Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 13

Chapter 13:

Rachel’s heart trembled with desperate hope. If he chose her now, in this critical moment, she could forgive every past wound, every painful memory. Even if Tracy still held his heart, his protection in this life-or-death moment would be enough to sustain her.

Hope bloomed in her chest as she waited.

Tracy’s face darkened with displeasure, her fingers curling into tight fists.

Rachel’s easy acceptance of the proposal had caught her off guard.

Composing herself, Tracy softened her voice. “Rachel, spare me your noble gestures. I’m not sacrificing myself out of some grand principle—I simply don’t want Brian caught in an impossible position.”

A bitter smile twisted Rachel’s lips. “How touching. Your devotion truly brings tears to the eyes.”

She had to acknowledge that Tracy’s masterful way of claiming the moral high ground was something she could never match.

“Enough stalling,” Maddox snapped, his patience wearing thin. “Are you switching places or not?”

“Yes,” Tracy declared firmly.

As she stepped forward, Brian’s hand shot out, catching her wrist.

“Brian?” Tracy’s voice wavered.

He pulled her behind him protectively. “This is my battle. Don’t put yourself at risk—stay safe. I couldn’t bear to see you in danger!”

His words pierced Rachel’s heart like shards of glass.

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He couldn’t bear to see Tracy at risk—the truth of where she stood in his heart crystallized with brutal clarity.

No comparison was needed anymore.

Rachel said nothing. After all, what words could describe the ache of realizing she meant less to someone than she had hoped?

Her silence, however, didn’t go unnoticed.

you, but not like this. I can’t

smile tugging at her lips.

could she ever expect him to value her

rising to a shout. “If there’s no switch, what about the money?

as steel. “In all my years, no one who’s threatened me has lived to boast about it.

his grip on the knife. “Then you leave me no choice. I warned you.

blade pressed

her eyes to shut out the world. The cold metal against her skin made her think

of such an ugly

devastated to lose her

thought of their heartbreak almost hurt more than the impending blade. Drawing a steady breath, she made one final request. “Maddox, for the sake of our

“Say it,” Maddox demanded.

else—my waist, back, stomach—just one clean stab. Grant me a swift death, not

twisted into a cruel sneer. “Very well, I’ll honor your final

for her

pierced the air as his body

the floor. Pain radiated through her limbs as she landed

and the blade. The knife tore through her back, crimson

caught her falling form just as security burst in, subduing Maddox with swift

helping

Rachel shook her head.

happened

was still

to save her, but it was Tracy who saved

position in his heart would surely rise even higher

had never mastered the art of seizing such

thoughts. “Tracy Haynes is so transparent. I saw everything clearly. Maddox’s attack was amateur—Mr. White could have easily overpowered

deliberately. He never

anticipated as

I’m taking you to

Samira nodded. “Alright.”

the exit, they encountered Brian cradling Tracy, his face etched with

wavered. “Are