Master of his heart (Max and Brielle) novel Chapter 1556

Andrew stood his ground, refusing to budge, especially with Julia lingering around like an unwanted shadow. "Mr. Clements, not heading out?" she nudged.

Andrew's eyes narrowed. "Aubree, I've got nothing to do with this woman. I ran into her by sheer chance tonight. She's got the nerve of a telemarketer, just won't let go."

Frustrated, he signaled his bodyguard to usher Julia away.

Finally, with that face out of sight, Aubree breathed a sigh of relief and pushed open a nearby door. Andrew, wary of overstepping, took his place by the door like a sentry.

Feeling a pang of guilt because Andrew was, after all, a friend, Ricardo wolfed down his meal. What was supposed to be a leisurely hour-long dinner took him just ten minutes.

"Aubree, I'm all set," he said.

Understanding his intentions, Aubree didn't press him. "All done? Let's get going, then."

"Aubree, maybe take some food to-go. You haven't eaten, and we don't want your stomach acting up again."

To be honest, Aubree wasn't hungry at all. Her eyes kept drifting to Andrew, who stood resolute by the door, looking a bit lost.

As they prepared to leave, Andrew trailed behind quietly.

Aubree finally found the courage to speak, "Andrew, I've decided to be with Matthew."

An audible silence followed, heavy and still.

Andrew flinched, his fingers clenching into a tight fist before slowly loosening.

Aubree bit her lip, avoiding his gaze. "I'm sorry, but I think it's time to move on. Life's pretty good for me right now."

Her words suggested that life would be even better without him, a cutting blow straight to Andrew's heart.

Speechless, all he wanted was a cigarette to soothe the itch in his throat.