Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)

Spring had finally painted the countryside in vibrant colors, filling the air with the sweet songs of birds and the fragrance of blossoms. Emma held Peyton's urn tightly to her chest, wishing she could join him in the afterlife and reunite their little family of three. She spent the entire night sitting on a rock, waiting for the first light of dawn. With the urn in her arms, she prepared to continue her journey just as the village bus slowly rolled into view. The driver spotted her immediately and rolled down the window. "Hey, isn't that Emma? What brings you back here?" he called out.

The bus was packed with villagers heading to town for errands, their curiosity piqued.

Emma gave them a tired smile. "Just some personal business to take care of."

"Your mom was bragging recently, saying you bought a house in Beaconsfield, even a villa!" one of the women chimed in, making everyone lean out to catch a glimpse of Emma's seemingly charmed life.

"Yeah, we were lucky," Emma replied, "But there are things I need to handle back here."

"Wow, what kind of business got you rich so fast? Don't forget us if there's a secret!" another voice piped up.

"We'll see," Emma said, waving as the bus moved on, leaving behind a trail of gossip.

"Do you think Emma's story is true?"

"She does seem different."

"Yeah, there's something new about her." "Emma's never been one to brag."

Their voices faded, a blend of envy and admiration, as Emma continued her walk, After more than an hour, she finally reached her home or what used to be her home. It was now just a flat piece of land.

Remembering that they sold the land to move to town, she realized there was nothing left, not even the old well. The place was completely cleared, likely for new development. Standing there, Emma felt a mix of bitterness and sadness.

She decided to head to the hill where

she used to gather herbs and buried Peyton's urn at the very top. Exhausted and dizzy from the long walk and lack of food, she nibbled

on some herbs and sat down taking

in the lush view below.

Meanwhile, Dustin arrived at Emma's villa in Beaconsfield, his arms full of groceries, only to find Emma missing and the nannies struggling to calm Jaime and Heather, who were crying non-stop. He took the kids in his arms, asking, "Is Emma still sleeping?"

"Ms. Emma left yesterday," a nanny replied.

Dustin's heart sank as he called Emma's phone.

Emma, sitting atop the hill, felt like she was in a world far removed from Dustin's.

vel

Maybe they were always meant to be in different worlds. Her life could have quietly continued in this secluded valley. Her father had. dreamed of a better life in Beaconsfield but died there. Now her mother was gone too.

She didn't want to go back to Beaconsfield, not wanting to lose more of her family to it.

"Dustin, I'm sorry. Could you speak to Stellar Stage Entertainment for me? I think I belong here, picking herbs. I've brought my mom back; the kids can stay with you."

Dustin was at a loss for words, panic tightening in his throat as the kids cried, as if they knew their mother was leaving them.

But Emma wasn't abandoning them; life had abandoned her first.