Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 42

Chapter 42:

Brian wasn’t going to accept that Rachel would stop loving him.

Rachel was his—always had been, always would be.

That night, he didn’t stop until she was utterly exhausted, every ounce of energy drained from her body.

By the time he finally let go, they were both covered in sweat.

Rachel was so spent that she slipped into a deep, unconscious sleep, completely unaware of anything that happened after—whether it was a shower or slipping into fresh pajamas. She slept soundly.

It was the harsh sunlight spilling through the window that finally stirred her from sleep.

As soon as she shifted slightly, an arm tightened around her waist.

That was when she realized—Brian was still in bed.

Even in deep sleep, his grip around her remained firm.

In that moment, memories from the night before rushed back to her.

She shut her eyes, willing herself to shove those memories aside.

As she got up, Brian casually asked her to help him choose his clothes.

Rachel nodded quietly and picked out a casual outfit.

“And grab a watch for me while you’re at it.”

“Sure.”

Her quiet obedience didn’t bring Brian the satisfaction he expected—it only left him oddly frustrated.

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He cupped her chin, tilting her face up with just enough force. “Are you still upset about last night?”

Rachel said nothing. She quietly fastened the watch around his wrist and smoothly changed the subject. “Anything else?”

Brian deliberately stretched out his foot, and she instantly got the message. Without a word, she grabbed a pair of sneakers for him.

“Dressing me for a workout? Are you implying that I should work out a lot to improve my stamina?”

the past, whenever Brian threw in a teasing remark, Rachel would

whatever reason, he always took pleasure in watching her get flustered. But today, even though he intentionally provoked her, she

him put on his shoes without

she speak, her

tension at breakfast was

everything, his irritation seeping

claimed the food wasn’t to his liking. After that, he complained it had

was good enough

hurried to take care of it, even warming the

not to hear

was the quiet clinking of utensils. Rachel finished a

looked across the table at

mid-air,

behavior had finally

his face turning

believed that as long as she forgave him, as long as she stopped being angry, they could

a promotion, or any gift—he was willing to give it

said next. “I want to go on a business trip. Please

request even more

the flicker of

on the glass tightened so much it looked

eyes locked onto hers with an icy

and unwavering. “I’d like to go on a

the floor,

outburst, Rachel

say anything, she

work and in your personal life. There’s an important project in Amberfield, and as

carefully, making sure

had braced herself for this confrontation, but one thing remained clear to

no matter whether he approved of it or

distance between them was the best

gave in, just as Rachel was beginning

To be away from me? Fine. I’ll give you that. But don’t forget—so long as I

had no intention of dragging

she headed upstairs to pack

halfway through when Brian suddenly showed up, leaning against

composed, with a cigarette between his fingers. He took slow, deliberate drags, the smoke curling around him, making him seem

undeniably lonely about the way he stood there,

she had finished