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.”

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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.”

Brian had elevated Tracy to the position of his secretary—who

protect Tracy from potential workplace difficulties stood in stark contrast to how he had left Rachel to navigate the design department alone

about to retreat when her gaze caught

identical to her own, save

“This? Brian bought

Rachel’s veins as

a thoughtful

been two days—hasn’t he given you yours yet?

to bear another moment, she fled

Brian returned home, shrouded in darkness, every

His voice echoed

No response greeted him.

remained

welcome him home before, whether with a prepared meal or the sounds of her

warmth and life now felt

dialed Rachel’s number but received no answer. Concerned, he called

leafing through old photo albums with Rachel when Brian’s call came

Yes, Rachel’s here

she answering her

battery might have died,” Carol

you put

the phone, but words caught in her throat as

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

I wanted to spend time with her today,”

am I supposed to do? Grandma has Grandpa for company, but without you, I’m all alone.” His sweet words felt like

pain burst forth before she could contain it. “If you’re lonely, why not call Tracy? She seems to have everyone wrapped around her finger—your perfect, charming

preceded Brian’s more serious tone. “So you found