Requiem of a Broken Heart Free Preview

“Come on, just one more time,” came a low, commanding whisper, the words dripping with urgency.

Drained and slick with sweat, Rachel Marsh felt her body being lifted once again. The movements were quick, driven by a pressing need. Despite the rush of the moment, she managed to gather herself, lifting her head just enough to speak.

“What if we stop using protection?” she said quietly, her voice soft yet earnest. “I’ve been thinking… I want to have a baby.”

Brian White, her fiancé, froze for a split second, his expression unreadable. But the hesitation was fleeting. He leaned in, his lips brushing her ear, and replied in a cold, detached tone, “Having a child complicates everything. I’m not ready for that.”

Rachel bit her lip, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “But we’re getting married soon,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion. “Your parents have been talking about wanting grandchildren. You can’t really say it’s impossible, can you?”

A family with Brian was what Rachel had always dreamed of, but his cold, unyielding demeanor made her feel small and insignificant.

She swallowed her emotions, nodding slowly. “Alright. We’ll talk about it later.”

Brian’s expression softened slightly, as if the tension between them was easing. But before he could speak, his phone rang, abruptly cutting through the fragile moment.

A soft, hesitant voice came through the speaker as soon as Brian answered. “Brian, I’m so sorry to bother you so late… I tripped in the living room and hurt my foot. If you’re busy, I’ll just—”

It was Tracy Haynes, Brian’s first love. Before she could finish, Brian interrupted, his voice firm but gentle. “Hold on, I’ll be there in a minute.”

“Oh… I didn’t mean to interrupt you and Rachel. If this is a bad time, I can just take a taxi,” Tracy replied.

“No interruption,” Brian reassured her, his voice soft and steady. “Don’t worry about it.”

Rachel, overhearing the exchange, couldn’t suppress the bitter laugh that bubbled up inside her.

In the dimly lit bathroom, steam hung thick. Both were soaked, their bodies close, and the intimacy between them was undeniable. Everything was in place, and the mood was perfectly set.

But as Rachel stood there, she realized something that struck her like a cold truth. Being favored was a privilege she would never know. It was about exceptions, about bending every rule for one person, and that person would never be her. Brian’s attention, care, and love were all given to someone else, to the woman he’d always cherished—the one who would forever hold a piece of his heart. The irony of it all felt suffocating.

Soon, Brian wrapped a large towel around Rachel, its soft fabric enveloping her slender frame. His hands were gentle, almost tender, as he dried her off. “I’ll carry you to the bed,” he said, his voice unusually soft. “You should rest.”

But his words felt like a bucket of cold water, dousing the warmth that had lingered between them. Rachel’s heart sank. Was he leaving to see Tracy again? Rachel’s hands clenched tightly, her body stiff with tension.

After a long moment, something inside her snapped. She stepped forward with desperation, her mind barely catching up to her actions.

Without thinking, she hugged Brian tightly, her voice soft but trembling. “Stay with me tonight… Please don’t go.”

Brian was taken aback, his body momentarily stiffening in surprise. But the hesitation lasted only a second. He quickly regained his composure and gently stroked her hair, his voice calm but firm. “Don’t be willful, Rachel. She’s injured. It’s not something I can ignore.”

“But I need you too,” Rachel pleaded, her eyes red and glistening with unshed tears. She bit her lip so hard it drew blood. “Just this once, stay with me.”

Brian sighed, his voice softening but still resolute. “You’ve always been understanding. Don’t make this difficult.”

But tonight, Rachel didn’t want to be understanding. She just wanted him to stay.

“Brian,” she whispered, her grip tightening as she looked up at him, desperation etched across her face.

Brian shook his head, his voice turning colder. “Listen, Rachel, you need to let go.”

Rachel shook her head, her heart pounding, unwilling to give in.

“I said, let go!” Brian’s expression hardened in an instant, his lips pressing into a thin line. With a firm grip, he pried her fingers open, one by one, his strength enough to make her wince in pain.

Rachel’s heart clenched in her chest, but she couldn’t hold on any longer. She let out a soft, bitter laugh, almost mocking her vulnerability. Slowly, she released her grip, her fingers trembling from the strain, and finally, the weight of her defeat settled in.

“I’ll be back soon,” Brian said, his tone clipped, as he turned and walked away without a second glance.

“Be back soon?” Those words felt empty, like something you’d say to comfort a child. Tracy had called him countless times before, and he’d always gone to her. He never came back soon.

