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!”

???? ??????? ?? ?????????.???

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 tends to drop at times, but it’s nothing

lately. Perhaps it was all

just around the corner, she had to

living room, Rachel’s eyes immediately

greeted, keeping her tone

distaste,

don’t you? Look at the time—punctuality clearly isn’t your strong suit.” Her voice was cold, each syllable dipped

lowered her gaze, momentarily at a loss for

gentle warmth enveloped her

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

rose 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,

had ever known came from

might never have known what it felt like to

out an exasperated huff. “She’s a grown woman

hardened as she delivered a fierce rebuke. “I will protect her—as long as I draw breath. Anyone who dares to

she guided Rachel to the seat beside her.

frustration. A

long-deceased daughter, basked in boundless affection. How

was marrying an

meal, Debby’s mood darkened while Carol lovingly

observed, noting Rachel’s pallor with concern. “You’ve grown so thin. Please eat more. If Brian isn’t taking proper care

finally erupted. “What good is all this food? They’ve been together ages with no sign

in her bedroom. She understood their eagerness for a grandchild—she yearned for motherhood

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

of the words

Carol broached

needn’t hide anything. If there are health concerns, modern medicine offers many solutions. Even IVF is

heart swelled with

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