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?”

“Must’ve stood up too fast. My blood sugar tends to drop

the best of health lately.

the corner, she had to start taking better care of

the grand living room, Rachel’s

greeted,

to mask her distaste, merely glanced at her

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

gaze, momentarily at a

gentle warmth

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

never known a mother’s love—her own mother had

her father? Cold and distant, he wasn’t worth

only true warmth she had ever known

known what it felt

“She’s a grown woman now. You can’t keep

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

seat

stood frozen, swallowing her displeasure. Carol’s fierce protectiveness left no room for argument, forcing Debby to suppress her rising frustration. A bitter

she resembled Carol’s long-deceased daughter, basked in boundless affection. How could Debby not

son was marrying an illegitimate daughter. The

Debby’s mood darkened while Carol lovingly filled

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

this food? They’ve been together ages with no sign of a

her bedroom. She understood their eagerness for

“I’m only stating facts. They’ve been together forever, and my son’s health is perfect. Other women conceive within weeks, yet after

of the words struck home

broached the subject gently

modern medicine offers many solutions. Even IVF is an option. Money is no object

heart swelled with

love remained steadfast. Overwhelmed, she embraced Carol tightly. “Please don’t worry. I’m