Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)
Chapter 1546

Aubree knew she shouldn't let her feelings get all mixed up over a stranger. But there was Julia, chatting away with a smile that lit up her face, making her look even more like Tessa. Aubree's grip on the steering wheel tightened when she saw the man standing with Julia it was Andrew. The sight was like a punch to the gut, yanking her back to the past. She'd watched those two together more times than she cared to remember. Even though Andrew looked like he'd rather be anywhere else, his impatience barely contained, it still stung to see him. The blaring horns behind her jolted Aubree out of her thoughts, and she drove off. Andrew, meanwhile, was caught up in a minor fender bender with the woman's car. The road led to Aubree's place, and the delay was making him edgy. Seeing the woman's face made his stomach churn, and his irritation grew.

Julia, who'd been living abroad, wasn't up to speed with the new developments in Beaconsfield. After Andrew explained twice and she still didn't get it, his patience snapped. He got back in his car. "Someone will contact you about the damages. I've got things to do." "But Mr. Ni-" Julia began, but Andrew had already driven off. She pouted, glancing towards where Aubree had vanished, eyebrows slightly raised.

By then, Aubree had reached Stellar Stage Entertainment to hash out her schedule with her agent. Her phone rang-it was Andrew. He was outside her door, probably having rung the bell with no answer. Though he had a key, he hesitated to use it and called instead. Aubree stared at the flashing number, staying silent. On his third call, she blinked and picked up. "Andrew."

He meant to ask where she was, but the calmness in her voice unnerved him. It was too calm, like all the love and hate had just vanished. But could that even be, after all those years, after being childhood sweethearts?

Andrew glanced at the takeout in his hand before asking, "Where are you?"

"Stellar Stage Entertainment."

"I'll come over."

"No need." Aubree was exhausted, rubbing her temples. "Really, Andrew. Don't bother."

She hadn't said much, but it felt like she'd said it all. After a pause, Andrew asked, "So, you're saying...

you don't want me a

swnovel

The words hit him like a punch, leaving him breathless. Aubree wasn't doing much better. She thought she'd moved past

expectations, but her nerves felt like

they were on fire.

She chuckled, but it soon turned into tears. It wasn't so much love for Andrew, but a reflex, a physical response.

Andrew sank slowly to the floor, his voice rough. "Aubree, you said you'd love me forever."

She had said that once, in her youthful bravado, thinking love could conquer all. Only after being hurt did she realize how naive she'd been.

She couldn't speak, as if her throat

was closed. She ended the call,

covering her face, her shoulders. shaking. Her agent, knowing her history with Andrew, stayed quiet.

After half an hour, Aubree finally said, "Just send the schedule to my phone. I need to rest."

"Aubree, let me drive you."

Considering her state, driving wasn't the best idea, so she nodded. "Thanks. I'd appreciate it."

As she left, she ran into Keiran. He'd just wrapped up a film and was enjoying some downtime.

Recognizing Aubree, he greeted her, then, in his usual tactless way, asked, "Been crying? Was lunch too spicy?"

Aubree forced a smile, noticing Chase, always by Keiran's side, and marveled at how Chase managed to keep up with him.