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.

attention had been on Tracy. His thoughts, his heart—everything revolved around another

have been useless. She would have been overshadowed,

one he had loved for years, the

She was nothing more than

not someone

and before she could stop them, tears slipped

middle of applying ointment when a drop

saw the silent sorrow

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

hurriedly wiped her face. “No, I just… thought of

simply being stubborn,

he scooped her up into his arms. “We’re going to the

no need.” But her protests fell on deaf ears—he had already made

for sprains, advising Rachel to rest for several

few days, Brian was

something as small as getting to the bathroom or taking a bath,

time—to the best days of their relationship. Tracy’s name never once came

again, his body burning against hers as he held her close,

just closed her eyes, melting into his embrace as

to heights

chest, finding comfort

made for such

harsh ring of his phone shattered their

name illuminated the

to her astonishment, Brian declined

persisted with a second attempt, he answered while holding Rachel

despite her apparent intoxication. “Brian, everything’s spinning. I think

your location. He’ll pick you up,” Brian replied

me when I drank too much? I’ve always felt safest with you.” Tracy

It’s not possible.”

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

familiar warmth, finding only empty space. Her searching

the light, bitter laughter caught in her throat at the