Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 4

Chapter 4:

Rachel stood frozen, her world tilting on its axis as she confronted the impossible sight before her.

Words failed her for several long moments before she finally managed to speak. “What are you doing here?”

Tracy’s smile held an edge of sweetness that felt calculated. “Rachel, please don’t misunderstand. I’ve just returned from overseas, and when Brian heard I was struggling to find work, he offered me a position here.”

“When did this happen?” Rachel’s voice emerged steadier than she felt.

“Just last week, I believe,” Tracy replied with casual ease.

Rachel’s fingers curled into tight fists as an icy sensation crept through her palms.

The revelation struck her hard—had she not encountered Tracy today, she would have remained oblivious to her week-long presence at the company.

Brian had countless opportunities to mention this, yet he had chosen silence.

“Why haven’t I seen you around the office?” Rachel pressed.

Tracy glanced down at her documents, her lips forming a practiced pout. “That’s Brian’s doing, actually. He took me on a business trip these past few days. Today’s my first day in the office.”

The irony of Brian traveling with Tracy twisted like a knife in Rachel’s chest. She felt stripped bare, her deepest insecurities exposed to the harsh light of day.

Tracy observed Rachel’s stricken expression with calculating eyes, yet maintained an air of innocence. “Oh my, you didn’t know? I assumed Brian had mentioned it. But please don’t worry—we stayed in separate rooms. The hotel records can verify that. Besides, he takes relationships seriously. You should trust him.”

𝕄𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕦𝕡𝕕𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝕚𝕟 𝕘𝕒𝕝𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝𝕤.𝕔𝕠𝕞

A numbing cold spread through Rachel’s entire body. She forced her lips into a pale imitation of a smile. “Of course I trust him. He’s my fiancé, and we’re getting married soon.”

Tracy’s answering smile held a hint of triumph. “Wonderful. Since I’ll be accompanying him on many future business trips as his personal secretary, it’s good to know you’re comfortable with our working relationship.”

elevated Tracy to the position of his secretary—who

difficulties stood in stark contrast to how he had left Rachel to navigate the design department alone when she

to retreat when her gaze caught on Tracy’s wrist. “Your bracelet is

own, save for its

smile grew sweeter as she raised her wrist with deliberate casualness. “This? Brian bought two—one ruby, one sapphire. He let me choose first, asking which

as realization dawned.

as a thoughtful gift had merely

days—hasn’t he given you

Rachel cut her off sharply. Unable to bear another

shrouded in darkness, every room silent and

voice echoed through

No response greeted him.

house remained unnaturally

stood bewildered—Rachel had never failed to welcome him home before, whether with a prepared

house that usually radiated warmth and life now

Rachel’s number but received no answer.

photo albums with Rachel when

Rachel’s here

isn’t she answering

might have died,”

you put

words caught in her throat as the day’s events crashed

“Why didn’t you come home?” Brian’s voice carried its usual warmth, which only intensified her

to spend time with

you too. What am I supposed to do? Grandma has Grandpa for company, but without you, I’m all alone.”

“If you’re lonely, why not call Tracy?

Brian’s more serious