As Rachel stood there, the truth settled over her like a heavy blanket. Brian didn’t want her to have his child, likely because of Tracy. After all, she was the one who had always held the key to his heart, the one he cherished deeply, the woman he couldn’t let go of, the one whose memory would never fade. She was his first love, the kind of love that never really ended. So, of course, he treated her like a treasure, even if it meant ignoring Rachel’s needs and desires.

After a long, numbing moment, Rachel turned and walked to the bathroom. She stepped under the shower, letting the water wash over her, though it did little to cleanse the heaviness in her chest. When she finally crawled into bed, the sheets felt cold and unwelcoming. No matter how she tossed and turned, the bed refused to warm up. It was as if the emptiness beside her had seeped into the very fabric of the room, leaving her alone in the chilling silence.

At six in the morning, Rachel was jolted awake by the ringing of her phone. Groggily, she picked it up and saw the name of Debby White, Brian’s mother, flashing on the screen.

“The wedding date has been set,” Debby’s voice was as cold and clinical as ever. “Three months from now, it’s a good day for a wedding.”

Rachel knew Debby wasn’t calling to consult; she was calling to inform.

“I’m calling to remind you to get your parents ready,” Debby continued, her tone clipped. “Although my family is wealthy, we’re not fools. Don’t think you can just earn a fortune from this marriage.”

Rachel tried to keep her voice steady. “Okay, I’ll let my dad know. Don’t worry, I won’t ask for a penny from you.”

But Debby was far from satisfied. A mocking laugh echoed on the other end of the line. “Indeed, you’re not worthy of a penny.”

Rachel held back her frustration, listening without offering an explanation. She knew better than anyone that even if she asked for money, it would end up in the hands of her indifferent father and cruel stepmother, people who never truly cared for her.

“I really don’t know what Brian sees in you,” Debby added before hanging up, her frustration boiling over. “You’re poor, low-class, and utterly unremarkable. If it hadn’t been for Brian’s insistence and his grandma’s approval, I would never have agreed to this marriage.”

Rachel stared at the phone, her hands shaking slightly. A bitter smile curled at her lips, tinged with sadness. Her engagement to Brian felt like a dream, one she could hardly believe was real. Yet, marrying him was the greatest wish of her life.

When Rachel was fifteen years old, her stepmother had taken her to what she claimed was a gathering of high society. But it was all a ruse; they ended up at the White family estate. There, Rachel was pushed into the swimming pool, her stepmother’s cruel setup leaving her flailing in the cold, suffocating water.

Rachel had been certain she would drown. But just as despair began to take hold, a young man leapt into the pool without hesitation. He pulled her close, his strong arms carrying her to safety, saving her from the icy grip of death. When she finally opened her eyes, all she saw was his retreating figure, disappearing into the distance. The sleek black watch on his wrist was the only thing that remained in her mind.

Years later, that same watch led Rachel to him. Brian White, the man who had saved her life, unknowingly became the man who captured her heart. In gratitude for the life he had given her, she gave him her heart without reservation, hoping she would marry him one day.

The sound of footsteps downstairs pulled Rachel from her thoughts. A moment later, the bedroom door creaked open. Brian stood there, his eyes heavy with exhaustion, his suit wrinkled and disheveled.

As Rachel watched Brian enter, her heart sank with the weight of her realization. It was clear where he had spent the night, taking care of Tracy again. He had promised to return soon, yet here he was, his clothes rumpled and his demeanor far too familiar.

Rachel turned her gaze away, unwilling to look at him. But Brian, seemingly oblivious to her unease, pulled her into his arms with a firm hand. His cold lips brushed against hers, and his deep voice softened as he asked, “Are you angry?”

Rachel remained silent, her face turned away. She couldn’t ignore the faint scent of another woman’s perfume clinging to him or the bright, unmistakable lipstick mark on his shirt. The mark, undoubtedly Tracy’s, felt like a needle piercing her heart.

“Do you still love Tracy?” Rachel’s voice was soft but steady as she finally looked at Brian, her eyes searching for the truth.

Brian pulled her closer, his embrace tight. “What are you thinking?” he murmured, his voice low and reassuring. “Tracy is special to me, but it’s just friendship, nothing more.”

Rachel didn’t respond to Brian’s reassurance. She simply gazed at him, her heart heavy with unanswered questions. Slowly, her voice breaking the silence, she asked, “What about me, Brian? Do you love me?”

