Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 23

Chapter 23:

Rachel stared at Brian, confused. She couldn’t understand why he was so upset.

Brian reached out, his fingers brushing away the stray strands of hair clinging to her forehead. His gaze was dark and unreadable.

“When something happened to you, the first person you turned to wasn’t me—it was Yvonne. Why?”

Rachel bit down lightly on her lip.

There had been a time when her first instinct was to run to him. But when had that changed? When had she stopped hoping? Maybe it was the moment Tracy came back, and everything shifted.

“I’m exhausted… completely drained,” Rachel whispered. She leaned into his arms, her body sinking against his, unwilling to continue the conversation.

By the time they arrived home, she was already half-asleep.

Brian carried her inside, his movements careful as he helped her freshen up. Even earlier, in the car, he had struggled to hold himself back when he kissed her.

Days of pent-up emotions surged within him, dangerously close to breaking free.

And now, as she soaked in the bathtub, the sheer fabric draped over her dampened skin, clinging delicately to her figure, his restraint frayed further.

“I feel so hot,” Rachel murmured, her voice soft and drowsy as she sighed, sinking deeper into the warmth.

Brian’s control snapped in an instant.

Unable to hold back any longer, he stepped into the tub, his hands sliding around her waist as he lifted her effortlessly onto his lap.

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Beneath the clear water’s reflection, his hands contrasted sharply with the smoothness of her skin.

One held her firmly in place, while the other traced the curve of her lips, his fingers brushing over them in slow, deliberate strokes—again and again—until they deepened in color.

His restraint shattered. Lowering his head, he crushed his lips against hers, devouring her with unrestrained hunger.

The heat in the bathroom thickened, clinging to their skin like steam.

When Brian carried her out of the tub, his mouth still lingered against her collarbone, pressing slow, possessive kisses along its curve.

In the blink of an eye, they were on the bed, and she was pulled into his arms.

But as soon as she sank against him, he stilled. Her body was burning.

Brian frowned, thinking he must have imagined it.

He reached out, pressing the back of his hand to her forehead. It was even hotter than before.

Rachel’s cheeks were flushed a deep crimson, her breath uneven and shallow. He had thought she was simply feverish with desire. But now he realized—she was actually sick.

When the thermometer beeped, it confirmed his suspicion—she had a fever. He wasted no time calling the family doctor.

woke, she was in a familiar

room was exactly

for some reason, that absence left an uneasy feeling she couldn’t

breakfast was already set on the table,

her immediately and greeted her with

I’ve prepared a few options for you. Just let

Rachel said, her voice still

before her. As she took a bite, the creamy texture and subtle sweetness made for a comforting

the housekeeper beamed. “Mr. White is so considerate.

paused, glancing up

of you. He didn’t even have time for breakfast before rushing to the company this morning.

froze, her spoon hovering

taken care of her? They had been together for so long, yet he had never shown her this kind

if she said she wasn’t

born from guilt? Or was there something

he knew

finishing breakfast, Rachel

Jeffrey was recovering better than she

remained fragile, his complexion a little

in the

spotted her as soon as she stepped out and rushed over, wrapping her in a tight hug. “Rachel! This is amazing! I didn’t expect Brian to actually be helpful

have good news for you. Moira dropped the

eyes widened. “Wait…

scenes. Oh, and Eric wanted to talk to

Rachel frowned slightly.

was a man she’d never met before. And yet, he wanted to

Mr. Riley. I’m Rachel Marsh,” she greeted,

Marsh, it’s a pleasure. I’m Eric Riley,” he replied with a small

studied him briefly before getting straight to the point. “Yvonne said you wanted to discuss something

of documents across the table. “Mr. White has entrusted me to assist you

stiffened, her breath catching in her throat.

a second, she thought she had

sank in, a rush of joy spread through her. “Mr. Riley, are you

gave a

divorce and

Burke Group, he had rarely taken on cases like

for hers, Rachel

go over some details with you. Please be completely honest. If you have any evidence, that would

tell

her meeting with Eric, Rachel’s phone buzzed with

dinner with Brian tonight.

“Alright. I’ll be there.”

straight for

walked in, Tracy was standing in

fitted blouse and sleek pencil skirt accentuated her curves, making her look even more polished and