Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)
Chapter 1433

Mason pulled out a cigarette, lighting it quietly as he watched the screen, tears streaming down his face. It all happened over a decade ago; there was no way he could turn back time to save her. If only time machines were real, he'd pay any price to go back and be by her side. The cigarette burned out, yet the video kept playing. It wasn't just one clip but a series of them, pieced together, showing Tiffanie's constant encounters with violence. Mason couldn't watch any longer; even as an outsider, it was heart-wrenching. He could only imagine how shattered Tiffanie must've felt living through all that. It was a miracle she survived, maybe even a touch of divine grace. Still, he couldn't shake off the guilt of wishing for her to keep living, to truly live.

The car was steeped in silence, each swallow felt like a struggle. The floor was littered with cigarette butts, yet the video kept dragging on. It just wouldn't end. He shut off the video, burying his face in his hands, his shoulders trembling slightly. Then his phone rang. It was Tiffanie, asking where he was. Mason quickly wiped his tears. "I'm out. I'll be back soon," he replied. "Okay," she said, hanging up, her gaze lost in the living room TV.

An hour later, Mason returned with a load of groceries, saying he'd gone out to buy some fruit. Tiffanie wasn't eating much these days, though she wasn't feeling nauseous anymore. Still, she wouldn't eat unless reminded.

So, Mason set up alarms in the kitchen for meal times, gently nudging Tiffanie to eat. He even sliced the fruit into daily portions, ensuring that each meal included a bit of his effort.

Seeing him busy in the kitchen,

Tiffanie shuffled over in her slippers,

standing at the doorway. Mason, utterly absorbed in his cooking, looked like an artist perfecting his masterpiece. His hands moved with grace, and everything he made

tasted just as good.

But today felt different. He wouldn't meet her eye, a knot of anxiety twisting in her stomach. Had he discovered what she feared most? If he'd seen those videos, it would be devastating.

She quickly left the living room, checking yesterday's trash. Thankfully, the computer was still there, and right on cue, the garbage truck arrived, whisking away all of her worries.

That night, they had a meal together, but Tiffanie couldn't sleep, feeling restless from eating too much. She slipped out to the balcony, staring out at the night sky.

Soon, she heard Mason calling her name, his voice shifting from confusion to panic. He searched everywhere, even behind the curtains, before rushing downstairs to change shoes, ready to search outside.

Realizing he was looking for her, Tiffanie finally spoke up. "Mason." His body froze, his eyes warming with emotion. He turned to see her on the balcony, her hair catching the night breeze, looking so gentle and beautiful.

"What's up?" she asked. Mason shook his head, his racing heart settling, relieved she hadn't vanished like before. Breathing a sigh of relief, he turned to go back inside, but as he bent to change his shoes tears fell again. t

Lately, he'd cried more than he thought was possible for a man. But the fear was real, his hands still trembling as he held his shoes.