Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Rumors were buzzing through Beaconsfield about Aubree and Matthew's budding romance, painted with such vivid detail that even attempts to throw a wrench in the works couldn't stop the local gossip mill. For the past year, Andrew's interest in Aubree had been an open secret, so much so that whispers of an unusual sibling connection were already flying around. Now, with talk of Aubree seeing a younger guy, eyebrows were definitely raised. Wasn't she into older men?

Yet Andrew, upon hearing the news, kept his mouth shut. Sitting in his office at Clements Corporation, he was hit by a wave of cold dread. He had seen this coming, but the reality of Aubree being with someone else, and so openly, left him reeling. He knew why he had never owned up to his feelings for Aubree. Turning a sibling bond into something romantic was a scandal he couldn't handle, not to mention the rumors of some old-fashioned setup. Plus, he figured Tessa was a good match, prioritizing the role of Clements family heir over his feelings for Aubree.

He had tricked himself into believing his interest was a passing phase, just a crush that would eventually fade. But now, after hearing the news, he craved a smoke but was left with only bitterness. His eyes reddened as the cigarette burned down to his fingers, leaving a blister behind.

His assistant brought in papers that needed his attention, but Andrew, clearly miles away, waved them off until tomorrow. He picked up his coat, ready to leave, his assistant wisely giving him space, knowing his recent mood swings.

After a lot of hesitation, Andrew found himself at Aubree's villa. He hadn't planned on bothering her, but he couldn't help himself; the drive felt ingrained in him. But when he rang the doorbell, the place was empty.

After talking to the property management, he found out Aubree had moved out with some young guy, maybe her brother.

managing a weak smile. He didn't have the right to cause a

familiar neighborhood until late into the night, smoking one cigarette after another before finally gripping the steering wheel and driving off, with no clue

felt wrong; too

ended up outside the house he and Aubree once shared, now alive

night, his eyes were sore, but with his

the

Clements family heir, not someone who could

Ret

to bear. When