Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

After breakfast, Brielle took a quick look at the news and noticed several of Dustin's ex-girlfriends had posted birthday wishes for him on social media. They used various languages and sprinkled hearts all over their messages. Since many of his exes were celebrities with

massive followings, Dustin's birthday quickly became a trending topic.

Just then, Brielle's grandma called, inviting her on a shopping trip. Although her health was slowly improving, she wasn't quite up for a full day at the mall. Brielle was about to suggest more rest when her grandma said, "Sweetheart, it's been tough these past few years. I thought it'd be nice to pick out a special gift. It's been ages since I've treated my grandkids to something from the mall."

Desiree had been bedridden for too long and Brielle couldn't bring herself to say no after hearing that. As she got ready to leave, King, always her loyal shadow, naturally joined her. Desiree's face lit up when she saw him. He made no secret of his fondness for the black ring she'd given him, even wearing it to bed. "This kid, how can you not adore him?" she said, her eyes nearly disappearing into her smile.

Standing nearby, Brielle found herself agreeing. The older generation often feels a need to contribute, especially in a family like the Lynches where the younger members lack for nothing. King's recent praise for Desiree's soup-a veritable rainbow of compliments-had thoroughly charmed her. Seeing him cherish the ring she gave him to the point of wearing it to sleep filled her with a deep sense of appreciation and love.

King had a knack for winning over the elderly, who tend to have a soft spot for such affectionate characters. Desiree stood between Brielle and King, smiling wider than she had in years, as they approached a men's watch counter. Ignoring the flashy, diamond-encrusted options, she focused on a meticulously detailed skeleton watch, valuing craftsmanship over price.

Watching Desiree and Brielle

deliberate over which watch to pick for Dustin, King felt a pang of envy. He couldn't recall anyone ever taking such care in selecting a gift for him. He had once hinted at wanting a birthday gift, but he had never celebrated his birthdate with anyone before.

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Except for Brielle. He had shared his birthday with her on the very day, following a tumultuous night that had left her silent at the breakfast table. King hadn't realized then the pain he might have inflicted, having briefly learned about such matters during a short stint at a bar where he asked a passerby how to ensure a woman doesn't cry during such encounters.

The man had laughed mockingly but, intimidated by King's imposing demeanor, had told him the harsh truth. Most men aimed to make a woman cry in bed, taking it as a sign of pleasure. This baffling logic had stuck with King as a twisted form of wisdom.

That night, as King stood in the corridor hearing other men boast about their intentions, he doubted whether Brielle's distress was indeed a sign of affection. The misguided advice from the bar had somehow stuck with him.

So, when Brielle ended up in tears

and later doused him with a glass ofBelonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

milk upon learning it was his birthday, King merely blinked, the milk dripping down, its scent filling his nostrils. He had simply said, "Thank you," preferring a milk

shower over receiving nothing at all.