Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Andrew stood his ground, refusing to budge, especially with Julia lingering around like an unwanted shadow. "Mr. Clements, not heading out?" she nudged. Andrew's eyes narrowed. "Aubree, I've got nothing to do with this woman. I ran into her by sheer chance tonight. She's got the nerve of a telemarketer, just won't let go." Frustrated, he signaled his bodyguard to usher Julia away.

Finally, with that face out of sight, Aubree breathed a sigh of relief and pushed open a nearby door. Andrew, wary of overstepping, took his place by the door like a sentry. Feeling a pang of guilt because Andrew was, after all, a friend, Ricardo wolfed down his meal. What was supposed to be a leisurely hour-long dinner took him just ten minutes. "Aubree, I'm all set," he said.

Understanding his intentions, Aubree didn't press him. "All done? Let's get going, then."

"Aubree, maybe take some food to-go. You haven't eaten, and we don't want your stomach acting up again."

To be honest, Aubree wasn't hungry at all. Her eyes kept drifting to Andrew, who stood resolute by the door, looking a bit lost.

As they prepared to leave, Andrew trailed behind quietly.

Aubree finally found the courage to speak, "Andrew, I've decided to be with Matthew."

An audible silence followed, heavy and still.

Andrew flinched, his fingers clenching into a tight fist before slowly loosening.

sorry, but I think it's time to move on.

even better without him, a cutting blow

cigarette to soothe the

saying her piece, Aubree got into

rooted, watching as the con pulled away, feeling

was taking Aubree out

his life for good.

MS

gesture, then fumbled with a cigarette, his hands shaking uncontrollably. The biting wind chilled him to

state to drive,

blurred, likely from tears, and it took him about

always there for Andrew when it mattered. Soon enough, Jaired showed up

was startled to see Andrew crying by the car. "Man, stop crying. You look awful. I've got the drinks ready. We'll drown it out. Oh, and

despite his cool demeanor, was

stayed quiet during the ride, and they eventually pulled up to Jaired's