Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

Emma couldn't shake off the nagging thoughts as she drove away. That woman's text, coupled with Dustin's casual remark about bedmates, played on repeat in her mind. It made her lips curl into a bitter smile. She'd let herself fall for him-his kindness, his gentle ways.

So, the heartache she felt now? Well, she couldn't say she didn't see it coming.

The reality hit her like a cold slap in the face, waking her up from a dream she'd been weaving herself into. She shut her eyes for a moment, choosing not to storm inside, not to confront anyone. Instead, she headed back to Dustin's place, gathered the nannies and her two kids, and moved them to the villa she'd leased across the street.

Peyton, who had been there alone recently, looked up in surprise when Emma walked in. "Emma, you're back already?" she asked, her eyebrows arching in curiosity.

Emma had been biting back her feelings, but the familiar comfort of her mother's voice broke her defenses, and tears started to spill over. Peyton, immediately concerned, rushed to check on the little ones, who were thankfully still snoozing peacefully. "What's wrong, sweetheart?" she asked, her voice a mix of worry and confusion.

The nannies stood by, just as puzzled as Peyton. Emma quickly swiped at her cheeks and pointed upstairs. "The first room on the left is all set up for the kids. You're all going to stay here from now on. I'll cover your salaries," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. Hiring three highly-skilled nannies wasn't cheap-twenty grand a month each, and that didn't even include rent. Emma felt the pinch of financial strain creeping up on her.

"Mom, my scars are healed, and I'm jumping back into streaming tonight," she stated, trying to muster some enthusiasm.

Peyton simply nodded, standing by her daughter's decision without question. "Emma, did you have a rough time at Dustin's?" she finally asked, her voice gentle but probing. Emma's eyes glistened with fresh tears. "No, it's... I was just too hopeful," she confessed quietly.

Peyton didn't push further, just offered a comforting pat on Emma's shoulder. Her love needed no words.

Later, when Dustin came home to find only the hired help and an empty house, he felt a pang of unease. He put the groceries away and immediately called Emma.

"Mr. Lynch," Emma's voice came through the line, formal and distant, catching Dustin off guard.

"You've always used my first name. Why the change?" he thought, puzzled by the shift. "Emma, where did you go?" he asked, trying to keep his tone light.

"I've moved back to the villa across the street with the nannies. I need to start streaming again tonight. It doesn't sit right, staying at your place," she replied, her tone polite but firm.

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"Is everything okay?" Dustin pressed, his concern genuine.

"Yeah, just... I've been a burden, Mr. Lynch, and I need to stop. My mom's here, and she can handle things. She's been lonely," Emma said, a hint of regret in her voice.

Dustin felt like he was being pushed away. "Could your mom maybe make an extra plate for me?" he asked, trying to hold onto some connection.

"Mr. Lynch, you know how she

is-nervous around you, especially after she's tasted your cooking. She feels her food isn't up to par. If you came over, it would just stress her out more, and she's still healing. I don't want that," Emma explained, her voice weighed down by unspoken sentiments.

Silence lingered between them, and sensing nothing more needed to be said, Emma hung up. She turned to the mirror, picking up her makeup brush.

She couldn't believe she'd put her

career on hold because of the kids. She knew tonight's stream would bring criticism, but she was ready to face it. She had let her fans down, failed to meet their expectations.

As she applied her makeup, tears mingled with the foundation, and she paused to dab them away before continuing.