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.”

a death knell. Brian had elevated

protect Tracy from potential workplace difficulties stood in stark contrast to how he had left

was about to retreat when her gaze caught

was identical to her own, save for its color—Tracy’s stone was

“This? Brian

crystallized in Rachel’s veins as realization dawned. Her heart felt

had treasured as a thoughtful gift had

voice dripped with false concern. “It’s been two days—hasn’t he

cut her off sharply. Unable to bear another moment, she

Brian returned home, shrouded in darkness, every

His voice echoed through the

No response greeted him.

house remained unnaturally

with a prepared meal or the sounds of her

radiated warmth and life now felt

retrieved his phone and dialed Rachel’s number but

albums with Rachel when Brian’s call

Yes, Rachel’s here

she answering

have died,” Carol

could you put

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

her chest, making each breath a struggle. “Why didn’t you come home?” Brian’s voice carried its

wanted to spend

Grandma has Grandpa for company, but without you, I’m all alone.” His sweet words felt like poison now, knowing how his actions

burst forth before she could contain it. “If you’re lonely, why not call Tracy? She seems to have everyone

silence preceded Brian’s more