Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 18

Chapter 18:

After yelling, Rachel felt an odd sense of relief.

But Brian’s expression turned ice-cold.

His fingers tightened around her chin, his voice low and laced with warning.

“Say that again, Rachel. I dare you.”

She met his glare head-on, unflinching.

These weren’t baseless accusations—she had nothing to fear.

Her voice was clear and steady. “I said—you’re disgusting.”

Brian let out a sharp laugh, though there was no humor in it. “You’ve got some nerve.”

His eyes darkened as he stepped back. “Don’t come crawling to me later.” With a final, searing look, he spun on his heel and stormed out.

Downstairs, Ronald stood waiting.

When he noticed Brian’s stormy mood—and the fact that Rachel hadn’t followed—he could guess how things had gone.

“Sir, should we head to the charity gala now?”

Brian shot him a sharp look. “Without a date? What for?” His lips curled in irritation. “Or do you plan on putting on a dress and keeping me company?”

Ronald swallowed hard. Good grief! Why did he have to be the one dealing with this?

Just as he was about to make the call to cancel the event, Brian waved a hand dismissively. “Call Tracy.”

“Got it,” Ronald replied.

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That evening, Tracy arrived at the charity gala on Brian’s arm.

When Yvonne Jimenez spotted them, her gaze turned sharp, cold fury simmering beneath the surface.

She snapped a picture and sent it straight to Rachel.

“What’s this about? Brian’s parading that woman around like she belongs next to him.”

truth.

to go over there and

Do whatever

approval, Yvonne’s hesitation

they only appeared together when necessary—at formal gatherings or under the

Norton at the entrance, but they quickly went

in hand, caught up in conversation. Yvonne took the chance

bar, she

Tracy’s wine glass suddenly slipped from her hand, shattering against the floor. At the same time, crimson liquid splattered across her pristine

“Are you blind? Can’t you

little off lately. The only thing I seem to see clearly is a scheming bitch. But, you know, that dress actually looks better with the red. Adds some character.” She tilted her glass slightly,

in alarm, her voice

unfazed. “Oh, definitely. I lose

her fingers

Yvonne’s face. Her patience snapped. “I don’t know who you think you

feigning distress.

hand, ready to slap her. But Yvonne was faster. She stepped

outburst caught the attention of the

Brian

then trailed to the dark red stains on

instant. She put on a delicate, pitiful expression

asked, “Yvonne, you’d better

stepping forward and straightening his tie with delicate fingers. “Don’t be so impatient!

off. Now, answer me

“What?” Norton asked.

this charity auction requires couples—boyfriends and girlfriends, or husbands and

“Yes, they did. Why?”

Norton—he had walked right into

knitted. “You set

nothing but pure

a heartbeat, her gaze turned razor-sharp as she looked at Tracy.

nonsense!” She turned to Norton, her voice

He’s my husband. I’m his wife, Yvonne Jimenez. And another thing—I can’t stand hearing women call my husband’s name with such familiarity, so find another way to address

seen that coming.

had changed while

married,” Tracy said, her

and I didn’t want you tainting our wedding,”

his gaze

the wine. My hand was steady, so no, it wasn’t an accident. I did

light, but the challenge in her