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 drop at times, but

knew she hadn’t been in the best of health lately. Perhaps it was all the

the wedding just around the corner, she had to start

room, Rachel’s eyes

Debby,” she greeted, keeping

her distaste,

Carol invited you for lunch, don’t you? Look at the time—punctuality clearly

momentarily at a loss

gentle warmth enveloped

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

in Rachel’s throat. Her vision blurred slightly. She had never known a mother’s love—her own mother had

for her father? Cold and distant, he

true warmth she had ever known came from Brian’s

known

huff. “She’s a grown woman now.

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

gentle authority, she guided Rachel to the seat beside

to suppress her rising frustration. A bitter jealousy festered within her—after decades of marriage into the White family, Carol had never

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

even deeper considering her own son was marrying an illegitimate daughter. The injustice

the meal, Debby’s mood darkened while Carol lovingly filled

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

food? They’ve been together ages with no

meal in silence, thinking of the condoms in her bedroom. She understood their

stating facts. They’ve been together forever, and my son’s health is perfect. Other women conceive within weeks, yet after a year, still

half of the words struck home with

sun-drenched balcony, Carol broached

dear, it’s just us now. You needn’t hide anything. If there are health concerns, modern

heart swelled

love remained steadfast. Overwhelmed, she embraced