Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Casey couldn't help but chuckle instead of stopping him right away. "You're supposed to head to Harvard next month, and you've got four more years to go before you graduate."

mature enough for a relationship, that someday I might be drawn to someone my own age."

"I could skip it. My friends and I have already started investing in a company that's probably going public next year. I don't really need the degree. If I go, by the time I graduate, Aubree will be twenty-nine, and I'll be twenty-two. I know what you're thinking. You think I'm not Casey nodded, picking up a newspaper from the table to skim through. "I'm glad you realize that. Nobody at eighteen can promise they'll never change their mind. Even married folks stray sometimes."

Matthew's eyes sparkled with determination. "Others might not dare, but I do. I'm head over heels for Aubree. Let her be the lead actress."

For years, Casey hadn't tried to dictate his son's life, but now he raised an eyebrow, giving him a second, more serious look. "Have you thought about the seven-year age gap? You might handle it, but Aubree might not."

"Who says I'm just messing around?"

Matthew was handsome in that refined way but without a hint of fragility. He was into strength training every week and often did outdoor activities, his physique both strong and graceful.

"Alright, I agree. Aubree will be the lead."

director, had never thought to steer

call early the next morning telling her she got the lead role. In this industry, many dreamed of starring in one

next month. How about we head to the American plains to watch lions? It's more breathtaking than the

deny the appeal of his offer. She hesitated for a minute before replying,

just the two of us. Mind that? Everyone else has already

was a catch, exceptional by any standard. Faced with such a

make a move. Even if you refuse,

hesitation vanished.

vel

door, caught off

when she'd return or if she would at all. He could only wait, but waiting only seemed to

move to another villa, close enough yet distant, waiting. But now, as she was leaving, he felt the distance between them