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.

“Rachel, I’m sorry. I will save you, but not like this.

a bitter smile tugging at her

to value her life the same way

rising to a shout. “If

his gaze sharp as steel. “In all my years, no one who’s threatened me has

tightened his grip on the knife. “Then you leave me no choice. I warned you. If I go down, I’m taking

blade pressed against Rachel’s

beg or plead. Instead, she closed her eyes to shut out the world. The cold metal against her skin made

such an ugly death

be devastated

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 years working together on the same project, grant me

“Say it,” Maddox demanded.

waist, back, stomach—just one clean stab. Grant

lips twisted into a cruel sneer. “Very well, I’ll

for her stomach

Brian’s desperate shout pierced the air as

her limbs as

blur of white, Tracy hurled herself between Brian and the blade. The knife

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

side, helping

Rachel shook her head.

had happened too

was still piecing

tried to save her, but it was

position in his heart would surely rise even

mastered the art of seizing such

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

deliberately. He never

had anticipated as

on it. Your head injury needs attention. I’m taking you to the hospital,” Rachel said, reaching for

Samira nodded. “Alright.”

encountered Brian cradling Tracy, his face etched

voice wavered. “Are