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.

be stubborn. If you’re hurt, tell me. Don’t

She had wanted to. But back then, all his attention had been

up, it would have been useless. She would have been overshadowed, dismissed

he had loved for years, the one

herself? She was nothing more than

not someone

inside Rachel, and before she could

of applying ointment when a drop of warmth landed on

looked up and saw the silent sorrow

it still hurt?” His brows furrowed. He assumed she

her face. “No, I just… thought of

Brian, convinced she was simply being

scooped her up into

But her protests fell on deaf ears—he

the doctor prescribed medication for sprains, advising Rachel to rest for several days

few days, Brian was

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

in time—to the best days of their relationship.

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

just closed her eyes, melting into his embrace as she wrapped

to

finding comfort

made for such

his phone

illuminated

turned away, feigning ignorance, but to her astonishment, Brian declined

attempt, he

the speaker, deliberately sultry despite her apparent intoxication. “Brian, everything’s spinning. I think I’ve had

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

drank too much? I’ve always felt safest with you.” Tracy wielded her words with expert

It’s not possible.” Brian ended the call

quiet triumph as she drifted into the deepest, most peaceful sleep she’d known

Brian’s familiar warmth, finding only empty space. Her searching hands confirmed what her heart refused

she finally switched on the light, bitter laughter caught in