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?”

“Must’ve stood up too fast. My

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

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

into the grand living room, Rachel’s

she greeted, keeping her tone

her distaste, merely glanced at her before

realize Carol invited you for lunch, don’t you? Look at the time—punctuality clearly isn’t your strong suit.” Her voice

lowered her gaze, momentarily at a loss

warmth

expression. “Rachel has always been thoughtful. If she was delayed,

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

and distant, he wasn’t worth

only true warmth she had ever known came from

them, she might never have known

let out an exasperated huff. “She’s a grown woman now. You can’t

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

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

Debby to suppress her rising frustration. A bitter jealousy festered within her—after decades of

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

considering her own son was marrying an illegitimate

the meal, Debby’s mood darkened while Carol lovingly

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

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

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

Debby a 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 a great-grandchild by now if

first half of the

sun-drenched balcony, Carol broached the subject

just us now. You needn’t hide anything. If there are health concerns, modern medicine offers many solutions. Even IVF

swelled

she might be infertile, Carol’s love remained steadfast. Overwhelmed, she embraced Carol tightly. “Please don’t