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.

think it's time to

that life would be even better without him, a

was a cigarette to

into the

remained rooted, watching as the

it was taking

his life for good.

MS

fumbled with a cigarette,

no state to drive, he thought

blurred, likely from tears, and it took

mockery, he was always there for Andrew when it mattered.

Andrew crying by the car. "Man, stop crying. You look awful. I've got the drinks ready. We'll

cool demeanor,

quiet during the ride, and