Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)

"He should just keep being my moon in the sky, and that's fine."

Dustin stared at the message, his brows furrowed deeply. How much understanding does it take to say something like that? No resentment at all?

Her life had changed completely because of this child, and yet she felt no bitterness? Why blame him? It's not like it was his fault. Honestly, I allowed it to happen. If I'd said no from the start, he wouldn't have laid a finger on me. It was my own doing, caught up in the moment. Hating Dustin would be absurd. Dustin was at a loss for words.

The next day, Emma had prepared herself mentally for what lay ahead. As she pushed open the office door, she already had a plan on how to explain things to the company. Worst case, she'd have to give back the apartment and the money she'd earned. But maybe she could talk to Dustin, see if she could keep a million considering her dedication and hard work over the past few months. With that, she could buy a cozy house in town, invest in her mom's retirement, and find a job to raise her child in peace. Before she could say anything, she felt Dustin's complicated gaze on her as soon as she walked in. Was he pitying her? Confused, she hadn't even spoken yet.

"Mr. Lynch?"

Dustin rubbed his forehead, his tone softening. "So, what's your plan with the baby?"

Emma shared her thoughts, a bit worried he might not agree, especially about keeping some money for herself. "Mr. Lynch, I hope you can consider all my hard work."

Dustin's brows furrowed. He had never met anyone like Emma. She covered for the guy and asked for nothing, and even now, with her career on the line, she didn't complain.

"Emma, you're making millions a month. Have you thought about how different life will be later? Someday, when you argue with your child, you might bring this up. The child would have to bear that guilt and blame. Have you thought about their feelings?" Dustin was blunt. A child is a reflection of their parents. Constantly saying, "I gave up a lucrative career for you," can lead to resentment and depression.

Emma looked at him with resolve.

"Mr. Lynch, this is my choice. I

promise I'll never mention this to my

child. I understand what you're

saying, but once I'm back in my hometown, I'll forget all about Beaconsfield. I've already received so much. Maybe a million doesn't mean much to you, but not many people can save that in a lifetime. And besides, I'm still young."

Youth is about daring to make mistakes and giving oneself the chance to learn from them. Dustin found her stubborn, rubbing his forehead again. He couldn't suggest she terminate the pregnancy.

After a few moments of silence, he

sighed. "Do what you feel is right. If you're not feeling well, just stream occasionally. It's better than going back to town. I won't try to change

Emma's eyes lit up, disbelief written all over her face. Dustin stood up, grabbing his coat. "You took a cab here. Let me drive you home."

"Ah? Oh, okay, thank you, Mr. Lynch."

Emma was surprised at how agreeable Dustin was. No wonder he had so many ex-girlfriends who still got along with him. When he was gentle, it was truly heartwarming.

In his car, she settled into the passenger seat. Noticing she hadn't buckled up, Dustin leaned over. Emma startled, moving aside.

Seeing her reaction, Dustin chuckled. "Emma, what are you doing?"

His fingers hooked the seatbelt, leaning down to fasten it for her. Emma's heart raced, realizing she'd overreacted, and quickly tried to laugh it off. "Sorry, Mr. Lynch, I usually sit in the back and forgot the passenger seat needs a seatbelt. My mistake." Dustin held back a laugh, secured the seatbelt, and asked, "Where do you live?"

Emma gave him her address, and Dustin set the navigation. It was rush hour, and traffic was heavy. This was the first time Emma shared such close space with Dustin feeling nervous, her hands gripping the seatbelt tightly Dustin, noticing her tension, turned on some music. With the car no longer silent, Emma finally relaxed a bit.