Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Her eyes sparkled with excitement, like she was back in her carefree teenage years. Andrew stayed quiet, feeling a tickle in his throat and craving a cigarette.

When they pulled up in the neighborhood, Matthew was busy giving Aubree some last-minute advice. "Make sure to get some shut-eye early tonight, or you'll be dragging tomorrow. I've got everything else covered. See you at the crack of dawn." Aubree nodded, and Matthew drove off, leaving just her and Andrew. "Get some rest," she told him. "You heard the doc-keep away from water."

Andrew's voice was hoarse, struggling to form words. He opened his mouth but settled for a simple nod and a muttered "Hmm."

Aubree was eager to try hiking up the mountain to catch the sunrise, so she hit the hay by eight. By one in the morning, Matthew's car was ready and waiting outside. Aubree, dressed in her athletic gear, headed out after his call. Just then, her phone buzzed with a message from Andrew:

"I think I have a fever."

called the Clements family's private doctor to check on him. "I've called the Clements family's doctor. He

window, watching Aubree leave, looking sporty and youthful in her sneakers and ponytail, reminiscent of her school days. He watched until she disappeared from view, reluctantly

hour later, the private doctor arrived, but Andrew sent him away. He indeed had a fever, brought on by taking cold showers all night, a self-inflicted ailment. Without Aubree, he felt a wave of despair, almost wishing

at the bandaged wound on his hand, coughly tore off the dressing, and yanked the stitches out, making the wound worse. Blood flowed freely from his palm. Worried about infection, he rinsed it under the tap before collapsing back onto

could he do? He felt powerless to win her back. Meanwhile, Aubree had reached the foot

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embarrassed. Instead, he shot them a stern look. "Cut it out. It's

pack for Aubree, carrying the heavier stuff himself. The group, buzzing with excitement, started their

early hours was a new adventure for Aubree. Walking beside her, Matthew said, "There's a bungee jumping spot up top. Are you afraid of heights? If not, you should try it. It'll clear your mind of