Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

The news that Martha was on her deathbed cast a shadow over the Dorsey household. Gloom filled the air as family members flocked to the hospice where she lay fading.

Michael tasked Max with the solemn job of selecting a headstone for Martha. It was his way of driving the point home: Your mother is dying because of Brielle. Brielle has left you, and it's time to let go of her. The failed romance had cost Martha her life. Did Michael ever love Martha? Impossible to imagine. Love was a foreign concept to the Dorsey men. He had chosen her for her youth, her compliance, and for giving him a son like Max.

Max had been a quiet child, a source of frustration and even disdain for Michael, who feared his son might be simple-minded or mute. But Martha, through some miracle or method, had awakened a remarkable talent in the boy. All those pricey sessions with child psychologists and psychiatrists hadn't been for nothing.

Michael was interested in results, not the pain Max might suffer along the way. All they needed was a worthy heir.

So, with Martha's imminent demise, Michael's presence was less about concern and more about keeping up appearances.

Among the gathering Dorseys, Alivia stood out, her eyes swollen with tears that held a glint of joy.

The doctor emerged from the ICU, removing his mask. "Ms. Martha wishes to see Ms. Alivia one last time."

Surprised, Alivia had thought Martha's final moments would be reserved for Max, especially given the lengths she had gone to control his life. With everyone around, Alivia's tears managed to spill as she entered the room alone.

Martha was a shadow of herself, ravaged by illicit medication and a burdening secret.

Martha was a dead woman anyway. There was no need for pleasantries

"Martha," she called out.

agony since leaving the emergency room. But for Alivia's happiness, she'd sacrifice

in. Last words were such an inconvenience. "What

Max. He will

"Of course, Martha. After

across Martha's face as she tried to caress Alivia's head, her limbs too weak to

beside a dying

you are actually

world spun, and her heart

keep you safe. He is..." Martha's words trailed off as her eyes closed for

Alivia's eyes, and her heart began to

What did this mean?

her mother, and that everything she had done was for her daughter's happiness. If Max was not