Master of his heart (Max and Brielle) novel Chapter 1579

Whenever news about her came up, his emotions would go haywire, and he'd have to find a quiet corner to collect himself. It hit him hard then—pretending to love someone was just as tough as pretending not to.

He washed his face over and over, as if trying to scrub away his turmoil. Only when he was sure he looked perfectly normal did he step out of the bathroom.

It had been half a year since Aubree snagged the Oscar. She and Matthew were always showing off their love on Twitter. Even Casey's account was flooded with their posts, and people couldn't help but wonder why he didn't say anything against it. But Casey never addressed it publicly, sticking to his usual way of doing things.

Andrew had stopped wishing for their breakup, knowing full well Aubree wouldn’t come back to him even if she was single. That realization cut deep.

With a cigarette between his fingers, he stood alone in the hallway, feeling a profound loneliness amidst the nearby bustle, like he was hanging by a thread.

Everyone thought he was back to his old self. But only he knew he was just a shell, going through the motions.

Hearing some commotion from the hall, he made his way over and saw Aubree, glowing as always. Her hair was elegantly pinned up, showing off her neck, with Matthew—still boyishly charming—by her side. Whatever she whispered made Matthew laugh, and her laughter followed, lighting up the room.

People teased, "You two are so sweet together," and "When’s the engagement?" Matthew was too young for marriage, so an engagement was the next step.

Neither Aubree nor Matthew noticed Andrew watching. Aubree, seven years older but looking carefree, stayed close to Matthew. Her cheeks flushed with a girlish shyness, and she'd playfully scold him.

Matthew whispered something sweet, and Aubree playfully stomped on his foot, making him yelp in exaggerated pain and lean on her shoulder. They were in their own happy little world.

Andrew couldn’t keep up his facade any longer. His composure shattered, he retreated back into the shadows of the corridor. Once, he’d dreamt of being the one by her side, the perfect couple. But now, she was with someone else, and he couldn’t even muster the courage to step forward.