Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 10

Chapter 10:

As soon as Rachel spoke, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears,

But she quickly blinked them away, brushing them aside with a swift movement of her hand.

Then, she shoved Brian away, her voice laced with defiance. “I don’t need you fussing over me. I can take care of myself.”

Brian’s grip remained firm as his voice took on a steely edge. “Stay still. Don’t move. You should know by now that my patience has its limits.”

His legendary temper, particularly when provoked, was no secret to anyone.

Rachel felt herself shrinking under his intensity, becoming as still as a statue. She perched there, docile as a schoolgirl, while a comforting warmth spread across her ankle from his careful examination.

Rising to his feet, Brian announced, “Wait here while I check the kitchen. Don’t move an inch.”

“Okay,” she whispered.

When he returned moments later, an ice pack clutched in his hands, she instinctively recoiled.

His touch remained gentle as he steadied her foot. “The cold will be uncomfortable at first, but your ankle’s swelling needs this. Just endure it briefly — I’ll work quickly.”

Rachel found herself nodding without conscious thought.

After applying the ice, Brian’s gaze swept over her with grave concern. “Are there other injuries I should know about?”

“You’re certain?”

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“Yes.”

He didn’t look convinced. His hand moved as if to unbutton her sleeve. “No, I need to check for myself.”

He knew she had a habit of getting hurt and keeping quiet about it. What could be more foolish?

After ensuring there were no other injuries, he finally eased back.

a low murmur, “From now on, don’t be stubborn. If you’re hurt, tell me. Don’t try to

attention had been on Tracy. His thoughts,

would have been

had loved for years, the one he had placed on a

herself? She was nothing more than a practical

was not someone

something inside Rachel, and before she could stop them, tears slipped down her

applying ointment when a drop

saw the silent sorrow

still hurt?” His brows furrowed. He assumed she was crying because of

face. “No, I just… thought

simply being stubborn,

scooped her up into his

fell on deaf ears—he

doctor prescribed medication for sprains, advising Rachel to rest

few days, Brian

something as small as getting to the bathroom or taking a

stepped back in time—to the best

her again and again, his body burning against hers as he held her close, as if he wanted to pull her

embrace as she wrapped her arms around his

ascended to heights

nestled against his chest, finding comfort

night seemed made for

of his phone shattered their

illuminated

away, feigning ignorance, but to her astonishment, Brian

second attempt, he

her apparent intoxication. “Brian, everything’s spinning. I think I’ve had too much to drink. Please come

He’ll pick you up,” Brian replied

you,” Tracy whined, her voice honeyed with practiced charm. “Remember how you used to take care of me when I drank too much? I’ve always felt safest with you.” Tracy wielded her words with

Rachel right now. It’s not possible.” Brian ended the call

triumph as she drifted into the deepest, most peaceful sleep she’d known in ages. But in the dead of night, a chill

warmth, finding only empty space. Her

finally switched on the light, bitter laughter caught in her throat at the sight of his