Master of his heart (Max and Brielle) novel Chapter 1541

His voice was laid-back as he turned to face her. "Aubree, if being with someone always leaves you second-guessing yourself, then it’s time to make the tough call and walk away. I’ve never been in love, but I reckon a good relationship should lift you up, not drag you down. It should make you feel like life has meaning every time you think of them. Life’s too long to waste it on the wrong person. Liking him for over a decade doesn’t mean you have to spend the rest of your life stuck in that mistake. There's a saying, right? Cut your losses.”

Aubree was left speechless. Despite his young age, Matthew had a knack for making things sound so clear. It felt like all her extra years amounted to nothing.

Matthew leaned in closer, locking eyes with her before gently moving in for a kiss. His lips met hers softly. He was young, but he'd seen more of the world than most. His eyes always had a clarity that made you want to let your guard down.

Aubree melted back into her chair, letting the kiss deepen, but he pulled away after a minute to ask, “Does it make you feel gross?”

She shook her head. If she had found his kiss off-putting, she would’ve turned him down that night.

Matthew grinned, a twinkle in his eye. “As long as you’re not grossed out, that’s what counts. You’ve got to be a little selfish sometimes. What makes you happy is what matters. And let’s be honest, I’m not bad to look at, come from a good family, got the height, and you’ve checked out my build. Plenty of wealthy folks would love a fling with someone like me. You’re getting a good deal.”

With that, he leaned back. “Aubree, you’re single. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for who you choose to be with. If you’re always worried about that, isn’t life just tiring? Besides, when you were with Andrew, didn’t he have a fiancée? Why should the Clements family hold you to such high standards? Andrew’s the one at fault. He had a fiancée but still strung you along.”

Aubree didn’t want to dig up the past, so she opened the car door to leave.

Matthew added, “Besides, wasn’t your dad the one who died saving someone? They owe you a debt.”

Aubree froze, rendered silent.

Matthew’s tone stayed casual. “The Clements family owes you, not the other way around.”