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.

on, don’t be stubborn. If

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

spoken up, it would have been useless. She would have been overshadowed, dismissed like an

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

herself? She was nothing more than a practical

not someone

truth twisted something inside Rachel, and before

middle of applying ointment when a

and saw the silent

still hurt?” His brows furrowed. He assumed she

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

Brian, convinced she was simply being stubborn, made his

he scooped her up into his arms.

her protests fell on deaf ears—he had already made up his

sprains, advising Rachel

the next few days, Brian was unusually

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

like they had stepped back in time—to the best

against hers as he held her close, as if

his embrace as she wrapped her arms around his neck, their

ascended to heights of shared

his chest, finding comfort in the steady

seemed made

harsh ring of his phone shattered their perfect

name illuminated the

ignorance, but to her astonishment, Brian declined

with a second attempt,

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

pick you up,” Brian

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 expert precision, knowing exactly how to appeal

now. It’s not possible.” Brian ended

most peaceful sleep

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

the light, bitter laughter caught in her