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.”

Rachel didn’t bother hiding the truth. Yvonne was her closest friend—their bond forged through

to go over there and teach her

Do

Rachel’s approval, Yvonne’s hesitation

though they were legally bound, they only appeared together

beside Norton at the entrance, but they quickly

each other, glasses in hand, caught up in conversation. Yvonne took the chance to make

bar, she strode over

hand, shattering against the floor. At the

blind? Can’t you watch where

see clearly is a scheming bitch. But, you

her voice shrill. “Are

grinned, unfazed. “Oh, definitely. I

her fingers curling into

face. Her patience snapped. “I don’t know who you think you are, but you’d better apologize. Right now. Immediately. Or I swear, you’ll regret

her shoulders in, feigning distress. “Oh no, I’m just

slap her. But

sudden outburst caught the attention of the two

Brian turned toward

on Tracy, then trailed to the dark red

in an instant. She put on a delicate, pitiful expression and cast Yvonne an accusing look. The implication

also asked, “Yvonne, you’d

be so impatient! I’ll explain. But first…” She gave

off. Now,

“What?” Norton asked.

seem to recall the organizers mentioning that this charity auction requires

“Yes, they did. Why?”

had

brows knitted. “You

nothing but pure mischief. “Your answer

at Tracy. “Did

“What nonsense!” She turned to Norton, her voice rising with

chance to answer. She yanked Norton’s tie and kissed him—slow, deliberate, leaving no room for doubt. Then she pulled back and smirked. “Let me spell it out for you. 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 him.” Her smile didn’t

that coming. This woman was

had changed while she

no idea you were married,” Tracy said, her voice

because you have a terrible reputation, and I didn’t want you tainting our wedding,” Yvonne

expression darkened, his gaze turning sharp

and turned to Brian. “I poured the wine. My hand was steady, so no, it wasn’t an accident. I did it to put her in her place. But

the challenge in her eyes was