The memory of how she and Brian had come together flashed vividly in Rachel’s mind.

It had been a tumultuous beginning. Back then, Tracy had left him for another man, moving to a different country. The betrayal had shattered Brian. In his despair, he had drowned his pain in alcohol, losing himself in a haze of anger and heartbreak.

On that fateful night, consumed by raw emotion, he had pinned Rachel down. She had sobbed and trembled beneath him, but he hadn’t stopped. Driven by a desperate, almost primal need, he had taken her again and again as if trying to fill the void Tracy had left behind.

The following day, as the weight of the previous night hung between them, Brian turned to her with a somber expression. “After everything, are you still willing to be with me?”

She had nodded, her voice trapped in her throat. And just like that, their relationship began—not out of love, but as an impulsive outcome of a night together.

Now, as Brian stood before Rachel, her heart aching with the weight of unspoken questions, she wondered if he felt anything for her at all, if there was even the faintest trace of affection or tenderness in his heart, or if she had simply been a placeholder for the love he had lost.

Brian’s eyes lingered on Rachel, his voice tender yet firm. “Our wedding is just around the corner. Soon, you’ll be my wife. I’ll love and protect you, always.”

A sudden chill brushed her lips, and without thinking, she placed her fingers gently over Brian’s lips, halting his words. “Brian, please,” she murmured, “I already understand. You’ve been up all night, and you’re exhausted. Go change before you head to the office. I’ll bring your clothes.”

Her voice was calm, but as she turned, tears began to fall uncontrollably.

Brian had spoken in such tender tones, filled with promises of care and devotion. Yet, all she could feel was the emptiness behind them. His reassurances were sweet, but they lacked the sincerity she longed for.

If it were truly love, there would have been no need for such grand declarations. A single, honest word would have been enough. The more he tried to convince her, the more his words seemed to reveal the truth—that love was something he hadn’t offered.

At that moment, Rachel found herself unable to bear any more. She turned away, unable to listen further, feeling a deep ache settle in her heart.

As she reached into the wardrobe to fetch a suit, a familiar embrace enveloped her from behind, pulling her close. Brian’s chin rested softly on her head, and he held her hand gently, his voice filled with concern. “It’s not cold, yet your hands feel so cold.”

Tears still clung to Rachel’s lashes; her chest weighed down with an unspoken ache. She struggled to find the right words, unsure of how to respond to his sudden attention.

Without warning, Brian turned her around, his gaze soft but intense.

Rachel lifted her eyes, her tear-filled gaze meeting his. The vulnerability in her eyes stirred something deep within him. Unable to resist, he cupped her face and kissed her, hard and desperate, as if trying to consume her, to make her a part of him.

Rachel rose on her tiptoes, leaning back under his forceful yet tender touch. Her face flushed, and her breathing became erratic, caught between the rush of emotions and the intensity of the moment. But amidst it all, a subtle sweetness began to stir in her chest.

Years together had taught her that only in these quiet, intimate exchanges did Brian show her any sign of wild passion. It was in these rare moments that she felt truly cherished.

“Brian…” Rachel whimpered, her voice trembling as she struggled for air.

Brian seemed to snap out of his trance, releasing her with a sudden shift in demeanor. His words, heavy with desire, were thick with regret. “If it weren’t for that meeting, I wouldn’t have held back.”

Rachel’s face flushed deeper, a rush of both embarrassment and warmth sweeping through her. She gave him a gentle push as if trying to escape the intensity of the moment. “Last night, we’ve…” Her voice trailed off.

Brian, however, remained unfazed, his hold on her steady yet gentle. His gaze didn’t waver as he looked at her with unwavering resolve. “What does it matter? You’re mine now, and I can’t stop wanting you.”

Before Rachel could respond, she felt something cool and smooth slide onto her wrist. She looked down and saw a stunning bracelet, its ruby centerpiece catching the light and sparkling brilliantly. The gem’s deep red hue made her skin appear even more delicate.

“Is this… for me?” Rachel asked, her voice tinged with surprise.

Brian nodded, a soft smile playing at the corners of his lips. “Yes. Do you like it?”

Her gaze flickered from the bracelet back to his face. “Did you choose it yourself?”

He nodded again, a faint smile on his lips. “I thought it would be perfect for you.”

