Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

As Andrew entered the room, he was immediately engulfed in Aubree’s essence. The drug–inducing calm he’d managed to wrestle into submission roared to life, his blood coursing with a fierce heat. He ripped off his jacket and shucked his shirt, making a beeline for the bathroom.

Aubree was on set, still engrossed in her role, oblivious to the fact that she’d left her phone behind.

The set was a whirlwind of activity; everyone was fueled by the buzz from yesterday’s headlines.

John was his usual stoic self, but it was clear he felt lighter today. In his downtime, he was deep–diving into the works of other directors, keen on honing his craft. This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Aubree was caught up in the fervor, and her spirits lifted.

As they wrapped up the morning’s scenes, John announced they were heading to Stellar Stage Entertainment for some location shots.

The script might tell a story of the everyman, but a few scenes demanded the backdrop of a bustling office building, and Stellar Stage Entertainment was just the ticket.

Aubree’s visit there would inevitably lead her to Brielle.

Brielle had rolled into work just after noon, still reeling from a night of indulgence with Max and feeling the after–effects. It wasn’t until sunlight flooded her room that she managed to rise.

The news had her seeing red, but Max, ever clumsy with words, simply assured her Andrew would regret his actions and urged her not to be upset.

Duties called, and they parted ways. Brielle longed for more time with Max, but with Stellar Stage Entertainment still settling from recent upheaval, she was needed to steady the ship.

Max had driven her in, stealing a few tender moments in the car before she staggered out on wobbly legs, only to stumble upon the film crew’s arrival.

Brielle tugged at her collar, trying to cover up, but it was too late – Aubree had seen everything.

Aubree had noticed the lovebites on Brielle before but was still puzzled. “Bri, has Mr. Dorsey never laid eyes on a woman before?”

Brielle, flushed and wide–eyed with kiss–bruised lips, was a sight that easily fueled gossip.

Aubree had always known Brielle was stunning, so seeing her like this elicited an involuntary tsk. “You might want to check yourself in the mirror.”

Brielle was embarrassed, knowing she couldn’t resist Max. She had simply closed her eyes as his face neared hers in the car, not bothering to wonder what Patrick in the front seat might think.

“You’re the boss now, Bri. Keep up appearances. John might come looking for you later. Let’s go to your office.”

Aubree led her to the private elevator that whisked them to the executive floor.

After freshening up, Brielle’s cheeks cooled down. She eyed Aubree, curious if the day’s news had affected

her.

“Bri, I’ve wrapped my scenes for today. Ricardo and the others are up next. I want to go somewhere.”

10:32

“Where to?”

“Radiant Light Church.”

Aubree’s eyelashes fluttered as she mentioned the church, and then she looked up with a smile. “Remember the wish you made for me? That me and Andrew would be tied together forever? You were so sweet to do it. You probably did hang that wish up there. I want to take it down now.”

Brielle’s heart ached at the request. “I’ll come with you.”

“No need. You must be swamped, especially with the company’s recent shake–up and having to quell the online storm about you. Have you seen today’s trending topics? Amelia is practically hiding at home. We may have won this battle, but you’re in the public eye now. You’ve got your hands full.”

“Aubree, I’ll come with you. If we leave now, we can be back by tomorrow. Besides, I hung the wish. I know exactly where it is. Without me, you’ll be searching through hundreds of wishes. Do you really want that?”

Aubree had indeed intended to search on her own. She turned away, her eyes brimming with tears. Brielle didn’t know how to comfort her, especially with the news of Andrew and Tessa’s impending wedding still fresh on TV and the media circling like vultures for details on the Clements family’s plans.

She wrapped her arms gently around Aubree. “You can cry now. I’m here for you. But once that wish is down, no more tears for him, okay?”

Hearing this, Aubree’s tears fell freely, and she clung to Brielle, sobbing without a sound.