Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)

As Tiffanie was about to board the plane, she felt the need to send Max one last text.

"Maxie, Mason and I are on our way back. We spent last night under the Northern Lights-it was magical."

Right then, Max was chilling with Isaac, watching Little Noir. When he saw the message, he shot back a quick reply.

"Got it."

"Mason said he loves me, hehe."

"Congrats."

Just as he sent the "congrats," his phone buzzed with a $30 million deposit alert.

"Treat yourself to something nice."

That was Max's way of showing he cared-Tiffanie was used to it by now.

"Thanks, Maxie."

As she and Mason got on the plane, she felt a bit torn about leaving. The local food wasn't her favorite, but the week full of anticipation and holding hands under the Northern Lights was something she'd cherish forever. Settling into her seat, a smile spread across her face, feeling like she was on a flight straight to happiness.

Mason sat beside her, relieved to see her mood had steadied.

This time, his relief was real. Even though he knew he'd still have those moments of panic, waking up at night to find her gone, those worries seemed small compared to the joy they were in right now.

He loved Tiffanie and was ready to face the pain of searching for her, of healing her hurts.

Their fingers intertwined, and Tiffanie couldn't help but squeeze back.

As the plane cut through the clouds, sunlight poured in through the window, bright and blinding. Tiffanie squinted against the glare, feeling bathed in a sea of light.

"Mason, look."

Just like the night she had nudged him to watch the Northern Lights, she shook his hand again. Mason, playing along, leaned over to glance at the sun, grinning. "Yeah, it's gorgeous."

Tiffanie leaned closer to the window, where beams

the

golden

white clouds and each.

mingled, almost within

Sunfeach.

In that moment's beauty, all the ugly, painful memories seemed to fade away.

"You know, the day I ran away was because I saw a video. My mom recorded all those times she

mistreated me. Everett probably et

didn't want me dragging you into my mess, so he sent it as a warning."

She thought Mason didn't know.

But Mason had seen the video already.

"Yeah, but that's all behind us now."

He kept holding her hand and kissed it lightly.

"Forget about that stuff. Remember the Northern Lights we waited a whole week for. Remember the sun breaking through the clouds on our way back, sunlight like gold, clouds like cotton. I'm here with you, and remember that flower Maxie mentioned, the one that brings happiness. Just hold onto these memories, okay?"

Tiffanie turned to him, her smile lighting up her face, eyes crinkled with joy.

"Okay, Mason."

The way she said his name was soft and playful.

Mason cradled her face, kissing her lips like it was a promise.

"Just keep these memories, that's all you need. We're together now; don't worry about a thing."

He'd take care of everything-from cooking to cleaning-so she wouldn't have to lift a finger. "Okay, Mason."

She repeated, and Mason couldn't help but smile back.

They locked eyes, and before they knew it, both were laughing.