Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Michael’s eyes crinkled with mirth, the very idea tickling him pink. The place was buzzing with energy, and since everyone from the inner circle was gathered, why not have Max pop next door and toast to the crowd? They could even hammer out the details of the wedding.

With the three major families witnessing the union, they’d be tied together, sailing on the same ship, so to speak.

A glint of amusement flashed through Alivia’s eyes. With Max’s memory a blank slate, Michael fanning the flames, and the festive atmosphere, the odds were in her favor that he’d

say yes. Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

After all, he had said before that he’d marry her if there were no other contenders for his heart. And now, wasn’t his heart free of any other shadows?

Hope sparkled in her eyes as she looked at Max.

Realizing perhaps he should consult Max first, Michael clapped him on the shoulder. “Max, what do you think? Spencer’s already locked down his date, and you being the elder, it wouldn’t make sense for him to beat you to the punch. I say you get engaged before him–Spencer’s set for next Friday; how about we pencil you in for next Monday? We’ve still got time to make an announcement.”

Spencer, sitting nearby, practically glowed with excitement. If Max and Alivia got engaged, Brielle would be out of the picture for good.

Alivia saw that the stage was set and spoke softly. “Max, what about getting engaged next Monday? If you’re not keen, we can pick another date. I won’t pressure you–I’ve waited all these years, and a little longer won’t make a difference.”

She let her deep affection show while letting Michael see just how much Max meant to her. With her stature and status, having waited all these years, there was no one more fitting for

Max in the world than her.

Her goal for the evening was to leverage Max’s amnesia to rush the engagement. This way, it would be too late to change anything, even if he regained his memories. Max was a man of his word. Having made a promise in front of so many, he wouldn’t back down or cause her any embarrassment.

Alivia smiled as Spencer chimed in. “Grandpa, you’re right. Uncle Max is my elder, so it’s only proper for him to get engaged before me. It wouldn’t sit right with me otherwise. Plus, we’ve all seen how Ms. Alivia feels about Uncle Max over the years. I reckon there’s no need to delay their engagement any further. That way, I can focus on my plans with Sophia.”

Michael’s excitement grew with each word. Max’s marriage had been his greatest concern over the years. If the two could finally settle down, his heaviest burden would be lifted.

With that, all eyes turned to Max, awaiting his response.

13:21

Max rubbed his temples, a look of quiet exasperation on his face, probably a headache brewing. Just as he was about to speak, the door to the private room swung open. Everyone expected members of the Barnes family to join, which would be perfect for exchanging toasts and fostering closer ties.

But it wasn’t a Barnes who entered–it was Brielle. Behind her stood Patrick, his face a mix of frustration and resignation, as if he tried to stop her but failed.

Brielle paused at the doorway, her gaze sweeping over each person in the room, finally resting on Max. Her voice was slow and resolute, “He won’t agree.”