Her heart warmed, and she couldn’t help but smile. “I really love it. Thank you.” She leaned forward,

Pressing a soft kiss against his cheek in gratitude, Rachel felt Brian’s gaze on her. Still not satisfied, he raised an eyebrow and pointed to his lips. His playful yet earnest look held her attention, silently demanding more.

Rachel understood the silent plea, though hesitation lingered in her heart. She wasn’t accustomed to being the one to initiate, and a slight blush crept onto her cheeks.

With a teasing grin, he raised an eyebrow. “If you don’t kiss me, I’ll walk out the door.” He let go of her hand, his smirk daring her to act.

Rachel’s heart raced, her thoughts momentarily lost in the rush of emotions. Without thinking, she closed the distance between them and kissed him.

Brian, almost as if waiting for this moment, cradled her head in his hands and deepened the kiss, his fervor leaving no room for hesitation. It wasn’t until she gasped, clutching at his clothes, that he pulled away, his breath uneven.

“Take some time to rest,” Brian suggested gently, his eyes softening as he looked at her pale, tired face. “Stay home for a few days. You can visit my grandparents when you’re feeling better. Don’t worry about going back to work until you’re fully recovered.”

Rachel nodded obediently, her mind still hazy from the intensity of the moment.

She had always poured herself into her work. After earning her degree in fine arts, she joined White Group and quickly rose to become the department manager of the design division. Yet, the truth of her relationship with Brian remained a secret from her colleagues.

Though her dedication had never wavered, the stress had taken its toll recently. Severe headaches, dizziness, and occasional bouts of nausea were her body’s way of demanding a break. Had it not been for these signs, she would have never taken time off. But she planned to slow down after their wedding. She wanted to shift her focus from work to the family she was about to build with Brian.

“Oh, and Brian,” Rachel said quietly, the weight of the moment hanging between them. “Your mom already has the wedding date set.”

Brian’s lips curved into a faint, amused smile. “I know. She called me this morning.”

Rachel paused for a moment, her thoughts tangled, before speaking hesitantly. “Then… shouldn’t we tell the company about us? Everyone knows I’m getting married, but no one knows to whom. They’ve been teasing me, asking for invitations lately.” The words escaped her, tinged with a mixture of anticipation and unease.

But Brian’s expression didn’t soften. Instead, it grew more rigid, his jaw tightening as he avoided her gaze. “Rachel,” he began, his voice heavy with an unspoken apology. “I’m sorry.”

Stunned, she looked at him, trying to process his sudden shift. “What? Why?”

He met her gaze, his eyes soft but resolute. “I’m not ready to make our marriage public yet. I’ve told my family about it. For now, we’re keeping it small—a private ceremony with close family and friends.”

Rachel’s hands froze, the tie slipping from her fingers. Her mind raced as his words sank in. So, everyone else already knew? She was the last to find out? If she hadn’t brought it up, would he have kept her in the dark until the very end? The idea of keeping their union a secret felt suffocating. A marriage, a vow to share their lives, yet it was to be hidden away.

Rachel wondered why. The truth, as painful as it was, began to sink in. Tracy was the reason. He still hadn’t let go of her, and that realization shattered whatever hope Rachel had left.

Her chest tightened, and for a brief moment, the air felt too thick to breathe. Her eyes burned, the sting of unshed tears threatening to overtake her, but she blinked hard, pushing them down.

If Brian were marrying Tracy instead of her, he would have made it public in an instant. He would have broadcasted it to the world, eager for everyone to know that Tracy was the one he had chosen.

“What if I demand that we go public?” Rachel’s voice wavered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she posed the question with unexpected defiance. “What if I want everyone to know about us?”

Brian was visibly taken aback. Rachel had always been compliant, and her demeanor was gentle and accommodating. This sudden assertiveness was unlike her, and it left him momentarily speechless. After a brief pause, he reached for her hand, his touch firm but not unkind.

“Rachel,” he said, his tone measured yet pleading, “just give me a little more time. I promise, when the moment is right, I’ll make sure everyone knows who you are to me.”

“So, it can’t happen now, can it?” Rachel’s voice was soft, almost resigned. She didn’t dare let herself hope anymore.

Brian lowered his gaze, guilt clouding his expression. “I’m sorry,” he murmured.

Rachel’s hands trembled as she fought to steady herself. She took a deep breath, forcing her emotions in check, and finally spoke again, her voice quiet but resolute. “I’ll agree to this… but on one condition.”

Brian gave a slight nod. “Go ahead.”

