Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Alivia stood in the silent room, her heart oddly calm as she processed everything that had transpired. From the moment Martha had declared her willingness to trade her life for Alivia's union with Max, Alivia had internally prepared herself. She had asked herself countless times if she would accept such an offer once it was presented.

The truth was, Alivia was more than willing. In her eyes, any sacrifice made for her relationship with Max was a sacrifice worth making.

Martha had drifted into sleep, and Alivia rose from her bedside, stepping out into the corridor. She peeled off her protective gear and handed it to a nearby nurse with a nonchalant air as if she hadn't just been contemplating the gravity of life and death.

All eyes from the Dorsey family turned to her, a mix of concern and curiosity in their gazes. But Alivia wasn't shaken. She might as well have been discussing the weather when she said, "Martha only had a few things to say about me and Max. Don't worry. She's feeling quite content now."

She turned to Max, who stood silent, his stoic demeanor unbroken, while the others let out sighs of relief.

Victoria hesitantly approached the attending doctor. "How long does she need to stay in the ICU?"

"At most three days. We're not sure what might happen, so please be prepared for any outcome," the doctor responded cautiously.

Victoria nodded, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. Despite her strained relationship with Martha, Martha was still Victoria's mother, and concern was inevitable. Martha had lavished all her affection and attention on her son, Max, leaving Victoria to linger in the shadows.

As the daughter of a family that valued sons, Victoria's longing for attention had never been satisfied by her father, Michael. The Dorsey name provided her with a prestigious status and wealth but not the emotional fulfillment she craved. This emotional void made her cling to Everett when he appeared in her life as if he could make up for all she had lacked.

Her obsession with the relationship had caused both her and Everett years of anguish.

Michael massaged his temples, his gaze locking onto Max. "Max, what are you going to do about this situation?"

The implication was clear-it was time for Max to make a choice.

Max's lips tightened as he looked away. "I will ensure that whoever harmed my mother will face consequences."

Michael let out a mirthless chuckle. "When James pushed Martha, Brielle was right there and did nothing to stop it. Can you really be at peace being with her?"

His words cut deep. When it came to speaking his mind, Michael was always the sharpest knife in the drawer.

He added with a sneer, "I've said it before: Brielle's intentions with you aren't pure. You two aren't suitable for each other, but you wouldn't listen."

Michael, leaning on his cane, made his way out. The rest of the Dorsey family followed, leaving only Victoria and Alivia behind.

Victoria reached out, intending to touch Max's shoulder, but remembering his slight aversion to physical contact, she thought better of it. "Max, Mother really despises Brieffe, and honestly, I have to ask, does it have to be her?"

"Did you have to be with Everett?" Max shot back, his tone icy.

Victoria's face stiffened with a mix of anger and embarrassment.

Alivia quickly stepped in to smooth things over. "Victoria, let's not do this now. Max isn't in the best state of mind, either. Let's give each other some space."From NôvelDrama.Org.

Victoria grabbed Alivia's hand, her

heels clicking on the floor as she leaned in. "Alivia, I genuinely like you. I didn't hate Brielle before. I only wanted Max to be happy. But now, I can't help but think that if you were with him, our family wouldn't be in such disarray. Max has always been so untouchable, but because of Brielle, he's become the talk of the town. I get furious just looking at the messages in our social circles."

Reputation was paramount in their world. Max used to be admired and almost worshipped, but now, his name conjured up images of Brielle and her less-than-ideal family background. It was as if she had pulled him down from the clouds. "Let's just give Max some time to himself," Alivia said gently, escorting Victoria to the exit of the rehabilitation center.

Victoria sighed deeply, her private

thoughts slipping out. "Sometimes, I selfishly wish Brielle didn't exist. You and Max were meant to be, but she's wedged herself between you and turned our family upside down. Any fondness I had for her has vanished."

"Victoria, let's address this after everything has settled down," Alivia urged.

"You always know just what to say, Alivia." Victoria patted Alivia's hand and then slipped into her car.

Everyone was waiting for an outcome from the ICU, but Alivia knew the result ahead of them all. In a month, Martha would be gone.

Her lips curved into a faint smile as she made her way back into the center, the wheels of fate silently turning in the quiet of her heart.