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 would believe there

stood in stark contrast to how he had left Rachel to navigate the

her gaze caught on Tracy’s wrist. “Your bracelet

own, save

wrist with deliberate casualness. “This? Brian bought two—one

in Rachel’s veins as realization dawned. Her heart

had treasured as a thoughtful gift

false concern. “It’s been two days—hasn’t he given you yours yet? Should

her off sharply. Unable to

Brian returned home, shrouded in darkness,

voice echoed through the

No response greeted him.

remained unnaturally

before, whether with a prepared meal or the sounds of her cooking

house that usually radiated warmth and

but received no answer. Concerned, he called

albums with Rachel when Brian’s

Yes, Rachel’s

she answering

battery might have died,” Carol

you put her

but words caught in her

chest, making each breath a struggle. “Why didn’t you come home?” Brian’s voice carried its usual warmth, which only intensified

missed Carol. I wanted to spend

company, but without you, I’m all alone.” His sweet words felt like poison now,

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

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