Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 15

Chapter 15:

“If Tracy Haynes is the one you love, I won’t stand in your way. Feel free to go. I’ll explain everything to your grandparents, and we can cancel the wedding before it becomes more complicated.”

Rachel’s words faltered, her voice trailing into silence.

An excruciating ache bloomed in her chest, threatening to overwhelm her composure.

“Perhaps we could maintain the wedding arrangements exactly as they are—just with a different bride. You could marry Tracy, the woman who truly holds your heart, and finally declare your relationship to the world. Brian, let me be perfectly clear about this. You needn’t worry about any interference from me at your wedding. I’ll maintain my distance, ensuring I never intrude upon your happiness again. So tonight, let’s bid each other a peaceful farewell.”

Rachel concluded her speech, but the ensuing silence stretched long and heavy between them.

When she finally gathered the courage to look up, she found Brian’s intense gaze fixed upon her, his eyes smoldering with barely contained fury.

She struggled to comprehend the source of his anger.

She had offered him freedom, graciously stepping aside so he and Tracy could embrace their love openly.

Logic dictated that he should be overjoyed, celebrating this moment of liberation—not standing before her with such raw fury etched across his features.

After what felt like an eternity of tense silence, Brian’s voice emerged, sharp as winter frost. “Is this truly what you wished to convey? Remember, you were the one who pursued me first. I haven’t declared our relationship over, so what gives you the right to walk away?”

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Crimson tinged his eyes. His voice emerged rough and strained. He projected genuine heartbreak in every gesture.

Yet Rachel understood the truth beneath his performance. Brian’s distress stemmed not from reluctance to lose her, but from the wounded pride of a man unaccustomed to rejection. He couldn’t tolerate being dumped. Nothing more complicated than that.

“Brian, I’m exhausted by all this. Can’t we simply part ways peacefully?”

“No.” His rejection resonated with unwavering finality.

He enveloped her in his embrace, his towering frame pressing against hers as his breath whispered across her ear. “You have no permission to leave without my consent.”

Though Rachel attempted to dismiss his words, his actions proved his resolve. One hand glided beneath her nightgown, claiming possession of her slender waist.

His lips traced the delicate curve of her earlobe with deliberate sensuality.

Rachel had always been powerless against his intimate advances.

her whenever he chose to

trembles, Brian’s lips curved into a knowing

“Admit the truth—you still desire me desperately. Your body reveals what your words

her lips, knowing any sound would emerge

seize upon it

exceeded even her darkest

in the graceful column of her neck, marking

traveled from neck to chin before claiming

now. Tell me you

herself melting

only a weak protest.

her skin as he bit down none too

his voice

Rachel maintained

her mind until she repeated

“Yes, I love you.”

captured her hand, his gaze

Rachel’s thoughts scattered

to rest against his chest,

love you beyond reason.” Rachel echoed his

her eyes lifted to study his features, clarity crashed through her

I understand how deeply you resent

change to a man of his

interpreted her words

bestowing a kiss upon

pleased you finally

her exploring fingers suddenly stilled

me then—if it had been Tracy with a knife against her throat today, would you have made

Brian visibly stiffened.

moment, he just stood there, frozen, as if Rachel’s question had

hadn’t expected her

can be no comparison between the two,” he finally

know the truth, Brian. You would have paid that million without hesitation—even ten million—to keep her safe. So

forced herself to voice these painful truths, laying bare the reality

carved fresh wounds into her heart, she refused