Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

When Aubree was on her way back home, she got the news that Andrew had slipped into a coma. At least five members of the Clements family reached out, urging her to come and help wake him up.

Once she hung up the phone, Aubree found herself staring blankly out the window, lost in thought. She called the hospital, hoping to get a clearer picture of Andrew's condition, but the doctors echoed what the Clements had already told her.

Aubree was stuck in a tough spot. Going to see Andrew felt like betraying Matthew. She imagined if the roles were reversed-if Matthew felt obligated to see another woman-she'd be heartbroken. Yet, she couldn't ignore what she owed the Clements family. Matthew wrapped his arms around her from behind. "Do you still have feelings for him?"

Aubree shook her head. "If I did, I wouldn't have agreed to give us a chance. I couldn't do that to you."

"Aubree, I won't lie, the thought of you seeing him isn't easy for me. But if I stop you, the Clements will keep pushing, using your sense of duty to guilt-trip you. It'll eat at you, keep you up at night. So, go. But make it clear-this is the last time. Settle your debt, and after this, the Clements family is in the past. They don't care for you like they should, and you deserve more."noveldrama

"Aubree, I'll give you all the love you've missed. Just me against the world for you. So, what do you say? Choose me?"

He placed her hand on his cheek, looking at her with earnest eyes. Aubree felt a wave of emotion.

"Don't worry, I'll make things clear to them," she promised.

At the hospital, Aubree couldn't avoid the Clements family's sneers before she sat by Andrew's bedside, unsure of what to say. The man she once loved now felt distant.

She could only whisper his name, "Andrew. Andrew."

In his dreams, Andrew lived happily with Aubree, yet a nagging worry remained, maybe knowing deep down it was all a dream. In the dream, he grew more possessive, afraid to let her out of his sight.

Eventually, they had a heated

argument. Aubree confronted him,

"If you loved me, why didn't you choose me from the start? Not when I turned eighteen, not after you vented your frustrations on me,

Andrew, I'm exhausted.me nee

Loving you

isn't enough when I lie awake every night reliving the hurt, your hot-and-cold behavior. Even now, with you beside me, I feel unworthy. I'm sorry, Andrew, maybe it's me."

Years of being dismissed and doubting his love made her question their relationship, even though he now seemed to need her more than ever. It only deepened her fears. Andrew watched, overwhelmed with sadness. Was this their fate? Even without Matthew, Aubree wouldn't choose him. That was the harsh truth.

He vaguely heard someone calling him, a voice he recognized. Andrew knew he was dreaming, but he held onto the fleeting warmth it offered.

Sitting by his bed, Aubree was about to call out again when she saw tears rolling down his face. Her voice caught in her throat.

Two days later, Andrew woke up. He

seemed more subdued, but he threw himself into work with

determination. At social events, he maintained his polished exterior, whether he was charming or silent, his facade intact.

The Clements corporation thrived, their stock prices soaring, as if Andrew had been revived. Yet, no one noticed the slight pause, the flinch when Aubree's name was

mentioned, as he made an excuse to leave. .

Alone in a restroom, looking at his reflection, Andrew felt like his heart might burst. Despite his best efforts, he hadn't let go. He had just learned to hide it, fooling everyone, including himself.