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.”

knell. Brian had elevated Tracy to the position of his

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

retreat when her gaze caught on Tracy’s wrist.

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

casualness. “This? Brian bought two—one ruby, one sapphire. He let

in Rachel’s veins as realization dawned. Her

she had treasured as a thoughtful gift had merely been

“It’s been two days—hasn’t he given you yours

Rachel cut her off sharply. Unable to bear another

returned home, shrouded in darkness, every room silent

voice echoed through the empty

No response greeted him.

remained

failed to welcome him home before, whether with a prepared meal

radiated warmth and life now

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

leafing through old photo albums with Rachel when Brian’s

Rachel’s here with

she answering

have died,”

could you put her

words caught in her throat as

making each breath a struggle. “Why didn’t you come

Carol. I wanted to spend

supposed to do? Grandma has Grandpa for company, but without you, I’m all

lonely, why not call Tracy? She

of silence preceded Brian’s more serious tone.