Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Emma didn't respond, letting the silence hang between them like a final curtain, saving a bit of dignity in the awkwardness. Dustin felt like someone had punched a hole right through his chest. Their relationship was odd-never fiery or passionate but leaving her hurt

more than any breakup he'd been through.

Dustin had always been a bit of a wanderer, thinking he was immune to the heartache of splitting up. But parting from Emma was a different kind of pain. It wasn't a sharp, stabbing anguish but more like a thin wire slowly tightening around his heart, squeezing the life out of him bit by bit. This pain was subtle and persistent, like a cough that just wouldn't quit. Not deadly, but irritating enough to drive anyone mad.

Emma gave him a small, knowing smile. "Let's start fresh tomorrow. Everyone's been too curious about you, and it's slowing things down."

Over the past year, Emma had grown, learning to face him with a calmness she'd never had before. In that moment, Dustin saw just how much she'd changed, how much she'd matured. Both he and life had pushed her to grow. Dustin lowered his gaze, his usually slick words caught in a chokehold. He forced a smile and simply said, "Okay."

That single word felt like a needle piercing Emma's heart.

They finished their meal in silence. Later, as Dustin showered, the house stayed hushed. Emma had already bathed and was lying in bed, Heather asleep beside her.

Emma tensed, pretending to be asleep. She felt the mattress dip as he sat down beside her.

days after their child was born, when he'd hold her hand through the night to keep

on moments and habits. Now, those old memories came flooding back, tearing

down Emma's face, her fingertips curling slightly,

you. She's easy to care for and

let go of her hand. "Jaime's a bit of a handful, especially with his teenage

have been another planet, so far away

sister. Let's try to video call sometimes, whenever it

like forever, Emma simply said,

that night, just stared at the ceiling, lost in thought. Dustin felt a powerful urge to ask

well what Emma had lost. He closed