Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)

Mason felt a sharp ache in his chest, echoing the turmoil Tiffanie was experiencing. It was like she was back on the day she ran away from home. The difference was, back then, she wanted to shut everyone out, but now, she was searching for herself. He quickly made his way over, first apologizing to the others, then gently taking her hand. "What's going on? Did something happen? Did someone hurt you?"

Tiffanie let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Just moments ago, her world was a foggy mess, but now, things started to clear up. She nestled her face into Mason's chest, taking a deep breath, feeling her strength trickling back. Mason wrapped his arms around her, softly patting her back. He didn't press her for answers, just waited until she was ready to look up. In the past, she would have never let him see what was on her phone. Everyone in love fears revealing their vulnerabilities.

But Mason had already seen her at rock bottom. He had watched her struggle and never once turned away. If she kept hiding now, their trip to see the Northern Lights would lose its meaning. As long as she believed that happiness with Mason was possible, they could face anything together.

"I got some texts," she said, handing over her phone-a huge step for someone fighting severe depression. Mason had never touched her phone before, so he knew how much this meant.

He took a deep breath, got her into the car, and checked the messages. His expression turned dark. "I've already called the police. Don't worry about it."

Tiffanie nodded, and Mason slipped her phone into his pocket instead of giving it back. "Stay off your phone for a few days. Trust me, I'll handle everything." She nodded again, her worries melting away, tears welling up in her eyes. "Mason, I trust you."

Hearing that, Mason felt a lump in his throat. He wasn't sure if he had really reached her heart, but her willingness to open up to him meant everything.

The police soon caught the man, who had been hiding among the

movers. As they took him away, he shot Tiffanie a venomous look. "You little rat, calling the cops! You and your mom are no different. Don't

think having a guy changes a thing.

You're all the same, ha!"

"Just thinking of Victoria begging for mercy cracks me up. What a stroke of luck, messing up a Dorsey girl and even having a kid with her. What a ride, ha!"

Mason didn't say a word, just covered Tiffanie's ears. She kept her face buried in his chest, blocking out the man's crazed rant.

Everyone in the Dorsey family knew Tiffanie's story; Victoria had been attacked and then married Everett, who became the child's stepfather. But Victoria couldn't bring herself to leave Everett. As long as she stayed, the Dorseys used their power to keep Everett close.

as a

Tiffanie clung tightly to Mason's shirt, her eyes filled with sadness. Mason sensed her pain and felt a deep connection with her at that moment. No one could easily accept having such a despicable mana father. It reminded him of the time he turned a corner to find Victoria furiously stabbing Everett. It was like the world had gone mad.