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.

chose to torment her with

trembles, Brian’s lips

me desperately. Your body reveals

lips, knowing

would seize upon it as evidence of

his dominance exceeded even her

buried his face in the graceful column of her

lips traveled from neck to chin before claiming her

good now. Tell me you still love

herself melting beneath

protest. “No, I don’t love you

hot against her skin as he bit down none too gently,

her, he soothed the sting with tender kisses, his voice coaxing. “That wasn’t the right answer, precious. Try

yield.” Rachel maintained her

until she repeated his desired

“Yes, I love you.”

again.” Brian captured her

Rachel’s thoughts

against his chest, orchestrating

beyond reason.” Rachel echoed his

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

the stern lines of his brow with haunting tenderness. Then she spoke, her voice soft but steady. “Brian, perhaps I shouldn’t blame you so harshly. I understand how deeply you resent being coerced, so I shouldn’t have been surprised when you refused Maddox’s million-dollar

represented mere pocket change to a man

interpreted her words

bestowing a kiss upon her forehead with evident

pleased you

exploring fingers suddenly stilled against

silk. “Tell me then—if it had been Tracy

Brian visibly stiffened.

frozen, as if

probably hadn’t expected her

are different. There can be no comparison between the two,” he finally managed, his voice

“No comparison? Or are you simply afraid to make one? Because I already know the truth, Brian. You would have paid that million without hesitation—even ten million—to keep her safe. So it was

voice these painful truths, laying bare the reality they had both

heart, she refused to retreat from this