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.”

bother hiding the truth. Yvonne was her closest friend—their bond forged

over there and teach her

Do

Rachel’s approval, Yvonne’s

bound, they only appeared together when necessary—at formal

no different. Yvonne stood beside Norton at the entrance, but

and Norton, old acquaintances, gravitated toward each other, glasses in hand, caught up in conversation. Yvonne took the chance

Tracy at the bar, she strode over without

the same

temper flared instantly. “Are you blind?

“Yeah, my vision’s been a 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

recoiled in alarm, her voice shrill.

grinned, unfazed. “Oh, definitely. I lose control

with rage, her fingers

Yvonne’s face. Her patience snapped. “I don’t know who you think you are, but you’d better apologize. Right

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

raised her hand, ready to slap her. But Yvonne was

outburst caught the attention of

Brian turned toward

on Tracy, then trailed to the dark red stains on

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

asked, “Yvonne,

forward and straightening his tie with delicate fingers. “Don’t be so impatient! I’ll explain. But

a little off. Now, answer me

“What?” Norton asked.

this charity auction requires couples—boyfriends and girlfriends,

“Yes, they did. Why?”

on Norton—he had walked right into

knitted. “You set me

batted her lashes, her expression nothing but pure mischief. “Your answer was just

as she looked at Tracy. “Did you catch that? This isn’t exactly a place

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

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 waver. “Unless, of course, you’d

hadn’t seen that coming. This woman was Norton’s

lot had changed

I had no idea you were married,” Tracy said, her voice stiff with

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

his gaze turning

My hand was steady, so no, it wasn’t an accident. I did it to put her in her place. But if that upsets you, Mr. White, you can always marry

was light, but the challenge in her eyes was