Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 3

Chapter 3:

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!”

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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?”

too fast. My blood sugar tends to

been in the best of health lately. Perhaps it

corner, she had to start taking better

room,

she greeted, keeping her

mask her distaste,

the time—punctuality clearly isn’t your strong suit.” Her voice was cold, each syllable

gaze, momentarily at a

a gentle warmth enveloped

to Debby with a mild yet firm expression. “Rachel has always been thoughtful. If she

vision blurred slightly. She had never known a mother’s love—her own mother had died on the operating table the

as for her father? Cold and distant, he

she had

she might never have known what it

a grown woman now. You

draw breath. Anyone who dares to

guided Rachel to the seat beside her. “Come

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,

merely because she resembled Carol’s long-deceased daughter, basked in boundless affection.

her own son was marrying an illegitimate daughter. The injustice of it all burned

Debby’s mood darkened while Carol

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

finally erupted. “What good is all this food?

thinking of the condoms in her bedroom. She understood their eagerness for a

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

the words struck

Carol broached the subject gently while

modern medicine offers

swelled with

she might be infertile, Carol’s love remained steadfast. Overwhelmed,