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.

the mattress dip as he sat down beside her. Her heart raced at the thought he might want to stay the night. But Dustin just took her hand gently, like he used

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

was built on moments and habits. Now, those

tears streamed down Emma's face, her fingertips curling slightly, but Dustin held her

"I'll leave Heather with you. She's easy

she was awake, he slowly let go of her hand. "Jaime's a bit of a handful, especially with his

as well have been another planet, so far away

quiet, feeling like she couldn't breathe. Dustin added, "Jaime might miss his sister. Let's try to video call sometimes, whenever

what felt like forever, Emma simply

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

had lost. He closed his eyes, a