Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Brielle was at a loss for words on how to respond to Mark. She had wanted to tell him not to bother coming over because she had undergone another paternity test with Kingston, this time under the strict supervision of a government-regulated hospital. Hence, the chances of a mistake were slim to none.

Two consecutive paternity tests yielding the same result solidified the truth about her and Kingston's connection.

Who would go to such lengths to orchestrate all this?

Before she had met Max, Brielle's life had been by the book, and although her relationship with Max had attracted its fair share of criticism, it seemed far-fetched that someone would tamper with her identity.

Her brow furrowed with concern, but considering Max had personally arranged for someone to pick her up, she feared that refusing to cooperate would only leave him with doubts.

[Alright, Mark, just hit me up when you get here, and we can head out together. I've recently bumped into another guy from Sunflower Children's Home, and we could both come and pick you up.] she replied.

The person she was talking about was Ricardo, who used to live in Sunflower Children's Home and got along great with the kids there.

[You don't have to pick me up, Bri. Just focus on your own stuff. Mr. Dorsey's got my back. My return's on the down-low. Mr. Lynch also found me last time, so there's probably some secret still lurking in that home. It's better to play it safe.] Mark texted back. Brielle's heart sank a little more with each message.

Mark was no spring chicken, and she had selfishly sent him away from Beaconsfield. Now, because of her, he was being dragged back into turmoil and sneaking around in his own hometown.

was supposed to

intervene, so she silently

news came from the clinic that Martha had awakened.

the couch, her

with texts, each more pleading than the last, begging her to help get James out of the

had hurt Martha,

intentions crystal clear: they would pay for

final message was a

to us; without him, your mother and I wouldn't survive. Brielle, even if your mom and I end up

don't let James go to prison. He isn't a bad guy, just quick-tempered. It's your mom and I who are at fault. When James heard we found

desperate, and his dozens of

custody, and the list of charges against him was lengthy as if

Kingston couldn't accept this.

golden boy, coddled and adored since childhood. They couldn't bear to see him suffer, but now, inexplicably,

Brielle read the messages, her brow knitted

station to find James, nearly two meters tall, covered in bruises. It seemed Michael had made sure the officers gave James a 'warm welcome.' James' face was scratched, but his eyes lit up at the sight of Brielle. "Bri, you came to see me? So, can