Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

It was like an unspoken whisper in the air told her that if she turned him down, he'd fall apart, consumed by anxiety and fragility.

So, even though Brielle knew he was putting on a show, she nodded. "Alright, let's go home."

As King let Brielle lead him towards the car, he felt like he was dreaming. Seriously? She actually agreed? No scolding, no sarcasm, just a simple "yes" to leaving with him.

Sitting on the car's plush seat, he still felt a bit dazed. Maybe it was because their past interactions had always been so strained, never once seeing a smile on her face. When she finally showed a hint of compromise, he didn't feel joy but shock, increasingly worried this newfound peace would vanish.

He wished time could just freeze at this moment. He wanted nothing more than to stay in this car forever.

The ride back was silent. Each lost in their thoughts, not pestering each other like before, simply wondering why she suddenly seemed to care.

Pulling up in front of the mansion, King remembered he was supposed to be sick, so he dramatically clutched his stomach. But Brielle just glanced at him and knew this fool was faking it.

"Brielle, it hurts here, help me out," he groaned from his seat, tasting the sweetness of pretending to be sick and pushing his luck even further.

Part of Brielle wanted to slap him, yet she couldn't ignore the dull ache in her chest. It was as if all his cautious actions, his shadows, were somehow her fault. Was it because of Max's face? Knowing his inner turmoil, she couldn't bear to be harsh.

She walked over, helped him up, and subtly moved his hand to his stomach to avoid further embarrassment in front of others. King, ever so clueless, didn't notice her gesture.noveldrama

As they entered the mansion, Kailee was there, tirelessly counseling Isaac, who remained utterly unfazed, especially after witnessing her scolding someone earlier, mentally crossing her off his list.

Kailee, oblivious to her figurative

death sentence, was startled to see

King being supported by Brielle and

rushed over, intending to push Brielle away. But King, seeing Kailee, remembered his prior request for her to look after Isaac. Now, feeling closer to Brielle, he wanted no interruptions, making Kailee an unwelcome presence.

"You can go back now, I'll call you when I need you," he dismissed her. Kailee paused, glaring at Brielle.

Brielle tried to withdraw her hand,

Vl

but at that moment, King complained of pain again, forcing her to resume her support. Kailee watched the couple pass, her resolve to win over Isaac solidifying. She hinted at Isaac to stop this "temptress," but Isaac, having had enough of her endless babble, which reminded him of a monk's chant, was unmoved.

Kailee mistook Isaac's approach for solidarity, feeling victorious that despite Brielle winning King, she hadn't captured Isaac's heart. In this mansion, Isaac's approval was the ultimate prize. Isaac led her to the door, and just as Kailee basked in her perceived victory, the door closed in front of her. The words that followed were as cold as the door slamming shut. "Kailee, see you next time."

With the door shut, Kailee felt the pieces of her heart scatter. Inside, with Kailee's departure bringing ĕ peace, Isaac faced the dilemma of dealing with Brielle, intertwined with his father. He knew he had to strategize carefully.