Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 265:

Overcome by the weight of their conversation, Brian felt drained. He didn’t respond—he simply turned away and silently left the bathroom.

Meanwhile, Rachel wrapped herself in a towel and methodically dried her hair. After a few minutes, she emerged, moving with a detached air toward the wardrobe to pick out her clothes.

“What are you doing?” Brian’s voice was low, his grip firm as he clasped her wrist, his gaze unwavering.

Rachel exhaled softly, her exhaustion taking precedence over any desire to protest. “If we’re saying goodbye, let’s make it final,” she murmured. “My hair’s dry. I’ll leave as soon as I’ve changed.”

Brian’s fingers tightened instinctively, his voice rough with suppressed emotion. “Stay. Just for tonight.”

thought of prolonging this

word; I won’t cross any lines.” His voice was firm yet tinged with desperation. When Rachel remained silent, he pressed further. “It’s too late to

she considered

in a towel, she retreated to change into her nightclothes. When she emerged, Brian was already on the bed, his imposing figure stretched across the mattress. He had drawn back the blankets on her

inevitability of the situation, Rachel slid under the covers, her voice barely

speak, but the words seemed to dissolve before they could form. In the end,

into the bed, the soft rustling of the sheets the only sound in the otherwise still room. She pulled the covers gently over herself, the warmth of the fabric a brief comfort against the chill of the night. Her body, once lively and full of energy, now felt delicate and fragile, worn down by illness, travel, and the relentless toll

tracks. His hand hovered briefly, then fell slowly to his side, the weight of unspoken words and past hesitation hanging in the air. He cleared his

edge,” he said, his voice softer than usual. “There’s plenty of room, and the covers are wide enough. You can move a little

out more on

on the edge of the blanket, her fingers pale against the fabric. “Thank you, but it’s really