Rachel drew in a deep breath, steadying herself. “If, after two years, you’re still unwilling to acknowledge our relationship, I’ll walk away without a fuss. All I ask is that you don’t stand in my way when I choose to leave you.” Her voice wavered, each word feeling like a thorn lodged in her throat.

“Alright. I agree.”

Yet, even as the words left his lips, an unsettling feeling crept into his chest—a quiet, formless panic, like a storm brewing on a distant horizon.

“Good,” she whispered, curling her fingers into fists, letting the sharp bite of her nails anchor her to the moment.

Two years. That was the limit she had set for herself.

From the age of fifteen, she had loved him—eight long years of devotion, of chasing shadows and hoping for warmth. Two more years, and it would be a full decade.

It was enough time to shake the firmest convictions, to erode even the most unyielding hearts.

If by then Brian still couldn’t love her, she would step back and give him the freedom he never had to ask for.

But deep down, she prayed—prayed that day would never come, that she would never have to walk away from the life she had built around him.

As soon as Brian left for work, Rachel’s phone rang. Seeing the caller was Brian’s grandma, she quickly answered.

“Rachel, are you off today?” Carol White’s warm, familiar voice filled her ears. “Come home quickly, I had your favorite dishes flown in fresh this morning!”

Rachel couldn’t help but smile. “Alright, I’ll be there soon.” After a quick touch-up, she set out immediately.

Upon arriving at the White family’s estate, she stepped out of the car—only for the world to tilt unexpectedly. A wave of dizziness washed over her.

The driver beside her reacted swiftly, steadying her. “Be careful. Are you feeling alright?”

Rachel exhaled slowly, regaining her balance. “Must’ve stood up too fast. My blood sugar tends to drop at times, but it’s nothing serious.”

Still, she knew she hadn’t been in the best of health lately. Perhaps it was all the late nights catching up with her.

With the wedding just around the corner, she had to start taking better care of herself.

Stepping into the grand living room, Rachel’s eyes immediately landed on Debby.

“Hello, Debby,” she greeted, keeping her tone even.

Debby, never one to mask her distaste, merely glanced at her before scoffing.

“You do realize Carol invited you for lunch, don’t you? Look at the time—punctuality clearly isn’t your strong suit.” Her voice was cold, each syllable dipped in contempt.

Rachel lowered her gaze, momentarily at a loss for words.

Then, a gentle warmth enveloped her hand.

Carol, leaning on her cane, clasped Rachel’s fingers and turned to Debby with a mild yet firm expression. “Rachel has always been thoughtful. If she was delayed, I’m sure it wasn’t intentional. Besides, lunch isn’t even ready yet—so how exactly is she late?”

A lump rose in Rachel’s throat. Her vision blurred slightly. She had never known a mother’s love—her own mother had died on the operating table the day she was born.

And as for her father? Cold and distant, he wasn’t worth dwelling on.

The only true warmth she had ever known came from Brian’s grandparents.

Without them, she might never have known what it felt like to be cherished.

Debby let out an exasperated huff. “She’s a grown woman now. You can’t keep coddling her forever.”

Carol’s expression hardened as she delivered a fierce rebuke. “I will protect her—as long as I draw breath. Anyone who dares to trouble her will answer to me first—and I promise you, no one will find peace if they try.”

With gentle authority, she guided Rachel to the seat beside her. “Come here, dear. Sit with me.”

Debby stood frozen, swallowing her displeasure. Carol’s fierce protectiveness left no room for argument, forcing Debby to suppress her rising frustration. A bitter jealousy festered within her—after decades of marriage into the White family, Carol had never shown her such warmth.

Yet Rachel, merely because she resembled Carol’s long-deceased daughter, basked in boundless affection. How could Debby not feel slighted?

The situation stung even deeper considering her own son was marrying an illegitimate daughter. The injustice of it all burned in her chest.

Throughout the meal, Debby’s mood darkened while Carol lovingly filled Rachel’s plate.

“You must be working too hard lately,” Carol observed, noting Rachel’s pallor with concern. “You’ve grown so thin. Please eat more. If Brian isn’t taking proper care of you, just tell me—I’ll set him straight.”

Debby’s frustration finally erupted. “What good is all this food? They’ve been together ages with no sign of a child.”

Rachel focused on her meal in silence, thinking of the condoms in her bedroom. She understood their eagerness for a grandchild—she yearned for motherhood herself—but Brian remained unwilling.

