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."

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

He stood at the living room window, watching Aubree leave, looking sporty and youthful in her sneakers

fever, brought on by taking cold showers all night, a self-inflicted ailment. Without Aubree, he felt a wave of despair, almost wishing the fever would consume him. It felt like no one

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,

his eyes, confused about how things with Aubree had reached this point. If she chose Matthew, what could he do? He felt powerless to win her back. Meanwhile, Aubree had reached the foot of the mountain

and shares

with a backpack slung over his shoulder, wasn't embarrassed. Instead, he shot them a stern look. "Cut it out. It's Aubree's first time here.

pack for Aubree,

the 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