Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

The news that Martha was on her deathbed cast a shadow over the Dorsey household. Gloom filled the air as family members flocked to the hospice where she lay fading.

Michael tasked Max with the solemn job of selecting a headstone for Martha. It was his way of driving the point home: Your mother is dying because of Brielle. Brielle has left you, and it's time to let go of her. The failed romance had cost Martha her life. Did Michael ever love Martha? Impossible to imagine. Love was a foreign concept to the Dorsey men. He had chosen her for her youth, her compliance, and for giving him a son like Max.

Max had been a quiet child, a source of frustration and even disdain for Michael, who feared his son might be simple-minded or mute. But Martha, through some miracle or method, had awakened a remarkable talent in the boy. All those pricey sessions with child psychologists and psychiatrists hadn't been for nothing.

Michael was interested in results, not the pain Max might suffer along the way. All they needed was a worthy heir.

So, with Martha's imminent demise, Michael's presence was less about concern and more about keeping up appearances.

Among the gathering Dorseys, Alivia stood out, her eyes swollen with tears that held a glint of joy.

The doctor emerged from the ICU, removing his mask. "Ms. Martha wishes to see Ms. Alivia one last time."

Surprised, Alivia had thought Martha's final moments would be reserved for Max, especially given the lengths she had gone to control his life. With everyone around, Alivia's tears managed to spill as she entered the room alone.

Martha was a shadow of herself, ravaged by illicit medication and a burdening secret.This text is © NôvelDrama/.Org.

Once the door shut, Alivia's hidden smirk emerged. Martha was a dead woman anyway. There was no need for pleasantries now.

"Martha," she called out.

Martha's weary eyes opened, having endured agony since leaving the emergency room. But for Alivia's happiness, she'd sacrifice anything. "Alivia," she whispered, beckoning her closer with a weak hand.

Alivia impatiently leaned in. Last words were such an inconvenience. "What is it, Martha?"

"You must be happy with Max. He will protect you," Martha managed to say.

Alivia's eyes danced with unspoken laughter, "Of course, Martha. After all you've done, I will be."

Contentment flickered across Martha's face as she tried to caress Alivia's head, her limbs too weak to complete the gesture.

Alivia was growing restless. Stooping beside a dying woman felt unlucky.

"Alivia, you are actually my daughter," Martha confessed.

Alivia's world spun, and her heart hammered. Had she misheard?

Martha's life was slipping away, her final words spilling out without consciousness. "Marry Max. He will keep you safe. He is..." Martha's words trailed off as her eyes closed for the last time.

Shock filled Alivia's eyes, and her heart began to race.

What did this mean?

Martha claimed to be her mother, and that everything she had done was for her daughter's happiness. If Max was not a part of the Dorsey. family, then how could Martha ensure that he would protect Alivia for a lifetime?

Perhaps Martha knew who Max truly was.

Alivia's thoughts were in chaos, her lips tightly pressed as she stared at the person before her who had just passed away. She slowly straightened her back, and her hand hanging at her side clenched slightly.

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It was all so confusing. If Martha really was her mother, then Alivia could understand why this woman had been so kind to her. In the Dorsey family, daughters were mostly considered useless, unable to help Martha secure her position or outlive Michael's other wife. So after giving birth to a daughter, she sent her to her best friend, who became Alivia's mother.

As for Max, no one knew how Martha had managed to orchestrate the switch, but it seemed that Martha had put in a lot of effort.

Hiding the turmoil in her eyes, Alivia rubbed them to make it look like she was crying, and then she reached out to open the door of the intensive care unit. "Martha has passed away."