Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

"My injuries are almost healed, no need to worry."

Brielle's lips curled into a soft smile as she decided to take it easy, just like Max had suggested.

"Little Cricket, have you washed your face?"

Isaac had already washed up, like he did every morning before coming downstairs. But hearing her question, his mouth moved faster than his brain. "No."

Brielle quickly set aside the vegetables she was chopping, grabbed a paper towel to wipe her hands, and walked over to take his hand.

"Alright then, let's go wash your face."

There was a washbasin on the first floor, and she took a clean cloth, motioning for him to bow his head.

Isaac's cheeks turned crimson instantly, his ears burning.

Brielle poured some water on his cheeks and gently rubbed them. A child's skin is delicate, no need for any fancy face washes, just water will do. After washing, she patted his face dry with the cloth.

Isaac's ears turned an even brighter shade of red, too shy to look at her.

Brielle leaned in, "Why's your face so red?"

Isaac stuttered even more.

"Just... hot."

Brielle chuckled, ruffling his hair.

"Alright, off you go."

She turned to rinse the cloth under the tap, wringing it out before setting it aside.

Isaac stood there, watching her back, feeling warmth bloom in his chest.

He slowly walked away, a smile forming on his lips.

At that moment, King was coming down the stairs. Mostly unemployed now except for the occasional online meeting, he spent most of his time at Premier Palace. Isaac usually wore a blank expression, but today, he visibly looked happier.

"Little Cricket, what's got you so happy today?"

Hearing King's voice, Isaac quickly tried to hide his smile.

King approached and scooped him into a hug.

"Come on, share what's making you so happy."

Isaac turned his head away, clearly not planning to share.

King chuckled lightly, glancing towards the kitchen and spotting Brielle. He quickly set Isaac down.

"Brielle."

He called out, striding towards the kitchen.

"You shouldn't be cooking with your injury not fully healed."

Brielle was still chopping, but he had already taken the knife from her.

"Brielle, you go sit down; I've got this."

Hearing this, Brielle couldn't help but laugh. Last time King attempted to cook, the broccoli ended up in the trash.

At the doorway, Isaac, hearing King

was goin

to cook, was already

planning to sneak a slice of bread

swer.

from the fridge to stave off

"King, really, I'm fine."

"But still, you need to rest."

Unable to argue with him and feeling a bit touched, Brielle gave in.

Meanwhile, Isaac, seeing both of them leave the kitchen, also abandoned the idea of getting bread.

King, noticing his action, narrowed his eyes.

"Little Cricket, what were you about to do just now?"

Isaac, quick on his feet, grabbed some milk from the fridge as if that was his intention all along.

He poured a glass and handed it to Brielle.

But King intervened, "Cold milk in the morning can hurt your stomach."

Brielle quickly stood up, "I'll warm it up."

And so, the matter of the bread was subtly avoided.

King sat on the sofa, feeling a bit uneasy since he suspected what Max might have told Brielle the night before.

He was nervous, and Brielle acting as if everything was normal only added to his unease.

After breakfast, Isaac went to play with Noir, and King took the moment to apologize to Brielle.

"I'm sorry for keeping secrets. The

therapist mentioned it's better foret

your

avoid

s to return gradually to

stress."

Brielle didn't blame him, rather blaming herself for not suspecting sooner.

"It's not your fault, King. I share the blame."

King lit up at her words, though he barely dared to meet her gaze.novelbin

"So, do you like Little Cricket?"

"Of course, I've always hoped he could be my child. It's just, now I'm unsure how to connect with him."

For a mother, this was a hard admission.

Despite Isaac's age, she had never cared for him directly.

No wonder Isaac seemed distant.

Outside, Isaac, after playing with Noir, noticed his friend wasn't as lively as before.

When Noir curled up in pain, Isaac's face went pale, and he rushed inside.

"Brielle."

"Brielle."

He called out twice, pulling her hand towards the door.

"Noir's sick."

Isaac's fingertips trembled, his face a mix of fear and concern.

Noir was his best friend; he couldn't bear anything happening to him.

Brielle approached and,

remembering Noir's swollen belly

said, "Let's get a vet to check on him. Little Cricket, don't worry, it might just be a pregnancy."