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?”

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

the best of health lately. Perhaps it was all the late nights catching

wedding just around the corner, she had to start taking better care

the grand living room,

Debby,” she greeted, keeping her

her distaste, merely glanced at her

time—punctuality clearly isn’t your strong

gaze, momentarily at

gentle warmth enveloped her

always been thoughtful. If she was delayed, I’m sure it wasn’t intentional. Besides, lunch isn’t even ready yet—so how exactly

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

father? Cold and distant, he wasn’t

had ever known

have known what it felt like

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

rebuke. “I will protect her—as long as I draw breath. Anyone who dares to trouble her will answer to me first—and I promise you, no one will

guided Rachel to the seat beside

Debby to suppress her rising frustration. A bitter jealousy festered

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

was marrying an illegitimate daughter. The injustice of it all

darkened while

with concern. “You’ve grown so thin. Please

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

on her meal in silence, thinking of the condoms in her bedroom. She understood their eagerness for a grandchild—she yearned for motherhood herself—but Brian remained

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

first half of the words

Carol broached the subject

anything. If there are health concerns, modern medicine offers many solutions. Even IVF is an option. Money is no object for the

swelled with

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