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

pleasure in watching her get flustered. But today, even though he intentionally provoked her, she didn’t react

helping him put on his shoes without so

done fastening the laces did she speak, her voice calm. “If I’m not

tension at breakfast

irritation seeping

milk wasn’t warm enough. Then, he claimed the food

was

hurried to take care of it, even warming the milk to his

time, she pretended not to

room was the quiet clinking of utensils. Rachel finished a few bites of her sandwich, took a sip of milk, and placed her glass

across the table at

hovered mid-air, his hand

behavior had finally gotten

her gaze, his face turning

as she forgave him, as long as she stopped being

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

said next. “I want to go on a

request even

that instant, she caught the flicker of

glass tightened so much

with an

her expression calm and unwavering. “I’d like to

against the floor, sending

his outburst, Rachel

anything, she went on,

life. There’s an important project

her words carefully, making sure

this confrontation, but one thing remained

matter whether he approved of it or not,

between them was the

finally gave in, just as Rachel was beginning

“You want time? Space? To be away from me?

intention of dragging

word, she headed upstairs to pack

suddenly showed up, leaning against

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

the way he stood there,

minutes, she had