Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 320:

“Ms. Marsh,” Ronald said, his voice calm but insistent, “Mr. White is requesting your immediate return for the meeting.”

“I’m handling personal matters today. I’ve formally taken leave,” Rachel stated, her voice firm and unwavering.

Ronald hesitated, finding himself at a loss. Rachel’s explanation was undeniably reasonable, leaving little room for argument.

Before Ronald could respond, Brian snatched the phone from his hand.

“You have thirty minutes,” Brian said, his tone icy and commanding. “Return to the office and report to me within that time.”

“As I’ve already clarified, I’m on leave today. I won’t be coming back,” Rachel replied, her words calm but laced with defiance.

“Your leave was never approved by me,” Brian retorted sharply. “If you’re not here in half an hour, it will be recorded as absenteeism.”

Can’t I even take leave when I have something important to deal with? Do

the phone when Jeffrey emerged, his shoulders slumped and his

shuffled toward her with hesitant

silent, Rachel could read the

gently clasped his hand,

elevator, Jeffrey’s continued silence made Rachel’s heart

with concerns, and Brian’s persistent calling only compounded her distress. Without hesitation, she disconnected his call. When her

Brian fumed

into someone he barely recognized, someone who dared to hang up on

is where your journey

around all morning,” she suggested, squeezing Jeffrey’s hand. “I need to catch my

a subtle nod. He understood perfectly that she sought

meal, with afternoon hours stretching before them, Rachel selected a film. The title suggested comedy, something light to

dismay, what began with laughter gradually descended into heartbreak, culminating in the