Carol shot Debby a warning glance, but Debby pressed on defensively, “I’m only stating facts. They’ve been together forever, and my son’s health is perfect. Other women conceive within weeks, yet after a year, still nothing. You could have had a great-grandchild by now if he were with someone else.”

The first half of the words struck home with Carol.

Later, on the sun-drenched balcony, Carol broached the subject gently while holding Rachel’s hand.

“My dear, it’s just us now. You needn’t hide anything. If there are health concerns, modern medicine offers many solutions. Even IVF is an option. Money is no object for the family.”

Rachel’s heart swelled with emotion.

Even believing she might be infertile, Carol’s love remained steadfast. Overwhelmed, she embraced Carol tightly. “Please don’t worry. I’m perfectly healthy.”

Carol startled. “Then… is Brian unable to…?”

“No, no!” Rachel quickly interjected, eyes wide. “Brian is completely healthy. It’s just that we…”

Understanding dawned in Carol’s eyes. “Ah. Brian wants to wait, doesn’t he?”

“Yes,” Rachel confirmed softly. “He says he wants to enjoy our time together first and wait until my health improves.”

“Always defending him. He’s not mistreating you, is he?”

Rachel displayed her wrist, showing off an elegant bracelet. “Look what he bought me!”

“That’s wonderful, dear.”

That afternoon, the new chef prepared delectable desserts.

Rachel’s eyes lit up after tasting them. “Carol, are there more?”

“Indeed there are. Thinking of Brian, aren’t you?” Carol asked knowingly.

Rachel blushed. “Yes… he has such a sweet tooth. I’d like to bring him some.”

Carol’s face softened with affection. “Go right ahead, dear!”

When Rachel arrived at Brian’s office, he was in a meeting.

Not wanting to disturb him, she quietly left the desserts and turned to leave.

“Rachel!” A familiar voice rang out behind her.

“Tracy?” Rachel turned, surprised by the unexpected encounter.

Rachel stood frozen, her world tilting on its axis as she confronted the impossible sight before her.

Words failed her for several long moments before she finally managed to speak. “What are you doing here?”

Tracy’s smile held an edge of sweetness that felt calculated. “Rachel, please don’t misunderstand. I’ve just returned from overseas, and when Brian heard I was struggling to find work, he offered me a position here.”

“When did this happen?” Rachel’s voice emerged steadier than she felt.

“Just last week, I believe,” Tracy replied with casual ease.

Rachel’s fingers curled into tight fists as an icy sensation crept through her palms.

The revelation struck her hard—had she not encountered Tracy today, she would have remained oblivious to her week-long presence at the company.

Brian had countless opportunities to mention this, yet he had chosen silence.

“Why haven’t I seen you around the office?” Rachel pressed.

Tracy glanced down at her documents, her lips forming a practiced pout. “That’s Brian’s doing, actually. He took me on a business trip these past few days. Today’s my first day in the office.”

The irony of Brian traveling with Tracy twisted like a knife in Rachel’s chest. She felt stripped bare, her deepest insecurities exposed to the harsh light of day.

Tracy observed Rachel’s stricken expression with calculating eyes, yet maintained an air of innocence. “Oh my, you didn’t know? I assumed Brian had mentioned it. But please don’t worry—we stayed in separate rooms. The hotel records can verify that. Besides, he takes relationships seriously. You should trust him.”

A numbing cold spread through Rachel’s entire body. She forced her lips into a pale imitation of a smile. “Of course I trust him. He’s my fiancé, and we’re getting married soon.”

Tracy’s answering smile held a hint of triumph. “Wonderful. Since I’ll be accompanying him on many future business trips as his personal secretary, it’s good to know you’re comfortable with our working relationship.”

The words “personal secretary” echoed in Rachel’s mind like a death knell. Brian had elevated Tracy to the position of his secretary—who would believe there wasn’t more to it?

His rush to protect Tracy from potential workplace difficulties stood in stark contrast to how he had left Rachel to navigate the design department alone when she first joined.

Rachel was about to retreat when her gaze caught on Tracy’s wrist. “Your bracelet is beautiful.”

The jewelry was identical to her own, save for its color—Tracy’s stone was sapphire blue.

Tracy’s smile grew sweeter as she raised her wrist with deliberate casualness. “This? Brian bought two—one ruby, one sapphire. He let me choose first, asking which I preferred.”

