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. Yvonne

go over there and teach her a

ahead. Do whatever you

Rachel’s approval, Yvonne’s hesitation

with her husband, Norton Burke. But though they were legally bound, they only appeared

Norton at the entrance, but they

in hand, caught up in conversation. Yvonne

at the bar, she strode

she passed by, Tracy’s wine glass suddenly slipped from her hand, shattering against the floor. At the same time, crimson liquid splattered across her pristine white dress. The stain stood out

instantly. “Are you blind?

her eyes. “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 red. Adds some character.” She tilted her glass slightly, as if ready to pour

recoiled in alarm, her

unfazed. “Oh, definitely. I lose control

rage, her fingers

that smug expression off Yvonne’s face. Her patience snapped. “I don’t know who you think you are, but you’d better apologize. Right now. Immediately. Or I swear,

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

But Yvonne was faster. She stepped back and called out dramatically, “Norton Burke! Help!

outburst caught the attention of

and Brian turned

landed on Tracy, then trailed to the dark red stains

on a delicate, pitiful expression and cast Yvonne an accusing look. The implication was

asked, “Yvonne,

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

tie’s a little off. Now,

“What?” Norton asked.

mentioning that this charity auction requires couples—boyfriends

“Yes, they did. Why?”

on Norton—he had walked

knitted. “You set me

her expression nothing but pure mischief. “Your

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

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

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 like to see what happens

seen that coming. This woman was

had changed while she

idea you were married,” Tracy said, her voice stiff with

terrible reputation, and I didn’t want you tainting our wedding,” Yvonne replied

darkened, his gaze turning

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 if that upsets you, Mr. White, you can always marry her and

but the