Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

He was desperate for another child with her-so much so that it even filled his dreams. Before they set off, he'd grilled the doctor multiple times to make sure her health was top-notch. He figured their honeymoon was the perfect opportunity to try a bit harder, charming her

into the idea more often. But Brielle, being as meticulous as she was, left him no room for maneuver.

If it were King, he might have resorted to sneaky tactics, like poking holes in the condom. But Max could never bring himself to do something like that. Midway through his cigarette, a thought caught him off guard. If King was truly gone, why was he feeling this way? If they had really become one, shouldn't he be the one considering such underhandedness?

He frowned, putting out his cigarette in the ashtray and feeling an unexpected wave of irritation. On his way back to the room, he took a pit stop in the bathroom, scrubbing the smoke smell off himself with care. As soon as he saw her curled up on the bed, his heart melted. Climbing in beside her, he gently pulled her into his arms.

Brielle snuggled closer, finding a comfy spot against him, her voice soft and dreamy. "Mmm, Max, why aren't you asleep yet?" He was about to answer but noticed her eyes were tightly shut-she was talking in her sleep. He chuckled softly, tracing his fingertip along the bridge of her nose.

When Brielle woke up, the first thing she did was reach for her swimsuit from the night before. She'd picked it out carefully in Beaconsfield, and it was particularly alluring. But spotting the torn remains on the floor reminded her that Max, in his eagerness, had ripped it apart. It was her favorite, and she felt a pang of loss. She dug around in her suitcase and pulled out a pink swimsuit instead.

Max walked in just as she slipped into the pink one, and his eyes widened at the sight. It looked even better than the last one, highlighting her porcelain skin. He could already imagine the stares from other men if she wore it out. His mood darkened instantly. Oblivious, Brielle was searching through her jewelry box for a necklace to match. She finally settled on a pink gemstone necklace, adding an anklet that glimmered with every step. Max's gaze followed her every move, especially when she fastened the anklet, his brow furrowing.

""Take it off."

Brielle paused, finally noticing him. She stood up and gave a little twirl. "Doesn't it look good?"

Ever since everything in Beaconsfield wrapped up, she had been in a state of bliss, practically glowing. Her hair was tied back in a simple low ponytail, her radiant face could make anyone she met want to snap a photo. And with her current outfit... "Change it."

His voice was calm but firm. He mentally ran through her wardrobe but remembered she'd mostly- packed swimsuits for the beach. Feeling the pressure, he called

Patrick right away.

"Book us a ski resort. Brielle and I are heading there tonight."

Brielle looked surprised, then let out an amused sigh. "Weren't we planning to stay here for a month? Max, why the sudden switch to skiing?"

Max grabbed a blanket and wrapped it snugly around her. "Didn't you say you wanted to ski?"

"Well, yes, but not right now. This messes up our plans."

"If you really want to enjoy the island vibe later 'll buy an island. We'll take little Zhi Liao and Noir with us. It get Patrick to look into it, so we can avoid any unwanted attention."

Finally catching on, Brielle playfully sniffed the air. "Does it smell sour in here? Did someone spill some vinegar?"

Max didn't think he was in the wrong

.n

and planted a kiss on her cheek. I'm already working on finding a

beautiful island for a family vacation, just the three of us, with nonoveldrama

interruptions."

Watching him start packing for skiing, Brielle felt a sense of resignation but couldn't help smiling. What could she do? After all, he was her man. "You know, I never realized just how jealous you could get."