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!”

𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙪𝙥𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙨.𝙘𝙤𝙢

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?”

regaining her balance. “Must’ve stood up too fast. My blood sugar

lately. Perhaps it was all the late nights catching up

corner, she had to

into the grand living room, Rachel’s eyes immediately landed

Debby,” she greeted, keeping her tone

never one to mask her distaste, merely

Look at the time—punctuality clearly isn’t your strong suit.”

momentarily at a loss

a gentle warmth

has always been thoughtful. If she was delayed, I’m sure it wasn’t intentional. Besides,

She had never known a mother’s love—her own mother had died on the

her father? Cold and

had ever known

might never have known what it felt like to

“She’s a grown woman now. You can’t

breath. Anyone who dares to trouble her will answer to me first—and I promise you, no one will find peace

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

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

Carol’s long-deceased daughter, basked in boundless affection.

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

the meal, Debby’s mood darkened while Carol lovingly

lately,” Carol observed, noting Rachel’s pallor with concern. “You’ve grown so thin. Please eat more.

is all this food? They’ve

in her bedroom. She understood their

They’ve been together forever, and my son’s health is perfect. Other women conceive within weeks,

the

broached the subject gently while

health concerns, modern medicine offers many solutions. Even IVF is an option. Money is no

heart swelled

love remained steadfast. Overwhelmed, she