not at all. I only care about my place in your heart,” she said, cheeks flushing with a mix of bravado and embarrassment.

Their relationship had always been easy, unfolding naturally without any need for over–the–top declarations of love. Never had she thought she’d be the first to utter such a cheesy line. Her impulsive bravery quickly dissipated, leaving her with nothing but a warm blush.

Max chuckled–a sound that seemed to clear the skies and warm the earth. “In my heart, you’re the one and only,” he said, dishing out a phrase cheesier than what she said.

The embarrassment vanished and was replaced by a sweet feeling so intense she could melt right there in the car. How perfect it would be if time could freeze in that moment.

Max reached out and gently pinched her earlobe, easing her tension. Taking a deep breath, Brielle stepped out of the car first.

If she wasn’t visiting Martha as Max’s girlfriend, she’d do so as a colleague. Approaching Martha’s room, Brielle stepped back, positioning herself behind Max where a subordinate ought to stand.

Amused, Max leaned over as if to kiss her, but a surprised voice from behind halted him, “Max?” Brielle’s heart skipped a beat. She turned to face Alivia for the first time.

Alivia was dressed in a pastel ensemble, her hands resting calmly in front of her, and her eyes sparkling with a gentle grace like moonlit marble. Compared to Brielle’s cool demeanor, Alivia’s harmless appearance could easily win over anyone, making them want to confide in her. But any secret shared would become a weapon in her hands.

Alivia’s emotions were a whirlwind, though her face showed none of it. She had seen Max, moments from kissing Brielle.

13:02

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Seeing Max so forthcoming was more painful than discovering a love bite on his collarbone. Before, Alivia had assumed Max’s tolerance of Brielle was due to novelty, but now she realized their private rapport was much more intimate. The armor he wore for others seemingly melted

away.

Brielle could touch Max’s real warmth, but to everyone else, he remained an icy peak.

Alivia approached, her gaze fixating on Brielle, who met it without flinching, quickly spotting the disdain in Alivia’s eyes. It didn’t sting Brielle; she wasn’t burdened by the judgments of others.

Max, unfazed by the tension, made the introductions. “This is Alivia, Kenzo Barnes‘ sister.”

“Alivia, this is Brielle, the woman I care for.”

That simple declaration outshone all else. Alivia’s mouth tasted of blood, yet she forced a smile. “So, this is the one who made you break your rules, Max. You two do look good together, and Ms. Brielle, you’re very beautiful. For the first time, I see that you’re superficial, just like everyone else, Max.”

It was a playful jab between friends, a compliment to Brielle. Max was thrilled with the compliment and softened visibly, his usual aloofness melting away. But this shift also gave Alivia an opening, and as she and Max chatted about other things, Brielle felt somewhat sidelined.