Ice crystallized in Rachel’s veins as realization dawned. Her heart felt frozen.

What she had treasured as a thoughtful gift had merely been a sloppy second.

Tracy’s voice dripped with false concern. “It’s been two days—hasn’t he given you yours yet? Should I ask him about it?”

“Don’t,” Rachel cut her off sharply. Unable to bear another moment, she fled the scene.

That evening, Brian returned home, shrouded in darkness, every room silent and still.

“Rachel?” His voice echoed through the empty space.

No response greeted him.

The house remained unnaturally quiet.

Brian stood bewildered—Rachel had never failed to welcome him home before, whether with a prepared meal or the sounds of her cooking in the kitchen.

The house that usually radiated warmth and life now felt abandoned.

Brian retrieved his phone and dialed Rachel’s number but received no answer. Concerned, he called Carol next.

Carol was leafing through old photo albums with Rachel when Brian’s call came through.

“Brian! Yes, Rachel’s here with me.”

“Why isn’t she answering her phone?”

“Her battery might have died,” Carol offered.

“Grandma, could you put her on?”

Rachel accepted the phone, but words caught in her throat as the day’s events crashed over her anew.

A crushing weight settled on her chest, making each breath a struggle. “Why didn’t you come home?” Brian’s voice carried its usual warmth, which only intensified her pain.

“I missed Carol. I wanted to spend time with her today,” he replied.

“But I miss you too. What am I supposed to do? Grandma has Grandpa for company, but without you, I’m all alone.” His sweet words felt like poison now, knowing how his actions contradicted them.

The pain burst forth before she could contain it. “If you’re lonely, why not call Tracy? She seems to have everyone wrapped around her finger—your perfect, charming secretary!”

A moment of silence preceded Brian’s more serious tone. “So you found out?”

“Yes. Your secret’s out.” Rachel ended the call abruptly.

When she rejoined Carol, her distraction was evident.

Sensing Rachel’s turmoil, Carol suggested she get some rest rather than pressing her to stay.

In her room, Rachel showered and settled into bed, her eyes drawn repeatedly to her silent phone.

No calls. No messages. Brian hadn’t attempted to reach her again.

She had barely drifted into an uneasy sleep when her door creaked open. A weight settled over her, and she nearly screamed until familiar lips grazed her earlobe.

“It’s me,” came the whispered assurance.

Rachel’s eyes flew open, stunned by Brian’s midnight appearance.

“Still angry?” Brian murmured against her neck, punctuating his words with gentle kisses.

Rachel feigned sleep, but his wandering hands slipped beneath her nightgown, leaving trails of warmth that made her breath catch.

He methodically dismantled her defenses, yet held back from taking things further—a calculated move to make her cave first.

Tears pricked at Rachel’s eyes. “Brian, you’re being cruel. Are you even a grown man?”

His voice took on a dangerous edge. “What did you say?”

His intense gaze pierced through her as he narrowed his eyes. “Haven’t I proven myself thoroughly? Or are you suggesting last night left something to be desired?”

Rachel finally registered the gravity of her provocative words as they hung in the air between them.

“I didn’t mean it that way,” she stammered, heat rising to her cheeks as she struggled to explain herself.

Brian’s imposing figure loomed closer as his fingers wrapped around her wrist. Something stirred within Rachel, and she found herself leaning into him, her arms encircling his frame with gentle desperation.

Her eyes sought his, luminous with unspoken pleas. “Brian, please don’t keep Tracy as your secretary,” she whispered, clinging to him. “If you truly want to help her, find her a position at another company. Otherwise, I cannot help but feel jealous.”

The warmth between them shattered as Brian wrenched his arm away.

His expression hardened into something unrecognizable. “I’ve always admired your generous spirit. But your treatment of Tracy seems unnecessarily mean. She’s newly returned and struggling to find her footing. I’m merely offering assistance.”

Rachel’s teeth worried her lower lip as the fight drained from her.

The stark contrast between love and indifference had never felt more apparent.

“You’re determined to help her, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” came his unwavering reply.

Rachel gazed at him, her heart splintering beneath the weight of his conviction. She pressed a hand against her chest, a bitter smile twisting her features. “Tell me, am I truly such an unreasonable, small-minded partner in your eyes?” His silence cut deeper than any words could have.

Something snapped within her. She seized a pillow and hurled it at him, tears streaming unchecked down her face. “You’re right about everything! I’m jealous, hot-headed, and intolerant. That’s who I am, petty to the core. Just leave! I can’t bear to look at you anymore!” Another pillow followed the first.

