Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 26

Chapter 26:

“Did you take any medicine?” Jeffrey asked innocently.

Without a word, Rachel responded by affectionately patting his head.

Jeffrey didn’t realize that some pain couldn’t be healed by pills, especially when it came to matters of the heart.

“You need to take your medicine just like I do. It’s important,” he urged earnestly.

Rachel smiled and nodded enthusiastically. “You’re absolutely right. You set a great example!”

Exiting the hospital, Rachel encountered Tracy.

Dressed in a hospital gown, Tracy appeared frail, yet her flushed cheeks suggested she was less ill than she appeared.

“Hold on,” Tracy called out to her.

“Is there anything I can do for you?” Rachel asked.

“We have to talk,” Tracy said bluntly.

“And what if I’m not interested?”

“You’ll want to hear this, I’m sure. You’re probably more eager than anyone to learn about Brian’s feelings towards me,” Tracy retorted, striking a nerve. They settled into seats at the hospital café.

“Rachel, correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t Brian propose to you on Christmas?”

Reluctantly, Rachel acknowledged the fact. “Yes, that’s right.”

“Do you realize the significance of that date?” Tracy asked with a smug air, then continued, “It’s my birthday. And it was also the day I got married to my ex-husband. I even shared our wedding on social media that day.”

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As Rachel absorbed the words, her complexion drained slowly.

She refused to accept what she heard.

But the harsh truth stung sharply, forcing her to face it.

Tracy’s grin grew broader. “You see, Brian’s proposal was merely a vindictive move against me. Face it, Rachel. He doesn’t truly love you. He’s merely burdened by guilt. Had I not been married then, his proposal would never have happened.”

left her reeling in silent agony. In that moment, she felt utterly defeated, stripped of

a cruel

proposal she had cherished turned out to be nothing more

How ironic.

go. He’ll

managed a scornful laugh. “If you’re so

my side, but I thought I’d offer you a graceful way out,” Tracy

an obvious excuse for trying

of shame

the insult. “You can say

Rachel noticed

“Let’s put it to a

“Test what exactly?”

was abruptly jostled, spilling the hot

her words were cut short as a tall figure

examined Tracy’s hand, his voice laden with a level of concern that Rachel had

knew she was

was just warm, really. No need to make a big deal,”

just making sure you’re…” Brian started to say but stopped mid-sentence, visibly startled as he finally noticed Rachel. “Rachel, what are you

couldn’t help but find the situation somewhat

he seemed only just to

and just ran into her by chance,” Rachel

“Is Jeffrey okay?”

didn’t want to say more, eager to end the conversation and

focus on her needs. I’m leaving now,” Rachel

on.” Brian caught her arm. “Why don’t we leave

“Sure.”

she overheard Brian advising Tracy, “Remember to follow what the

“And cut out coffee or any

responded, her voice dripping with

the car together. The atmosphere inside was oppressively

through the journey, Brian broke the silence. “Rachel,

“Talk about what?”

know it bothered you. Given Tracy’s poor health and my role as her only friend, I felt obligated to be there. If you’re upset, I understand if you direct it

on him? It took Rachel a moment to

think that lowly

man sitting beside her suddenly

to consider your actions more carefully in the future,” Brian