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

room was exactly as it had always

wasn’t beside her, and for some reason, that absence left an uneasy feeling she couldn’t quite

went downstairs, breakfast was already set on the table,

spotted her immediately and greeted her with a

for you. Just let me know what

said, her voice still a little hoarse from

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

White is so considerate. He had me prepare a variety of choices, just in

White?” Rachel paused,

even have time for breakfast before rushing to the company this morning. Before he left, he made sure to remind me to take good care

her spoon

bowl. Brian had taken care of her? They had been together for so long, yet he had never shown her

if

his concern born from guilt?

knew the

finishing breakfast, Rachel headed to the

recovering better than she had

fragile, his complexion

stay in the hospital for

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

good news

widened. “Wait…

Eric Riley, Brian pulled a lot of strings behind the scenes. Oh, and Eric wanted to talk to

Rachel frowned slightly.

And yet, he wanted to meet her? At the café, they came face-to-face for

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

I’m Eric Riley,”

point. “Yvonne said you wanted to discuss

of documents across the table. “Mr. White has entrusted

catching in her throat.

second, she

of joy spread through her. “Mr.

a

in divorce and custody

Burke Group, he

an exception for hers, Rachel felt a surge of

Please be completely honest. If you have

I’ll tell you everything I

meeting with Eric, Rachel’s phone buzzed

dinner with Brian tonight. I

“Alright. I’ll be there.”

straight for

standing in front

curves, making her look even more polished and