Master of his heart (Max and Brielle) novel Chapter 1175

The compound was sinking, slow but sure. People scattered, running for their lives. Irene found a spot to shelter from the rain, knowing the compound wouldn't hold much longer. The surrounding buildings were already being swallowed by the chaos.

In the face of nature's wrath, humanity seemed so small. Leaning against a pillar, Irene didn't care if it might collapse on her, ending her life right there. She looked up, exhaling a puff of smoke, watching the rain and the churning mud with a wry smile.

Jaired hadn't left either, gripping her wrist tightly. "Jaired, won't you go check on Ms. Alivia? Such a precious person, suffering so."

Jaired was drenched, rain and mud mixing on his skin. He crouched, pulling her into his arms. "Let's get out of here."

But Irene shrugged off his hand, smiling, "I'm not leaving. As long as this place stands, so do I."

"Are you out of your mind, Irene!" Jaired's cheek was slashed, bleeding, making him look quite the mess. Seeing Irene just sitting there made his eyes well up with tears. "Please," he begged.

"Jaired, I begged you the same, ten years ago. You didn't listen."

Jaired and 001 looked alike but lived contrasting lives; one in the shadows, the other in a world of privilege. They envied each other's lives, secretly swapping places to experience what the other had.

On her eighteenth birthday, Irene faced the tradition of selecting a male consort to rid her of any romantic notions, focusing solely on physical pleasure. But her heart yearned for 001, wishing to give herself to him. Yet it was Jaired who showed up that night, seeking thrill in the darkness.

Jaired had no interest in Irene, remaining unmoved by her pleas, even when Colton and several consorts arrived, exposing Irene's vulnerability. Jaired's world lacked desire, so when 001 returned from his mission, he found Irene entangled with Colton and others, a sight that twisted their fates irreversibly.