Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)
Chapter 1525

"Alright, I'll pick a spot I visit often. The food's always top-notch there."

Matthew was about to nod but caught a flicker of emotion in her eyes, and a small smile played on his lips.

"How about some karaoke? You were so into your role earlier, you're probably still in character. Belting out a few tunes at a karaoke bar will help. Plus, one of my buddies just opened a new place. It's pretty low-key since it's new. I'll take you there!" He leaned over and punched the address into the GPS.

Aubree didn't object, and after a half-hour drive, they arrived.

Matthew's buddy was about his age, not even twenty. His eyebrows shot up in surprise as he saw Matthew walk in with Aubree, then he gave a knowing wink.

For some reason, seeing them made Aubree feel a few years younger. The place was packed with people in their twenties, untouched by the usual weariness of middle age. It was all youth and energy. Matthew led her to one of the private rooms, and his friend had laid out a spread of unusual drinks.

Aubree raised an eyebrow at the unfamiliar bottles.

"I've never seen any of these before."

Matthew eagerly explained, "They're from small countries, each with a unique flavor. My friends and I spent two years traveling the world, collecting them bit by bit. You should give them a try." Two years traveling the world?

That was Aubree's childhood dream, especially during the tough times in Beaconsfield. She always wanted to explore the world.

But when she realized she had fallen for Andrew, those dreams faded away. She just wanted to marry him.

Pouring all your love into one person can be tragic.

So, ending up like this was partly on her.

"Did you ever climb the highest mountain?" Aubree asked curiously.

"Yeah, I did at sixteen," he replied, not boasting, just stating a fact.

A hint of envy crossed Aubree's eyes.

Climbed it at sixteen.

He was only eighteen now, at the prime of his youth. He'd seen the world. How amazing is that?

"I envy you," she admitted, fearing it might kill the mood, but he just asked, "What's there to envy? You're young too."

Aubree chuckled, opened a bottle, and took a swig straight from it.

"I'm twenty-five, seven years older than you."

At eighteen, she didn't even have a proper job. All she thought about was winning Andrew's affection, being good to him. Looking back, she was so naive.

Not naive, really. Andrew's slightest attention was like a ray of light to her, and she was willing to burn herself out like a candle to light his way.

But Andrew never needed the candle's glow when he had the entire sun.

Back then, she didn't realize that all her efforts were only moving herself.

She couldn't hate Andrew. Back then, he simply didn't love her.

But she couldn't accept the Andrew of now either, because she couldn't let go of her past.

"Aubree, the drink you're having is known for its strong kick."

Matthew had a natural confidence, a mix of wealth and experience.

Aubree smiled, "I can hold my liquor, no worries. Aren't we here to sing?"

Matthew grabbed two mics, asking what she wanted to sing.

"Aubree, want to hear 'Drowning'? I can sing it for you."

An eighteen-year-old offering to sing for her?

ve

At that age, Aubree was already set on Andrew, never even noticing other guys. Now, hearing this, she leaned back, feeling a bit tipsy.

"Sure, Mr. Matthew, go for it."

Matthew adjusted the sound and started singing.

Aubree hadn't heard that song before, but it seemed to quiet the world around her with its melody.

A bit dazed at the end, he asked, "So, what can you sing? I'll set it up for you."

Aubree didn't respond, finally acknowledging the drink's strong aftereffects. "Aubree?"

Matthew called out, then crouched beside her, looking up with curiosity.

The

She was more beautiful in person than on any screen. He'd commercials, always buying whatever she endorsed and gifting them to his friends.

So, all his friends knew he was an Aubree fan.

"Are you drunk? That drink really packs a punch. I should take you home."

Aubree, a bit fuzzy but aware of her purpose tonight, kept apologizing. "Sorry, Mr. Matthew."

Matthew found it amusing as he

helped her out, grateful he hadn't et

been drinking, so he could drive.

swnov

Knowing where Aubree lived, he parked outside, helping her out of the car.

Aubree continued to apologize.

"Mr. Matthew, I'm really sorry."