Brian caught it deftly, his expression darkening as their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills.

In all their time together, Rachel had been his refuge of endless patience and affection, rarely displaying such raw anger.

Even during their disputes, she had always been the first to extend an olive branch.

Now Brian waited, certain that if she would only embrace him and whisper, “I’m sorry, it was my fault,” he could pretend this fracture had never occurred.

But as one minute bled into three, she remained resolute in her stance. His jaw tightened, his features carved from ice. “Rest well. Someone will take you home tomorrow.”

The door slammed behind him with such force that it bounced back, remaining open.

Bitter wind swept across her exposed skin—skin that his hands had uncovered mere moments ago.

Rachel huddled beneath the blankets, seeking warmth against the chill of abandonment.

Downstairs, Brian encountered his mother, Debby, who poorly concealed her satisfaction at his obvious anger. “Son, did you have a fight with her?” she probed delicately.

His thunderous expression spoke volumes, fueling her private delight. “I’ve always said women shouldn’t be spoiled excessively. Rachel should count herself fortunate to have caught your eye. You mustn’t indulge her so much. Today she even tried using Carol’s influence against me.”

“Mother,” his glacial tone cut through her words, “I’ll handle my relationship as I see fit. This doesn’t concern you.”

“I’m your mother. How can this not concern me?”

He turned away without acknowledgment, descending the stairs to light two cigarettes in quick succession.

Despite everything, some part of him still waited, hoping to hear Rachel’s footsteps following him down.

In times past, she would have descended those stairs with bare feet flying, not sparing a moment for shoes.

She would have clung to him with puppy-like devotion, tears streaming as she begged his forgiveness.

That vulnerable, pleading expression never failed to pierce his defenses. Inevitably, his anger would dissolve, and he would gather her into his arms, carrying her back upstairs himself.

Their reconciliations had always culminated in passionate embraces, their bodies intertwined as if separation was impossible.

Rachel had consistently yielded to his desires, accommodating his every wish and preferred position with unwavering devotion.

Even when certain acts brought her discomfort, she strived to please him, allowing him to draw forth her tears again and again.

Each encounter had left him deeply satisfied in both body and spirit.

But this night marked a stark departure from their established pattern. Rachel seemed transformed into someone he barely recognized.

Brian remained in his idling car for thirty minutes, but the stairwell remained empty of her familiar form.

The engine was on, but the car remained parked.

“Step on the gas,” Brian commanded, his voice sharp with tension.

Surely such a commotion would draw her attention.

Yet behind him, only darkness prevailed.

Her absence felt like a physical weight.

“Again,” he demanded, his body radiating cold fury.

Ronald Miller, his assistant, shifted uncomfortably. “Sir, we’ve reached the engine’s limit.”

Brian’s intention was obvious—he wanted to force Rachel to notice him, to pull her out of the house, to make her surrender.

But the tactic reeked of childishness. Ronald knew it. Anyone would.

But voicing that thought was out of the question.

After ten more minutes of tense silence, Ronald ventured carefully, “Perhaps she has retired for the night. We might be waiting in vain.”

“Who said I was waiting for her? Drive,” Brian snapped.

Relief flooded through Ronald as he quietly engaged the engine.

When Rachel finally descended, she found only empty space where Brian’s car had been.

A bitter smile crossed her features as she turned away.

What a fool she had been, expecting to find him waiting.

She had imagined that a simple tug on his sleeve, a softening of her stance, would bring him back to her.

How naive.

His heart now belonged to Tracy, consumed by thoughts of that woman.

As Rachel moved to return upstairs, a caustic voice floated down from above. “It’s perfectly natural for men to pursue multiple women. Even married ones stray. Rachel, I’ve always told you—Brian could never be satisfied with just one woman. Tracy was his high school infatuation. Men eternally chase what eludes them while scorning what they already possess. After countless intimate encounters with Brian, you’ve become commonplace to him. Tracy represents the unconquered, and thus she holds his fascination!”

Debby’s words cut deep.

Rachel’s hands clenched until her knuckles whitened, her entire frame trembling.

The cruel words carried undeniable kernels of truth.

Yet she lifted her chin, pressing her lips together before responding, “I understand your dislike of me, and I don’t seek your approval. But I refuse to believe Brian feels nothing for me at all.”