Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Kenzo was invited back to teach, and word was that his classes were all the rage online at Beaconsfield College. It was nearly impossible to snag a spot because everyone wanted to be there. "Are you guys done touring? Fancy grabbing a bite together?" Kenzo offered as he crossed paths with Brielle and Max.

Brielle and Max had indeed seen all there was to see, tasted the local flavors, and browsed the quaint shops. Returning to Beaconsfield College was like a warm embrace, a chance to momentarily forget the worries of the world outside. But Brielle knew she'd have to face reality again soon.

"We're all set. Let's roll out together," Brielle replied, linking arms with Max as the trio made their way down the path leading out of the campus.

The journey was punctuated with hellos from fellow students, all eager to greet Brielle and Kenzo. Brielle's alumni status was well-known, and Kenzo was a celebrity in his own right. He retained the title of Visiting Professor, ensuring he could step back into the lectern anytime his heart desired.

Kenzo's gentle smile greeted each student, and upon hearing Brielle ask, "Kenzo, are you speaking at the centennial celebration?" his own smile turned into a chuckle.

"Yep, got a special request from the dean," he replied, his lips barely revealing the amusement behind them.

Before Brielle could sing his praises, Kenzo added, "The dean found out we've stayed in touch and asked me to bring your speech too. Brielle, he still remembers your name."

Max interrupted just as Brielle was about to respond, "So, Kenzo, did you drive over?"

"Ah, my driver's waiting outside. Brielle, here's the draft of the speech. Feel free to tweak it," Kenzo offered, handing over the papers.

Brielle accepted them, a strange feeling bubbling inside her. Had she inadvertently ignored Max, causing him to feel left out? His interruption suggested as much.

With a polite "Thank you," she turned her attention back to Max as Kenzo nodded and departed down a side path.

Once Kenzo was out of sight, Brielle playfully fanned her face. "Did you catch a whiff of jealousy?" she teased Max, who simply gave her a nonchalant glance. Was he actually miffed?

The thought amused her. Why would Max be jealous of Kenzo?NôvelDrama.Org holds © this.

Catching up to Max, she slipped her arm through his. Max's expression softened as he joked, "I should've attended Beaconsfield College."

This way, he would've been able to join in on her and Kenzo's conversation.

"Mr. Dorsey, Beaconsfield College lost a great deal without you." When Brielle wanted to charm someone, she could really talk.

Max chuckled, and the hint of jealousy in his heart disappeared.

Suddenly, he pulled her aside, beneath the shadow of the academic building.

Here stood a grand plaque engraved with the names of distinguished students. The evening bells chimed signifying the end of a class, and the campus buzzed to life. Students meandered past them, debating where to grab a late-night snack.

Brielle found herself pinned between the wall and Max's embrace, her cheeks flushed with heat. His kiss was fierce sending waves of pleasure and a thrilling sense of secrecy through her. It was as they were sneaking around, two lovers defying the watchful eyes of the headmaster who might be patrolling nearby, ready to catch them in the act.

After what seemed like an eternity locked in the kiss, Brielle's strength waned, her legs turned to jelly, and she buried her head in Max's chest, trying to catch her breath. "Feeling better now, Brielle?" Max's voice was soothing, his hand gently patting her back.

Brielle could almost hear the musical notes in his voice that sent tingles down her spine.

Max felt her emotions these past two days. In that moment when she realized she had no family in this world, her sense of loss and pain, all fell into his eyes.

She had thought the visit to Beaconsfield College was just for the centennial celebration, but now it was clear: he wanted to give her a brief respite from her troubles.

Tears welled in Brielle's eyes as she nestled closer into his embrace. She once dreamt of a fairytale life where her parents didn't need to be wealthy but would treat her to a beautiful doll after payday or buy her a tutu on Children's Day.

The Haywood family never fulfilled that dream, and the Kingstons didn't bother to try. Her childhood fantasy lay buried in the dust of time, vanished amidst the years.