Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Feeling completely at ease, Brielle took the lunchbox from Annie’s hands.

“Thanks, you’re a lifesaver.”

Annie nodded at her and handed over some documents to Max. “These are the files for the upcoming meeting.”

Max grabbed the documents and noticed Brielle holding the lunchbox. He stood up, stepped past Annie, and took the lunchbox from her. “Is it heavy?”

Brielle felt a sweet thrill of satisfaction as the corners of her mouth turned up in a smile. “You go ahead and have your meeting, and I’ll set this up.”

Annie stood beside them, her gaze shifting back and forth in confusion. She was genuinely puzzled. Why had these two suddenly made up?

After delivering the files, she had no reason to stay, so she tactfully made her exit. As she stepped outside Pearl Estate, her mind was still trying to unravel the mystery. She was so lost in thought that she nearly tripped over her own feet.

Why were they so fickle? Weren’t they at odds just yesterday? Relationships were far too complex, she mused. It seemed she had a lot more to learn.

Upstairs, Brielle laid out the lunchbox contents

closed his laptop to join her.

–

a hearty chicken soup and her favorite side dishes. Her smile deepened. Max casually

“Aren’t you supposed to be in a meeting?”

“The meeting isn’t for another half–hour.”

ཅ ཥ ཥ ༢༠ ་

As Brielle ladled soup into his bowl, she couldn’t resist teasing, “Someone said I was Annie’s stand–in.” She locked eyes with Max, searching for any flicker of emotion.

Max’s face was unreadable as he responded, “Stand–in for what?” He seemed genuinely clueless as if he had no idea what a stand–in

was.

Brielle let out a half–laugh, half–sigh. “Don’t you think I resemble her?”

“Not at all. You’re my girlfriend, and she’s my professor’s goddaughter. Once she finishes her PhD, she’ll

be

moving on.

Brielle exhaled a sigh of relief. So what was all that jealousy about these past few days? She decided not to bring up the scarf incident, recalling her words from the night before about them both losing something important. They were even now. There was no point in holding grudges. Besides, that rosary seemed far more precious than any scarf.

As long as she wasn’t a stand–in, everything else could be sorted out.

Her mood lifted, but her eyes couldn’t help welling up. These past few days had been tough.

Just as she was about to lean in for a kiss, the television news caught her attention. “The couple’s wedding will take place tomorrow morning at eleven at the church. Previously released photos of the couple in wedding attire…”

The screen showed Andrew and Tessa in their wedding finery, Andrew with his arm around Tessa, who looked adoringly into his eyes.

Brielle’s good morning was thoroughly spoiled. Andrew and Tessa’s wedding was tomorrow. How could she have forgotten something so important? She didn’t turn off the TV but instead listened to the details.

Tessa was also listening to the news, coughing slightly before wrapping her arms around Andrew’s waist. “Andrew, I swear I didn’t leak anything to the media. It must have been the paparazzi yesterday when we were trying on the wedding dress. I’m so sorry.”

Andrew’s expression darkened. Ever since their night out at Tequila Sunset, Tessa had been running into Aubree, his mood had soured, and he had rejected her advances.

eager to get physically closer, but after

He had discussed having a low–key, private ceremony with Tessa, just with close friends in attendance. Tessa had cried a bit but eventually agreed. Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

Andrew had felt a twinge of guilt. What woman didn’t dream of a grand wedding? But now, the media had released false information about them having a lavish ceremony at the grandest church in Beaconsfield.

Tessa looked up at Andrew with pleading eyes, “Don’t you believe me?”

It wasn’t that Andrew didn’t trust her, but the photographer for their wedding was someone he trusted completely. There was no chance the photos would have leaked from there, especially since the shoot had taken place at a private estate, far from any prying paparazzi.

Who else could it be if not Tessa hefself?